10 Steps for Capturing and Creating Quality Videos

It’s not unusual for still photographers to dabble in videography at some point in their career. With almost every high-end camera on the market capable of shooting HD video almost as well as it can capture stills, the potential is just teasing still photographers to jump into the motion picture realm.

Many of the compositional principles used in photography also apply, but motion picture adds an entirely new dimension to creating compelling work. To help ease that transition a bit, Filme von Draussen has shared a video called How to Make a Mountain Bike Film. And while the title sounds a bit specific, the 10 steps he shares in the video are universally applicable.

TenStepsVideographyMountainBike

For an easy reference after watching the video, here are the ten steps:

  • Start with an idea
  • Tell a story through your idea
  • People like to see people for a better connection
  • Introduce your characters for more organization
  • Show characters faces for better association
  • Depict characters emotions
  • Use a tripod or other stabilization gear
  • Keep zooming while shooting to an absolute minimum
  • Know the 3×3 rule
  • Shoot with a flat profile then correct your colors

The video is just over three minutes and well worth the watch. Concisely put together and very well produced (it would be a bit ironic if it wasn’t), these tidbits will give you a solid starting point if you’ve been thinking of trying your hand at filmmaking.

(via SLR Lounge)

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