Instructor: Kathy Cennamo
Preparation
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When you arrive at the location
- When you first arrive at the site, check for background noise and electrical outlets (where you can plug the camera in). Listen carefully to the sound around you because that is what your mics will hear. If you hear loud fans or traffic noise or voices, you may want to find a new location.
- Observe the lighting for your shots. Generally you want the light to be coming from behind you, so that it shines on the person's face or on the action. Do not shoot directly into the sun - it may damage the camera.
- Think about the backgrounds in your shots. Does the background add to the picture? Is it distracting? Place your camera to shoot against the best background.
Setting up the camera
- Set the camera up on the tripod (if you are using a tripod).
- Check the White balance: use "auto" for most situations.
- Check camera focus: Use the manual setting when there are objects in the foreground or background of your frame that will cause the camera to change focus. On auto focus remember that the camera will focus on whatever is dominant in the viewfinder.
- Turn off the time/date feature.
- Run a test record. Check the sound and video again.
- Be sure there's a tape in the camera.
- Practice tricky camera moves before you start recording.
Shooting Hints
- Visualize your shots before your shoot them. Think about your composition and purpose. (Where is my main subject in the frame? What am I trying to show? If I pan, do I have a reason?)
- Think about the angle you are shooting from. Most shots are recorded at eye level, however low and high angles may be right for your situation.
- Keep in mind that you are gathering shots to tell a story.
- Start with an establishing shot, then vary your shots. If it is appropriate, use some wide shots, some medium shots, some close ups.
- Allow the camera to record for five seconds before and after your shots. This will give you areas to edit. Also, when you stop the camera, it may rewind a few seconds and tape over what you have just recorded.
- Periodically put on the headphones (if you don't wear them all the time) and check to make sure the audio is good.
- Keep the length of the shot appropriate to the scene and your goal. The average visual attention span for a shot is about 3-5 seconds. However, if you're interviewing someone, your shot may last as long as the interview does.
- If your shoot will last longer than one day, you want to be sure that your "talent" or interviewer wears the same clothes if s/he is going to be on camera again. Also, make sure you use the same equipment, so your shots and video quality will look the same.
- Be sure to label all your tapes as soon as you take them out of the camera. Remove the record tabs if you want to make sure no one accidentally records over this tape.
