Tips for Shooting Video
Making the transition from still photographer to videographer can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you find solid footing in a dynamic visual medium.
Think Differently
When I first began shooting movies with a DSLR, I had to force myself outside my comfort zone of still photography. Instead of always trying to be in the mix of the action, I found myself taking a step back and filming from a single location with a tripod. Instead of chasing the action, I let it come to me. Moving shots can be compelling and immersive, but they take time to perfect and can require additional equipment (such as a Steadicam or Glidecam). Until you get comfortable with the challenges of shooting video, I recommend working from a single location at a time.
Plan Your Shots
There are a lot of factors at play when it comes to creating a movie. In my experience, the more you plan ahead for a specific scene or shot, the better off you will be.
For example, if you’re panning the camera from left to right, think of a starting point and an endpoint for that panning shot. Knowing how long you want the pan to last will help you plan how fast to move the camera and where to place your subjects.
Shoot Short Clips
Most people do not realize how many clips go into a proper video production. I recently filmed a marketing video for one of my photography companies. For a 3-minute video, we shot 56 scenes and had hours of footage to pull from. As long as you have a reason for changing from scene to scene, you can create a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
Take Your Time
With video, you are not confined to capturing a single moment. Too often, I see new video photographers cut their recordings short. By stopping a recording too soon, they can miss moments that could have added something to their video.
When you are ready to stop filming a scene, just let it roll for another 3–5 seconds. You will be surprised at what you will capture in just that short time.