Video Training

Name three techniques you can use when trying to shoot steady shots without a tripod.

Grip: the grip you use on the video camera can affect the amount of shaking in your video. It is important to securely place your right hand in the grip strap, and steady the camera with your left hand.  The left hand should be under the lens, where it has access to buttons to control the camera.

Stability: If you are standing, use a wide, secure stance and keep your elbows close into your body. If kneeling, use the raised knee as a resting place for your elbows. Use a solid, vertical surface to lean against to take the shot.

Lying down on the ground, using elbows as support is also useful. Use this for a low camera angle shot.

2.      How can you minimize camera shake when walking and taping?

Keep legs bent and your body low. Concentrate on a gliding-type of walking by setting down your feet softly. This is exactly the same for walking backwards. Crabbing: cross leg in front or behind; let the leg anchor before moving again. If sitting in something moving, use your knees as a resting place. Always support the camera when moving.

3. What camera movements mimic the way the eye moves? 

Panning: moving from right to left or left to right.

Tilting: moving it up or down. Camera movements are ideal when you cant include the entire object in one shot. Action sequences: marching or showing speeches. Always slowly pivot and move smoothly. Tilting:  hold static shot at beginning and end for about 3 seconds.

4.     Why is it important to consider how long you remain on a shot and how quickly you move the camera?

It is important to have static shots at the beginning and end of each shot to make sure that your shot flows smoothly.

5.      Give at least two examples of how they suggest you can avoid causing seasickness.

Do not use panning or tilting too often, or in quick succession. This could cause the audience to feel dizzy.

Also, do not pan and tilt in the same shot in order to cover everything. Break the action into more than one shot.

 

Extra Credit Questions:

6  How do they suggest you avoid lighting problems?

If it is dark, open up the aperture to take in more light. Do the opposite if it is too bright. Manual exposure will override automatic exposure. Always white-balance your camera. Interior lighting usually produces an orange tint, while daylight is usually blue.

 How is proximity used?

Proximity helps tell a story and get a point across. If something is closer to an object, the focus is shifted. This technique can be used to strengthen your video and making the focus even stronger.