Production Tips

Video: Camera Person Available

For hand held shots, hold the camera steady by maintaining a comfortable posture that will not tire out your arms, back, legs etc. quicky.

Do not zoom in and out too frequently. Plot what your shot will be in your head before you move the camera physically, "tracking shot", or mechanically, as in a zoom in or out.

Do not interfere with the action if you are filming others. Become invisible and let folks do what they like to do free of any direction.

Keep the camera rolling as much as possible.

Practice finding good framing for close-ups, medium, and full shots. Good framing is not only about good composition of the shot in the camera view finder, it is also about being in the right place at the right time without interfering with the action.

Video: Camera on Tripod

Set the camera up and make sure the tripod is fastened tightly. Compose your shot and study the framing so that you know what range of movement is available to you once you jump in front of the lense.

Adjust the shot every now and then to be a close-up on the action.

Lighting:

"Bounce" lights off the ceiling so the shadows are not so strong.

Watch out for hot spots and glare when you have direct lighting.

Make sure to have leather gloves handy for adjusting the lights

CAM SHOWS

Keep the background as plain as possible.

Try to get the best possible connection from your home, dsl is recommended.