How to Develop Basic Videography Techniques

Whether your goal is to be a videographer or a cinematographer, developing camera skills through practice will put you on the right path. Learning camera movements and terminology is essential.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera
• Actors
• Tripod

1. Learn and conceptualize the cameras field of view. Field of view is measured by the cameras focal point. This means the shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view.

2. Practice basic camera shots. Each film you watch contains the basic shots: close-up, medium shot, long shot and extreme close-up. These shots introduce the viewer to various levels of intensity.

3. Know the basic camera moves. In panning, the camera is stationary and rotates horizontally. In a tracking shot, the camera is on a track and following the action. In tilting, the camera is stationary and rotates vertically.

4. Create thirty second scenes with movement and no dialogue. Practice different camera shots and movements. Have the actors move fast, slow and jump. This will help develop timing and accuracy.