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Videography in Lancaster PA – Useful Tips

You don’t necessarily need high-end equipment to make a great video. Once you learn and understand the fundamentals, you can capture some great shots. In this article, we’ll be giving you some useful bits of information that will help you capture amazing videos. So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump right into it

Getting the Right Equipment

In our modern times, almost anyone can easily get access to a smartphone. If you can get a camera, this is a great option. When shooting with a smartphone, there are certain things you should keep in mind.

First of all, never use the front camera. Always use the camera at the back in order to get better footage quality. If available on your smartphone, activate your screen’s overlay grid. This helps you keep your phone at the right angle. 

Also avoid shooting in portrait mode (vertically). Rather shoot in landscape mode (horizontally). If you can afford it, consider getting a gimbal for your camera. This will help you keep the phone a bit steadier when doing handheld shots. You can also get an external mic for enhanced audio quality.

man using black professional camera

Use a Simple Background

When filming, it is important that you improve the background as much as possible. If you wish, you can use a solid-coloured background. The important thing here is to remove any objects that will take people’s attention off your main subject. Click here to learn more.

Note: In some cases, a cluttered background may actually be required.

Lighting Matters

Every professional videographer knows that lighting is key when shooting. When filming, do your best to be deliberate about your light setup. Carefully go through the amount of light you will need, where you will place it, and the type of light needed. When working with natural light, do your best to make that light work with your video. Your lighting arrangement depends on what exactly you are trying to achieve.

Carefully Plan Your Filming

If you are shooting a short film or a music video, for instance, you have the opportunity to plan everything out. By arranging the sequence of your scenes by sequence in your head, you have a guide to follow when you are shooting. It also helps you decide what equipment will be needed. For instance, if you have more than one camera, you can decide beforehand which will be best for the project. 

Planning ahead of time definitely comes in handy especially when filming events like weddings. However, there are some other things you should always bear in mind if you intend to build a reputation for high-quality videography in Lancaster PA such that even pros will give you thumbs up regardless of how limited your equipment may be.

For example, ensure that you properly memorize the entire wedding program and prepare a list of all the moments that you will be shooting. As you probably already know, there are different styles of wedding videography. Try your best to stick to one in particular. Also ensure that the style you choose fits the event.

Be Wary Of Shaky Shots

If you are moving or panning the camera around, it is important that you try as much as you can to make the footage steady. If your video is shaky, it makes it look like amateur work. You can use a tripod to help you keep the camera steady. Also try as much as possible to avoid shaking the camera once it has been set up.

Try to Make Your Composition Better

Even if you use top-of-the-line equipment, professional videographers can spot amateur work almost immediately. Most times, this is because the video lacks proper composition and framing. Videography isn’t just point and shoot. You also have to carefully change the frame of your camera and properly align the visual elements in order to create a more beautiful scene. Visit https://motionarray.com/learn/filmmaking/shot-composition-framing-rules/ to learn more on this.

man walking under the bridge

Use Cinematic Techniques 

By applying some cinematography techniques in your shooting, you can greatly enhance the quality and professionality of the video. Doing this also helps keep the audience interested and improves your skills as a videographer. The techniques you’ll apply depends on your creativity and what result you want.

Conclusion

By following these simple but effective steps, you can significantly improve your videography. They may not seem like much, but these are some of the fundamental things that professionals keep in mind when shooting. As we said before, you don’t really need expensive equipment to get great results. You can create amazing videos with a simple smartphone.