Basic Training: What were you THINKING?!
Have you ever wanted to wrestle a camcorder away from Uncle Buck while at a family function or public event and scream into the lens, "What are you THINKING!!??"We have to admit that we've had to squelch the impulse to take control of someone's camcorder from time to time. So we polled our various video associates for their pet peeves and I added a few of my own. Do you see yourself or someone you know in this list?
1. Subliminal Message
A flash frame in a finished project is the number one "fingernails on a chalkboard" peeve of mine. When they are meant for effect, flash frames are a great editing technique. But when it's just sloppy editing it presents a poor production. After working hours, days, maybe even months on a project, step back and watch it, really watch every frame that passes by. Watch for continuity. Watch for match editing, and above all, watch for those dangling flash frames. You don't want to discover the mistake as it goes live on the air, debuts at the major stockholders meeting, or shows at your grandma's life-time achievement party.
2. Steady as she Goes
Have you watched someone's footage (not yours, of course!) that looks as if they're trying to create the next Blair Witch Project? But they're only shooting little Janey's ballet recital.
In the Olden Days, camcorders were big and bulky... and heavy. The shoulder-mounted weight of the camcorder gave you ballast that helped make shooting steady. But nowadays, with mini this and mini that, everything is small, and small is not good when it comes to shooting video handheld. Use a tripod. If you don't have one, or it's not available, hold your arms close to your sides, tuck the camera in and bend your knees. Or lean against a tree, balance the camcorder on something, or even cup the camera under your arm. You have to become a human tripod, and by all means, if you're shooting something at an extreme distance without a tripod, don't zoom in! Trust me on this one, it will not enhance your video. Either get closer, steady the camera some way, or accept that you're going to be stuck with an extreme wide shot. An out-of-control picture that looks like it's in the middle a hurricane can make your viewer sick, and his eye tends to concentrate on the frame edge rather than the subject m…
To View This Article
Start Your Free Trial Plus Membership
Why Become a Plus Member?
As a Plus Member, you'll enjoy:
- Exclusive access to 1,000s of articles, tips, and videos
- Unlimited access to Videomaker Tips & Tricks video series
- Special contests and monthly drawings
- Members only eLetters
- Early online access to the current issue of Videomaker Magazine
- Members only discounts on Videomaker merchandise and more
- Priority status at Videomaker events
- The Expert Hotline: direct email access to our editors. Get answers to questions about any video subject
