Capture Professional-Looking Video

be sure to check your lens and carry lens cloths
make sure your batteries are fully charged
if your camera records on tapes or cards, carry extras
shoot extra footage before and after your shoot
check your audio levels before filming
set your focus to manual and keep it there - autofocus can disrupt a good shot
set your white balance
don't use the camera bells and whistles - you can always add filters in the editing environment

use props and setting to tell the audience about your subject
shoot both A and B reels
use a variety of shots to inform and engage your audience
establishing shots begin each scene (landscape view of city, view of house on rural road, etc.)
a full shot shows the entire subject in their setting
a medium shot shows some of the subject involved in an activity
a two shot has two subjects interacting
close up shot will be an important component in the project
cut aways (a cat looking into the lens, or a ceiling fan spinning) can be used for atmosphere, mood, counterpoint

Use a tripod!
Headroom - too much space above head makes figure seem lost – leave as little space between top of head and frame without seeming crammed
Noseroom - aka Looking Room – Avoid centering the subject. If the subject is turned to the side, their gaze has a certain visual weight. The more they are tuned, the more nose room.
Camera lens should be positioned at eye level

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