So you got a Flip, join the gang! (If you haven’t then check out the best prices I’ve found on the right hand column.)
Seriously, I’ve enjoyed shooting with the Flip Video, I found it’s simplicity made me shoot more video than I did previously, it’s so effortless that filming family memories doesn’t seem to get in the way of the actual event itself. I don’t want to get so involved in the filming that I actually forget to experience the event for myself.
As I make TV for a living and shoot films at work I thought I’d offer 5 quick tips to getting the best out of your Flip Video Camera.
1. Keep it steady and fluid. As you cover your subject watch out for shake but also move steadily between your subjects, slowly and decisively. If you miss some dialogue don’t panic just keep the camera moving back and forth and you will pick up enough of your subjects to make the narrative and grammar of the scene work.
2. Hold shots longer than you imagine. One mistake people often make is not holding their shots long enough on the subject. The mind plays tricks, impatience sets in and you may think you have held the shot long enough. When you view back it can feel too short. Count to 10 in your head before reframing shots, especially those that need time to take in eg. buildings, details, text.
3. Prepare before you shoot. Before you start shooting think about how you can improve the location and where the best position is for you to be. For example, switch on room lights, get your back to the window so you are shooting with the light and not against it, position your subjects where you want them not where they want!
If they are spread out in all four corners of the room it’s hard to cover them. Put three on the sofa and one on a nearby armchair so you can pan between them. Although you want to capture the action naturally even documentary cameramen given a chance will reposition people if it doesn’t effect the content of the scene or completely stop the flow.
4. Prepare your questions. You might be planning to put questions to friends or family on camera. It helps if you can think about the questions in advance and jot them down. If you can keep things on track and on message it will make your video easy to watch and more succinct.
5. Don’t forget the audio. I have posted about Audio before on this site. It’s easy to get hooked up on the image and forget the sound. Try and get close into your subject to eliminate background sound. Turn off unnecessary and distracting noise like dishwashers, fans and TV sets. Unless you are making transport videos avoid filming near busy roads and railway lines!
Any questions please send me an email using the address on the right.
