After meeting with a client over the weekend, I got an email that asked, “Do you mainly use tripods while filming? Do you just stick with a steady angle, or do you move around with the camera to get the best angles possible?”
I think it is best to remember that a tripod is only 1 tool that a professional has in her toolbox. Every situation is different but what sets the pro apart from the amateur is knowing when to use the tools she possesses.
Use Multiple Cameras
When possible and especially in situations like wedding ceremonies, live events, and “talking head” interviews, I always use at least 2 cameras.
Tape and storage are both cheap so you should consider using more than one camera if the situation allows for it.
San Diego Video Production Company
A Basic Video Equation: Two cameras plus multiple angles for your editor equals happy clients. It’s important to remember that your camera operators should have hand signals so that no 2 cameras are moving at the same point in time. I usually instruct my camera operators with the following advice, “If you see my hands on my camera, don’t touch yours!”
Wide Shots. Safe but Boring?
When shooting live events I’ve seen many videographers plop the camera on the tripod, open up the lens as far as it will go, then sit back and wait for the event to be over. Sure they “covered” the event but the end result will be a video that will bore the audience.
Don’t get me wrong. The wide shot is the videographer’s friend because it allows the audience to see the big picture. Dancer’s for example, always like to see the entire dance and will cringe if you push in too close. But in most situations, you only need a wide shot to establish the place you are taping; ie, church, convention setting, or your client’s office.
The important thing is to identify the action that is important to the client and creatively and professionally tape it.
Know Thy Tripod
You should be ready at a second’s notice to rip the camera off the tripod and race to where the action takes you. If your camera has supporting equipment attached to it such as a microphone receiver, camera light or zoom control make sure you are not tethered to the tripod. It is critical to have the ability to go mobile if your view becomes obscured.
Handheld Techniques
- Small cameras are more difficult to hold steady. Consider getting a shoulder mount for your camera.
- The more you zoom in, the shakier your video becomes. In situations where you must zoom from far, far away: Put the camera on the tripod! If one is not available, try resting it on a table or against a wall. Don’t drink too much coffee before you shoot.
- Subtle movements often work better than fast sweeps. Try moving the camera in any direction to lend drama to your videos.
The #1 Technique for Shooting Handheld
Practice, practice, practice!
Over the last 10 years, I’ve had clients ask for all kinds of “looks”; ie, edgy, MTV, creepy crawl, slow pan, swish pan, skaky cam, etc.
Operating a camera can at times be much like dancing. Depending on the event, you need to know if the video requires a tripod or a handheld technique. It’s up to you to waltz (tilt up, pan right, tilt down, pan left) or grab your camera and bust a move!
