Quick Video Shooting Tips

Ambient Sound
Your brain filters sound for you, but the microphone and camera operate differently. So, be sure to wear headphones when you are recording, if possible. That is the only way you can really know what is happening with your audio.

What if you can’t listen to your sound directly while recording? Some cameras don’t have this as an option. Consider adding that ability with a BeachTek box, if possible. As a last resort, record about a minute in the location where you will be recording, and play it back for yourself. Hopefully, you will be able to hear and identify problems.

Potential audio problem sources include, but aren’t limited to things like traffic, air traffic, air conditioners, fans, and freezers.

One audio problem source is easy to fix - you. If you’re used to talking a lot during an interview, train yourself out of it. After your first recording, you might be surprised to hear how often you interrupt people. Also, simply saying “yes” or “uh-huh” feels completely natural to most people, but can create real problems in the edit room. If you find that you are cutting people off a lot, practice mentally counting to five before you ask your next question. Smile a lot and nod so that the person knows you are listening. You may have to explain that you have to be quiet, because you will be edited out later.

Verticals and Tilted Frames
Video editing software can’t straighten or turn video the same way that photo editing software can for photos. So, please don’t turn a video camera to shoot a vertical in the same way you would for a still photo. The lack of ability to fix a tilt brings us to our next subject.

Tripod
They can be awkward, but they really do offer you a peace of mind you can’t get anywhere else. Make sure the tripod is not crooked and that the camera is firmly attached.

Never leave a camera attached to a tripod. The second you walk away, there’s a good chance the camera will be knocked over.

In some situations, you can’t avoid using your camera without a tripod. In those cases, shoot what you have to without a tripod and then use a tripod to take some stable shots of the situation. In the edit room, you can use the audio you shot with the shaky camera with some stable shots you took with the tripod. It just gives you a chance to improve the quality of shooting in those spot-news or fast-moving situations.

B-Roll
B-roll is used to add context and interest to a situation.

If you think you will need 5 shots, try for 10. That way you will have more options later.

Hold each shot for at least 10 seconds. There’s often a shakiness at the beginning and end of a clip, so you need to leave yourself room to edit around that.