How to Shoot Great Family Video's

I'm a professional freelance cameraman, I shoot television shows for the Food Network, HGTV, DIY, GAC and so on...I'm often asked for advice on how to shoot family video so I thought I would tell the world a few of my skills.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Video camera

1. Shoot everything wide, meaning never use the zoom unless you have no other option! Home video's usually start to go south when the cameraman or woman starts zooming in and out.

2. Hold the camera comfortably in your hand to keep it steady, the purpose of keeping it wide and no zooming is the best way to catch the fun and action without the images shaking all over the place.

3. Set the camera to Auto...everything...focus, iris...You're not a professional and these are thing you don't need to worry about.

4. Have fun, Walk up to your subjects with the camera "in their face" maybe not that close all the time...I would go a couple of feet from your subjects...try to make sure you get everyone there, don't want any hurt feelings

Tips & Warnings

• Turn the camera around and shoot yourself, don't want to be left out.
• Problem is once you do it this way your videos will come out wonderful and fun so on every family function they will expect you to shoot it...

[juliemcmurchie]

on 5/18/2009 Good tips on shooting great family videos. Thanks.