Video Editing Tips: Give Your Videos the Hollywood Treatment

Digital Video Tips: Cinematography 101

To capture first-rate video, get the most portable camcorder you can afford, carry it wherever you go, and be ready to start recording at a moment's notice.

Use a tripod or monopod: The image-stabilizing feature on many camcorders simply can't keep the image smooth. For truly steady shots and smooth pans, use a tripod to lock down your camera.

Avoid sudden zooms and pans: Nothing makes an audience queasier than rapid pans and zooms. Whenever you pan, hold the camera on your subject, and then pan or zoom as slowly as possible. After completing the pan, hold the view on the new subject for several seconds.

Pay attention to lighting: Shoot with the sun to your back if possible (keep your shadow out of the frame, of course). If you shoot indoors against a bright light or outdoors and backlit, your camera's automatic exposure will make your subject too dark against the background.

Purchase a microphone: Even though all cameras have a built-in microphone, most aren't very good and may pick up camera noise. An external mike is less likely to pick up the rustles, coughs, sniffs, and other noises you make as you film. If you use a boom (overhead) mike, be sure to keep it out of the frame.

Change camera angles: Shoot your scene from a wide view, then over the shoulder (showing the speaker but hinting at the listener's perspective), and finally from close up. This will give you more-dynamic clips to pick from when you start editing.

Name your work: After you finish a tape, be sure to label it. Few things are more frustrating than having to play a box of unmarked tapes one by one to find the movie you're looking for. Trust me.

Chris Manners is a freelance writer and videographer based in San Francisco.