Video Recording

Video recording is the electronic means to have moving images and sound recording at the same time. The same rules from photography apply to video (and film for that matter) in terms of the visual aspect of it. In terms of audio, all cameras have an in-built microphone and the ability to record simultaneously with the image recording. One has to apply similar rules in terms of getting clean audio as if one would be using a regular audio recorder.

Video recording can be as simple as using your cell phone video camera, or as complex as working with professional high definition digital cameras. Either way, there are some basic rules.

Basic Rules

Framing:

When making a video of an interview, framing your interviewee well is very important! There are three basic ways of framing an interviewee:

  1. Wide shot: upper torso to top of the head, and leaving some room between the head and the frame of the image.
  2. Medium shot: top of shoulders to top of the head, again leaving some room between the head and the frame.
  3. Close-up shot: head only. No room between the head and the frame.Note: some people do not leave room between the head and the frame for the medium shot. This is a preference or style, however, traditionally it is more pleasing aesthetically to have a little bit of room.

Lighting:

Regardless of the equipment you are using, you must consider lighting on the person you are focusing on, and how well-lit the overall area is. You should aim to create a sense of three-dimensionality.

The simple way of lighting is known as the “three way lighting,” which consists of:

  • Key light – the strongest source of light could be the sun, light coming through a window, or a spotlight.
  • Fill light – to fill in the shadows the key light may create.
  • Back light – serves to separate the subject from the background and create the idea of three-dimensionality.

When video recording in-doors:

  • Avoid mixing natural light coming from the outside with interior artificial light.
  • If you have a window, use external light as your key-light and a reflector as your fill light.
  • You can make a good reflector out of white cardboard or platinum tin foil.
  • Create mood without using a reflector, and positioning the person and the camera in certain manner.
  • When using in-door lights close any window and door from where exterior light may filter in otherwise the image may turn bluish.

When filming outdoors:

  • If at all possible avoid shooting in a bright day and/or at noon.Ideal times to shoot are morning (8-11) and afternoon (2-5). Of course this depends where in the planet and it may be seasonal.
  • Think of your camera placement. You don’t want the camera pointing towards your key light or strong source of light such as the sun.
  • Think of where you are placing the person you are filming. You want them to receive enough light.

White Balance:

All digital video cameras have a control for “white balance.” White balance basically means that the camera adjusts the color temperature based on the amount and type of light the person or object you are filming is receiving.White balance is critical for the accuracy of color representation, and because of this you must always white balance before you start shooting.

Tips for white balance:

  • Avoid shooting against white backgrounds, especially in a bright day.
  • Avoid shooting against black backgrounds, unless you can control the light (image becomes too hot).
  • Neutral colors for background work better.

In-Built Audio or Sound:

All video cameras come with an inbuilt stereo microphone, which for general purposes works well. However, this microphone captures all surrounding sounds, which means it operates as an omnidirectional mic—captures sounds from all directions.

If you want to interview a person the most recommendable is to use a lapel or  “lavalier” microphone. This is an external mic that can be connected to the camera, and place on the lapel of the person. This mic is directional and will pick for the most part primarily the voice of the person, and somewhat isolate surrounding noises.

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