Five Tips for Steady Cameras
Few things are as difficult to watch or as nauseating to experience as shaky camera work. Home videos of vacations and family events are notorious for this and that is why they get taped but never watched. The difference between steady and shaky footage has nothing to do with the camcorder and everything to do with the videographer. The following list of five essential skills will improve any video if applied during the shoot.
One: Hold the Camera with Both Hands
Some people think it is cool to operate cameras with just one hand. I believe the manufacturers are doing you a favor by freeing up a hand not so you can use it to eat a candy bar, but so you can use it to steady the camera. Two hands are always better than one. It sounds obvious and simple yet every time I go to record a public event I always see folks holding the camcorder with just one hand. Stop acting like an amateur and hold the camera with both hands. Your audience will thank you, maybe not verbally, but will appreciate your effort.
Two: The Correct Stance
People are lazy, especially during long shoots. If you have the job as videographer you had better not be leaning your weight on just one leg. Stand with your feet approximately shoulder length apart with your body weight balanced between both legs. This stance is proven to improve stability in all physical activity and it definitely applies in this case as well.
Three: Electronic Stabilization
Once again, the manufacturers are trying to help you out. If you are shooting without the use of a tripod then turn the electronic stabilizer on, but be sure to turn it off when you put the camera back on the tripod. This technology has improved greatly in the last few years and makes a huge difference in the final shot.
Four: Avoid Zooming, Get Closer
The wide angle is doubtlessly the most stable setting. Zooming make the camera much more reactive to the slightest movement. While holding the camera in your hands this includes up and down as well as side to side. Many zooms are digital now and I frown upon its use. Only use optical zoom! Digital zoom only enlarges existing shots which start to pixelate and the quality plunges. If you can get closer without zooming, this will keep the angle wide and will stabilize your shot.
Five: Just Use a Tripod
The professional's best friend is the tripod. There is no shame in using one. Tricky movements should be attempted with a counterbalance system like a Glidecam. Most shooting, however, can be accomplished with the use of a tripod. Use it. It may be a little bulky to carry around but that is the difference between the amateur and the professional. Don't be lazy. Take a tripod and use it as much as possible.
Tyler Ellison is affiliated with www.ellisonvideo.com?utah wedding videos through Ellison Video Productions as a producer and marketing director.
Hot Topics In Photography
Your Guide To The Best Rated Digital Cameras
There are many different models and types of digital cameras available just as there are lots of different styles and skill levels of photography. Which digital camera you choose will often depend on ...Photoshop Tutorial Secrets From the Trenches - Seven Essential Steps to Digital Workflow
I've been shooting with digital cameras in my portrait and wedding photography studio for about five years now, and in that time I've taken well over 50,000 exposures.Our studio has been around for...
My First Digital Camera
About a week before my son was born, I bought a digital camera. I wanted to create a baby book for him that would include not only his first year milestones, but also photos to capture his physical gr...The Difference Between DPI and PPI
Most people heard the term DPI. In most cases the term is used in the wrong context to express the number of pixels in a photo, the number of dots in a print or the maximum dots per inch a printer can...
Seven common mistakes when taking digital photos
You have probably taken photos before just to find out later that they did not come out as expected. Although digital cameras are getting smarter there are still a lot of decisions that the photograph...Is It Time YOU Thought About How You Can Make Money Taking Pictures?
If you and your camera are inseparable - if your images are really good - if YOU are the one always pressed into service when the need for pictures arises (and you love doing this) you have probably a...Tips for saving money on your online photo prints
Taking photos with your digital camera and viewing them on your computer screen is fun. Sometimes you'd like to make hardcopies of your photos. One of the easiest ways to print your photos is by using...How to Compose Landscapes
There really are no effective formulas for composing good landscapes. Nonetheless, the general suggestions that follow can probably help you get bet-ter ones.1. Every landscape should have a focal ...
How To Get The Best Results When Printing Your Own Digtal Photographs
The joy of using a digital camera and then having the ability to print out photos in the comfort of your own home is a great, empowering feeling. Usually, when you own a computer, the printer is a com...Old Film Camera Out, Digital Camera In
Digital cameras have created a revolution in the world of photography. Although this maybe a tad too expensive, the results can be absolutely marvelous. Unlike others, Digital Photography captures an ...
Most Recent Photography Supplements
- How to Choose a Digital Camera
- Scanning paper prints to digital photos on your hard disk
- Tips for scanning paper photo prints
- The Top Five Tips For Great Digital Photos
- How to Choose Photo Paper
- How To Take Better Landscape Photographs With Your Digital Camera
- Understanding Shutter Delay in Digital Cameras
- Digital Photo Printer Reviews - Which Is Best For You?
- Top 11 Tips For Photographing People
- Five Tips for Steady Cameras
- How to Choose a Digital Camera
- Digital photo printing paper sizes - 4XD 5XD and others
- Do You Understand ISO Ratings?
- Why A Compact Digital Camera Should Be In Your Future
- The Top Five Reasons To Switch To Digital Photography Now
- Top 11 Tips For Photographing People
- Digital Photo Printer Reviews - Which Is Best For You?
- Understanding Shutter Delay in Digital Cameras
- How To Take Better Landscape Photographs With Your Digital Camera
- How to Choose Photo Paper
Newly Popular Arts Articles
Now, Your Zodiac Compatibility
The zodiac circle has twelve signs beginning with Aries and concluding with Pisces. Each sign has traits that set it apart from the others These twelve signs are covered by four elements, fire, earth,...Do A Sporting Stag Do In Birmingham
If you're planning a stag do in Birmingham, you'd almost have to include some sporting activities. After all, Sport England has awarded Birmingham the title National City of Sport. Situated just west ...Your Guide To The Best Rated Digital Cameras
There are many different models and types of digital cameras available just as there are lots of different styles and skill levels of photography. Which digital camera you choose will often depend on ...Photoshop Tutorial Secrets From the Trenches - Seven Essential Steps to Digital Workflow
I've been shooting with digital cameras in my portrait and wedding photography studio for about five years now, and in that time I've taken well over 50,000 exposures.Our studio has been around for...
No! The Bank Doesn't Want Your House!
When faced with the threat of foreclosure it is very easy to assume that your bank or lender simply wants to foreclose on your home and it isn't worth the fight to keep the home. This defeatist attitu...
Seven common mistakes when taking digital photos
You have probably taken photos before just to find out later that they did not come out as expected. Although digital cameras are getting smarter there are still a lot of decisions that the photograph...Robotshop Creates Fun For Everyone
RobotShop's growing clientele has certainly pushed them to be more creative with their work. Not only has RobotShop been able to provide good quality service to their customers ever since they've emer...Is It Time YOU Thought About How You Can Make Money Taking Pictures?
If you and your camera are inseparable - if your images are really good - if YOU are the one always pressed into service when the need for pictures arises (and you love doing this) you have probably a...Tips for saving money on your online photo prints
Taking photos with your digital camera and viewing them on your computer screen is fun. Sometimes you'd like to make hardcopies of your photos. One of the easiest ways to print your photos is by using...How to Compose Landscapes
There really are no effective formulas for composing good landscapes. Nonetheless, the general suggestions that follow can probably help you get bet-ter ones.1. Every landscape should have a focal ...
