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Top 5 Tips to Shooting Better Video

This is the post that everyone has been waiting for; we are going to break down the top 5 tips to shooting better video. Hope you’re ready to go, let’s get started.

plan your video shoot
Did you write down your plan?

Tip 1: Have a Plan

Whether you are shooting a documentary or a car commercial, you need to have a plan! You need to figure out the 5 W’s, who, what, where, when, why. Who will be in the shot in the video and who will be shooting the video? What is the video about? Where will it be shot? When, day or night will it be shot? And last but not least why, why is this video needed, what is the message? When you are planning all of this after you get all of the details together you are one step closer to shooting a better video.

Tip 2: Lighting

You never want to be with out the lights! Shooting video would be almost impossible without it. If you are in a studio or shooting outside you are going to need lights. Now outside is the tricky one, the best time to shoot is shortly after sunrise or before sunset. Shooting is most flattering when the light is a little lower then the horizon. If you are shooting during peak times bringing a light most likely is not needed. If you are getting into the evening hours a travel light would be great to have.  Look at that, three tips to go!

Tip 3: Keep it Steady

No one likes a shaky video, here are some quick tips that everyone can do without spending any extra money. First tip is keeping your elbows in; it creates a more stable shot. Second tip, three legs are better than one, create a tripod. If you can rest your elbow on your knew while in a seated position and bring your other elbow in as well you will create a more secure shot. If you have a few extra bucks then you always can go out and buy a tripod as well. They also have many new ways to stabilize video if you are shooting with a Smartphone or smaller camera. Keeping it steady never seemed so easy.

Tip 4: Talent up to Speed

Make sure your talent is completely up to speed on the 5 W’s.  You wouldn’t want them to show up and not know what is going on. If you have the questions for the interview or lines that they need to memorize you might want to send it over them as well so they are prepared for when they get to set.

Tip 5: Have a Backup Plan

Having a back up plan or plan b is a great idea. It doesn’t have to be anything huge; it could be as simple as switching your shot list or changing your interview questions. Do not get flustered if things don’t work out there is always  a way to get things to come out just the way you want them to.

Well there you have it, 5 tips to shooting better video. We hope this helps your creative juices flowing so you too can shoot video!

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Nick is the creative lead for WeMakeVideos. He makes sure that people are in focus, the colors match on screen and occasionally makes everyone tacos. Don't get your hopes too high on those tacos.