Nowadays the differences between amateur and professional camera work can seem a bit “blurry”, pardon the pun! As audiences members we seem to be more accepting of many of the errors that years ago would be considered totally amateur. Yet there is one factor, that of the “steady shot” that makes the difference between say – “Marcos making a home movie of his kids” and something more specific watchable and professional. It is one of the golden rules of shooting for the big screen. Keep it steady, or else, everybody gets seasick! So this applies to any anyone – shooting video at any time! Whether you are moving or trying to be still…keep reading!
- Use your body & your surroundings. Find a wall, a lamp post, or a table. Just about anything that you can sit on, lean on or rest on. Keep both elbows against our chest. Lie down if you want to – now that’s creative!
- Stay as wide as you can. Even try attaching a wide angle lens. The wider you are the more stable you will be. Do not zoom in!
- Some cameras have an image stabilizer, trust me, turn it on!
- Use the camera strap around your neck. Using your hand on the camera – pull the camera outwards – away from you – using your neck as a pivot point. The strap gives you movement in all directions.
- Use the eyepiece. You will be more disciplined, and you can concentrate. You will take it more seriously and catch your mistakes before you make them. Use both hands! You will actually learn to move slower. Try it!
- Use a monopod. Like a tripod but with only 1 leg. This one takes some practice, but basically it can provide some nice shots in motion… if you practice.
J.I – Senior Mediazone Officer
