THE GUIDE
part 12: shot selection
Feeling ready to start shooting?
Great! But, before you load up your smartphone with some of the gear you've invested in, let’s go over some of the most basic video making skills. We'll start with, shot selection, then cover angles, lighting, audio, and editing.
To start, watch this great video by Wistia that will run down "10 BASICS of Shooting with an iPhone." It should give you a broad overview before we dig deeper throughout the manual.
Some basic tips for shot slection...
Shot composition and framing go a long way in illustrating a theme or mood. Make deliberate stylistic choices. Remember, diversity in shot selection and angles keeps the viewers engaged and tells a clearer story. (Close Ups emphasize intensity while wide shots are more relaxed.) Filmmaker Caleb Pike has a short and simple video that lends excellent advice and detail on framing your shot.
Click the button to explore an in-depth appendix on shot selection and framing.
Three Basic Filming Techniques
žThese scenarios will help you gain more clarity for your shot and can be added to the descriptions in your "shot list," which we will discuss later.
Use any type of tripod to help stabilize your shot.
The subject moves & the camera is still.
#1
Utilize one of the hand held stabilizers suggested earlier in the add-ons appendix. The Steadicam and the Mobislider can help a moving shot.
The camera moves & the subject is still.
#2
Both the subject and the camera move.
#3
What if both the subject and the camera are not moving?
I think that's called a photograph.
DO NOT RELY ON YOUR HANDS AND LEGS WHEN TRYING TO CAPTURE MOVING SHOTS
If you want to walk with the camera in your hand and you cannot afford the steadicam smoothee, use your Joby Grip Tight as a handle and grasp the three legs together. Or, get in a wheel chair with your cell phone and have another person gently push you. Millions of low budget filmmakers have come before you have done far more with far less!