Introduction to Video Communications: Working With Video Cameras TGJ 2OI Bluevale Collegiate 5a Introduction to Video Communications.ppt

By following some of the following useful camera tips, you can dramatically improve the quality of a video production... Intro to Shot Composition

Intro to Video Cameras A few simple techniques can set a professional looking video apart from a “bad” home movie. 1. Learn how to properly handle the camera. 2. Know how to use camera features (read the manual). 3. Learn how to choose the best shots to convey ideas. 4. Understand specific camera moves and angles.

1. Don’t film everything at eye-level.  Too many shots at the same height are boring.  Try different angles and heights to create visual interest & show subjects in ways your audience isn’t used to. Intro to Shot Composition

2. Work with your scenery. Use elements of your surroundings to help frame shots (trees, windows, buildings, etc.). This is called NATURAL FRAMING. Intro to Video Production

Natural framing makes the audience feel like they are part of the scene (as if they are looking through part of the environment while watching the action).. The trees frame the scene.

3. Follow the RULE OF THIRDS. When filming, you should place subjects at specific points on the screen creates powerful visual interest. Intro to Video Production

 Our eyes map out visual space in thirds.  We follow a path through the scene by moving to intersection points of the third lines Most important visual point Rule of Thirds

 Objects placed at the dead centre on the screen tend to look boring. Rule of Thirds

 Move subjects a little off centre and things start to look good! Rule of Thirds

 Try to place subjects on the third lines. This also gives the subject room to move. Rule of Thirds

 This rule also applies to photography, art and desktop publishing/advertising.  Any good designer or producer will follow this rule!  Sometimes the rule can be broken... Centring a subject can work well when the subject is powerful or unusual. Rule of Thirds

4. Know how to handle the camera. Use extra support to avoid the “shakes”, especially when filming close-ups. Too much camera wobble will make your audience dizzy (ie. “CLOVERFIELD” or “BLAIR WITCH PROJECT”). Stability can be created by using your body, a wall, furniture or a tripod. Intro to Video Production

A tripod is a 3-legged base used to maintain steady camera shots and prevent fatigue when filming. It also allows filming at different heights & angles. To create smooth camera movements, you can use a rolling base (called a dolly). Basic Camera Handling

Here are a few camera techniques you should know: 1. PANNING  Camera swivels from side to side.  This move is similar to standing in one place and turning your head.  If possible, use a tripod for a steady shot Basic Camera Handling

2. TRUCKING  Camera sits on a tripod and rolls from side to side.  Good movement to use when following alongside someone walking or running. Basic Camera Handling

3. DOLLYING  Camera rolls towards or away from subject (on tripod). Gives the impression of the viewer as if he/she is walking nearer or farther from subject. Basic Camera Handling

4. ZOOMING  Change the camera’s lens setting to make an object appear closer or farther away from the camera. Basic Camera Handling

4. ZOOMING (contd.) Zoom-in (close-up) “T” = tight angle Zoom-out (long shot) “W” = wide angle Basic Camera Handling

4. ZOOMING  When zooming, the camera does not move.  Effective for focusing attention on details (zoom-in) or establishing location (zoom-out).  Use with care – avoid zooming in and out too quickly. Basic Camera Handling

DETAIL SHOT or Extreme Close-Up  Used for isolating detail in a scene Types of Camera Shots

CLOSE-UP  Shot: from above head to upper chest  Focus detail on expressions  Most commonly used shot type Types of Camera Shots

MEDIUM SHOT  Shot: from waist to above head  Allows focus on character and surroundings Types of Camera Shots

LONG SHOT (L.S.)  Subject is (occupies) ½ to ¼ of screen height.  Good to use when establishing immediate surroundings Types of Camera Shots

EXTREME LONG SHOT (E.L.S.)  Sometimes called an Establishing Shot  This shot helps to establish entire scene or environment Types of Camera Shots

There’s plenty more to learn about video production...but you’ll do that while working on your projects! Any questions?