Video + Photo Shooting Tips

Mirjam Schaap Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation (CDI)

Knowledge Sharing + Capacity Development training Integrated Seed Sector Development Programme in Ethiopia, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, July 2012

Before you start: get your camera ready

Study the manual Know all camera functions Charge batteries Check memory space / empty tapes / cards Try to get a tripod (esp. for filming)

Before you start video: make a plan

What do you want to tell / achieve

Who will watch

Where will video be shown ? Internet: short (<5 minutes, aim at 2-3 minutes); Internet: NO mid shot, NO long shot, NO wide shot

Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How

Make a storyboard

Make a storyboard – on cards or sheet

1. the drawings fill the whole

“frame”

2. everything drawn in the “frame” is there for a good reason – they add to the story

3. they use a variety of “close-ups”, “mid shots”, and “wide shots”

Storyboard : 10-25 frames for < 5 min. movie

Draw what you will see in the shot.

Fill the whole “frame” with the drawing

everything drawn is there for a good reason – they add to the story

use a variety of shot types

describe the shot - everything that you will see

describe what you will hear

write comments (if needed)

For photo’s

use modified storyboard to list photo’s you need

no audio

In the “frame” Next to the “frame”

Types of shots - examples

Close-up (CU) Medium Close Up (MCU)

Mid shot (MS) Long Shot (LS)

To tell story with film / photo’s

Use the “5 shot method – 10 seconds method” always shoot at least 5 shots for a sequence of every situation at least 5 shots

Close up face Close up hands Medium shot hands + face Over the shoulder Something else over the shoulder

Always hold each shot for at least 10 seconds (film only)

Try to capture sound to use in editing later

Shooting video/photo: Location and Light Make sure you have enough light;

Try to shoot outside in natural light, not inside;

Try to avoid too much light (avoid mid-day);

Try to avoid too much contrast (f.i white cloth – dark face);

Avoid shooting into the sun or backlighting : keep the sun in your back or from the side

Try to find a location that will illustrate the story;

Film: Avoid moving backgrounds (no waving leaves)

Sound is most important part of video

Use external microphone + headset if possible Find a quiet place to do the interview avoid background noise + wind

If no external microphone available : be aware of the position of the built in microphone Get close to the person to get better sound

Record extra sound to use later

Control camera movement (video)

Avoid camera movement (use tri-pod !!!)

Avoid panning (=moving camera left or right)

Avoid zooming (better stop/pause – move – start}

180 degree rule (don’t cross line)

Composition (photo + film)

Internet: Use close ups (CU) or medium close ups (MCU)

Photo +Film: Rule of thirds!

Position yourself next to camera Ask interviewee to maintain eye contact with you Do not film the front but a little bit the side Keep space in direction the person is talking (lead) When using a photo camera/ mobile phone: landscape !

Shooting (Film)

Use shotlist (+ protect it with your life)

Also use to write down names / phonenumbers

If you are going to edit afterwards: Shot length 10-15 seconds (minimum) Shoot fat (start before action, keep rolling after)

If you are not going to edit afterwards: Plan your storyboard very well use pause button to stop/restart (if possible)

Title What’s happening

Quality notes Use/throw

Time code Start/end

Enjoy your filming !

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