Video Capture Techniques
BackgroundPlanning is key. Determining what you shoot will give narration and context to the scene and move the story forward. The question is always, what is the subject of this scene? (Sengstack, 2013)
ScoutingConsider location and getting access and permission to shoot the video. Scout out the shooting location before you intend to do the shoot. This will help with preproduction planning. Consider room size, shooting angle, lighting, sound, power, etc. This extra work leads to a better product and fewer surprises.
SlateIf there is a significant number of shoots and or scenes then it is wise to implement a slate (clapperboard). A slate is a board that provides information about the shot and scene for editing - at the beginning of each shot. Here are some illustrative categories that might be useful on a slate:
The slate will often make a short sound (clap) so that it can provide a synch point for editing. There are now digital versions of the slate on mobile apps that can be used rather than the the old style slate. Here is an example: Steady shotsKeep your shots steady use a stationary object for support as needed (e.g. a table or wall). A tripod is a crucial piece of equipment to steady the shot and should be used most of the time. If the footage suddenly becomes jerky that might suggest the point of view of a different character. Yes, there are examples of movies (Blair Witch and Bourne Series) which use handheld jitter to obtain a particular feel to the movie but that is the exception rather than then rule. Most viewers don't appreciate that sea sick feeling that results from too much jittery footage. Always start on a tripod and only move away from it if you want a different feel - don't get lazy and just do hand-held because it is more convenient.
Smooth MovementHere are some rules to help with smooth movement:
Below are some videos to help with the setup of a video shoot: More video tutorials:
Field of ViewRules:
Frame for a clear and simple message. HD video is a wide format so pay particular attention to what is happening on the outside of the frame. It is easy to miss an unwanted element encroaching on the field of view. Scan the edges of the frame for artifacts that take away from the message.
Always check the edges of the frame. LightingSee the following section for more on:
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PurposeVideography as a craft overlaps significantly with principles of design and leads to effective video production.
Video CompositionHere are a few of the composition issues to keep in mind as you frame your video:
All the compositional design principles discussed in other sections apply: Below are related video tutorials on video composition techniques: Take lots of FootageThe more variety of footage, the better! Plan for it. One of the keys to making life easier during the editing process is to take lots of footage.
A common error is to make the shotes too short - you often need footage at the beginning and end for transitions. If there is not enough footage then it doesn't work well. Get in the habit of starting to shoot and waiting before starting the action and then waiting before stopping. A good rule of thumb is to count to 10 at the beginning and end for any shots. You can only edit what you shoot. Creating DistanceZooming in with a long lens makes it appear that there is less distance between objects. Zooming out with a wide lens makes it appear that there is more distance between object but will also distort objects and faces.
Pulling focusPulling focus is adjusting the focus during the shot. It helps to put tape on the lens barrel after a practice shot as a visual cue for where the focus adjustment should end.
Shooting with the sunShoot with the sun from behind the subject otherwise you get squinting and hard shadows but you may need to provide reflected light to have their face exposed properly (use a reflector).
Blue/green ScreenShooting objects or characters in front of a green screen can allow the editor to mask out the background and replace it with a desired background. Here a number of important considerations when videoing green screen (Kuran, 2007):
Here are more ideas using a green screen: |
References
Kuran, Peter. (2007). Blue + Green screen production principles. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Digital-Video-tutorials/blue-greenscreenproductionprinciples/
Sengstack, Jeff. (2013). Video journalism storytelling techniques. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Premiere-Pro-tutorials/Video-Journalism-Storytelling-Techniques/120605-2.html
Sengstack, Jeff. (2013). Video journalism storytelling techniques. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Premiere-Pro-tutorials/Video-Journalism-Storytelling-Techniques/120605-2.html