10 tips for better videos

So you have a great idea for a video and now you want to start shooting? Our experts have put together 10 easy tips on how to shoot better video without buying any fancy additional equipment.

1. Lighting

Nothing beats great outdoor lighting but if you want to shoot footage inside, you need to look carefully at your light sources. Sure, you can't carry studio lighting around with you. But if there are sources of light you can use – do. As a general rule for taping, turn on all the lights in the room. Don’t try to tape your subjects in front of windows. Instead, stand with your back to the window while shooting.

2. Hold the shot

Many people make the mistake of taping like they look at the world – a second here, a second there. This makes the footage jerky, restless, and also makes editing difficult. It may seem like an eternity but hold a scene for at least 10 seconds. This makes the footage less shaky and gives your body enough time to stabilize.

3. Don’t zoom wildly

Turn off the digital zoom – it only enlarges pixels and worsens the quality of your footage. Do not zoom back and forth quickly. The best way to zoom is with your feet. Walk up closer to your subject if you can.

4. Establish the scene

When taping a scene, make sure you take what professionals call “establishing shots”. This is footage that shows, for example, the entire room, the venue from the outside, or the landscape you’re taping. This helps the viewer of your video to understand what is going on and to put the action into a bigger perspective.

5. Vary the distance

Many people shoot footage only from a single distance. To make your video more interesting, tape the scene from several perspectives and distances. Don’t forget to capture the details, e.g. people or products from closer up, hand-crafting of your product, decorations at an event, etc.

6. Don’t talk

As the videographer you should try never to speak to your subjects if possible. The camera picks up your voice much louder than the other voices - often you're the only one to heard. The camera is an observer and your subjects shouldn’t speak into the camera. Instead, try to enlist other people in the room to pose questions to an interviewee or guide the conversation.

7. Sound

If you’re taping an event or a speech, don’t think that because you can hear the speaker that the camcorder can, too. Always try to get as close as possible to the speaker. Have your subjects speak louder than they normally would (they don't have to scream, though). For testimonials, make sure you have quiet room with little or no background noise.

8. Keep steady

Unless you’re filming “Blair Witch Project 3” shaky scenes don’t usually improve your video. Use a tripod or monopod if you can, otherwise keep steady by having a wide stance while you’re taping or use bookcases, counters etc. for stabilization.

9. Video vs. photo

Often non-professional videographers set their scenes up like photos. They gather everyone into a corner and have the group wave into the camera. Treat your video camera more like an observer – don’t direct the action, just watch. This will allow your viewer to feel like he was part of the action.

10. Look, think and then shoot

Don’t shoot camcorder footage like you would check out a scene with your naked eye. Take a few seconds to assess then scene: What is important here? How can I capture this best – close-up or with a wide angle? Where is the light coming from? In very little time you will be able to improve your footage dramatically.