Instructional Video Production

Instructional Video Production 4(1+3)

Lesson 12: Production

Managing the Camera

1. Holding the camera
   • Hold the camera firmly to shoot without a tripod. Hold the camera a little away from the chest, as breathing may result in camera shakes.
   • Avoid camera shake. Use a tripod whenever possible.
   • Check the spirit level every time there is a shift in the camera position.
2. Moving with hand-held camera
   • Bend knees and move slowly.
   • Hold the camera by the handle and not by the camera belt.
   • Use the LCD screen as guide when shooting in such circumstances.
   • Where possible use wheel chairs or such supports for tracking and dollying.
3. Camera movements
   • Try to avoid pans and tilts as much as possible. Position the cam­era to try and capture as much action as possible within the frame without actually moving the camera to avoid problems while editing.
   • If extensive panning or tilting is needed (more than 180 de­grees), always go to the final position, get comfortable with the camera handle, and pan/tilt back to the original position. Now press the record button and pan/tilt all the way to the end point. This will give steady pans/tilts.
   • Hold each shot at least for 5 seconds before and after pans and tilts.
   • Do not stop recording during pans and tilts.
   • Avoid 'crawling' all over the subject.
4. Zoom
   • Use zooms sparingly. Try to shift the camera physically to capture close ups.
   • Zoom in only to show detail.
   • Zoom out to show the context.
   • Hold the shot at least for five seconds before and after the zoom.
   • Do not stop recording during a zoom.
5. Focus
   • Always try to achieve the sharpest image possible.
   • Use auto focus if the subjects or the camera are not moving.
   • Use manual focus when objects within the frame have different lighting.
6. Composition
   • Check the spirit level jn the tripod to get good shots.
   • Use canted shots (tilted shots like in music videos) only when required.
   • Ensure enough headroom, noseroom, and balance in the frame.
   • Use the rule of thirds.
   • Shoot interviews at eye level. Place the camera at least 30 de­grees to the interviewee.
   • Avoid interviewees looking directly into the camera.
   • Tryout different viewpoints. They add perspective and variety to the shots.
   • Change camera height and angle appropriately.
   • Maintain a difference of at least 30 degrees when shooting same objects from different angles.
   • Maintain the180-degree rule.
   • Maintain directional continuity
7. Miscellaneous
   • Press the record button only if sure about the composition.
   • Do not try to rewind and review the shot just taken. This may result in time code breaks.
   • Shoot as many cutaways as possible. They help in post-production.
   • Shoot reaction shots during a full-length interview, though these may not be required if shooting sound bites.