This blog is all about shooting video that is well shot and usable, so I thought it might be helpful to list what I consider as bad video.
- Footage that has no obvious purpose or subject. I once heard someone describe this sort of footage as if it was shot with the camera waving around like the end of a hose when the water is first turned on. Before you shoot – make sure you have worked out what you’re shooting.
- Wobbly camera footage. Whilst video footage doesn’t have to be rock steady, it shouldn’t have the wobbles. Hold the camera with two hands, maybe stand with your legs slightly apart so you have extra stability.
- Shots that pan (or tilt) to nowhere. If you pan (move the camera from left to right or vica versa) you need to have a reason for the move. Generally it’s to show more of the scene than a static shot does. BUT – if you move the camera, make sure you work out where you’ll start and where you’ll finish the move. Always have 10 seconds of static frame at the beginning and end of the move.
- Shots that are too short. Aim to hold each shot steady for a minimum of 10 seconds, 15 seconds is better.
- No coverage. Watch any TV news story or documentary and you will see a number of shots shown in a sequence that are filmed at the same location – all from different angles. This is called ‘coverage’. There are some very simple steps to help you learn how to shoot usable coverage. (This post has more on this subject).
- Digitally zoomed footage. Smartphones have fixed focal length lenses, making an optical zoom not possible. But they also have the ability to ‘zoom in’ digitally. All that happens though is that the camera enlarges the initial image whereas a proper zoom lens uses optics to ‘get in tighter’. Digital zooming introduces ‘noise’ and makes the footage grainy. Always ‘zoom with your feet’. In other words, walk closer to your subject.
- Poor sound. Smartphones generally don’t record sound well. Unless you’re within 1 to 1.5 metres of the phone, it’s almost impossible to get good usable sound for interviews or ‘stand-ups’, This blog will have some hints on how to work within this limitation.
- Badly exposed footage. Whilst it is possible to adjust the exposure on a Smartphone, it’s always important to try and shoot in good light. Avoid bright backgrounds and if possible, keep the sun behind you as you shoot.
- Vertical video. I shouldn’t have to say this, but video is a landscape format. Video shot vertically with a Smartphone is only good for viewing on a Smartphone. Landscape is the only way to shoot video – that way it can be viewed on any device or screen.
