Home Video Hints: Sharp Shootin'
As a casual camcorder user, you don't want a whole film school curriculum, for cryin' out loud; but maybe you wouldn't mind some painless pointers for better home videos. (Pay no attention to that cheering in the background; it's only the people who have to watch your videos.) The good news is, you can make dramatic improvements in your programs just by following three very simple suggestions:
1. Avoid the dreaded Seven Deadly Camera Sins.
2. Spruce up each shot by making it a good composition.
3. Capture enough footage to allow simple, effective editing.
To be sure, each of these prescriptions has several healthful ingredients, so let's take a look at what they are and how they can help you. First, we'll look at what not to do, and then at what you should do.
The Seven Deadly Camera Sins
You remember that ancient wheeze: PATIENT (rotating his arm), "Doc, it hurts when I do this. What do you prescribe?" DOCTOR: "Don't do that." Exactly! You'll improve your footage immensely if you simply don't do any of the following.…
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