1. Video Techniques

2. Wide Shot ● Generally used at the start of video pieces ● Shows the whole scene ● Sets the stage for the video piece

3. Medium Shot ● Used in a transition between wide and close shots. ● Slightly closer look at a subject than wide. ● Generally waist upwards of an individual

4. Close Shot ● Direct shot of a persons head / close up of an object. ● Can be further in – close up of an eye for example. ● Emotional shots / reactions or extreme detail.

5. Dolly Shot ● Not a zoom! ● The camera moves on a rail, towards, away or alongside the object. ● Used for emphasis when moving towards an object ● Moving out from a scene can provide a sense of scale / place

6. Contra / Dolly Zoom ● As seen most famously in Jaws and Vertigo! ● The camera moves away from the subject while zooming in. ● The subject remains the same size throughout the move but the background alters perspective

7. Composition – Rule of Third ● It is suggested that the center of the camera's attention should be one third of the way down from the top of the shot ● This allows a better focus on a single subject – in a group situation, keep the area between them in this area

8. Walking / Talking Room ● Frame a conversation so each person is not talking to camera. ● Have them talk to the left / right of the camera and leave “talking” room. ● Similarly, if a person is moving, leave room in the shot for the action to take place!

9. General Advice ● Keep shots short, no more than 1 – 2 seconds in general! ● Don't go overboard in editing, keep cuts simple and direct. ● Audio can be just as important as video, think about your soundtrack!