This is one of many articles I’ll post for those of you interested in producing your own content. My focus will be more on working with the models and equipment, than dealing with the legal (2257) stuff.

Shooting video is obviously different than still photography, but in a lot of ways I find it easier. It can get complex if you want to shoot with two or three cameras, like the professionals do. But as long as its short amateur videos, the equipment is cheap and the techniques are simple.

You can get good results as long as you are working with a late model home video camera. A digital camera will deliver a little bit better quality, but I would not run out and by one if you already have a good VHS or 8mm. Just make sure the heads are clean and properly aligned.

If you want to shoot with a tripod make sure it’s a good one, or you will have problems with smooth tilts (up and down) and pans (left and right). A cheap tripod will be jerky or sticky. If you work without a tripod then you need to have a steady hand. Holding the camera with both hands helps. With practice, you can move a little bit while recording by either leaning or taking one step with one foot. Anything more than that and you should stop recording, move to the new position, and start recording.

Lighting is pretty simple. Just flood the set with even light. You don’t want uneven light, because the camera will have difficulty dealing with the extreme contrasts. Backlight, such as sunlight coming from a window behind the subject, will also cause problems. Its always best to test shoot the set before starting the actual shoot. This way you can discover any lighting problems and make adjustments. While most late model cameras deliver good video in low light situations, you will loose some of that when transferring it to digital, so do your best to get proper lighting up front.

I’ll share a few more thoughts on video in future posts.