Chicago videographer experts know that recording events can be quite fun when you know what you’re doing. This article is meant to give you the tools to have some fun shooting as well. So let’s say you’re sitting at home enjoying yourself when you get a phone call from one of your good friends, who happen to need a Chicago videographer for a mini-production…tomorrow. Although you’re unable to get your crew together in time, you feel you can wing it on your own.
If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, it’s a good idea to be prepared and stay organized. Here are some basic video production tips to keep in mind…or better yet, written on a notepad close by:
Stick to Your Mission
It’s always good to have a goal and a plan – what is it that you’re trying to capture? If you’re unable to clearly state what you’re trying to shoot, you need to rethink your goals. Try putting your goal into one sentence, for instance – “I am going to show how baby birds are hatched”. Keep in mind how you’re going to use your Chicago videographer skills to reach this goal.
Get Your Gear Together
One of these video production skills is to make sure that you bring along all of the gear you’ll need for the production. Have a checklist of everything you need to ensure that everything is there before you leave. You should also double check the equipment to make sure everything is working properly. If anything needs to be charged, do it right away or bring the charged along with you. As far as your audio equipment goes, what sound will you need to capture? Will you need to be extra mobile in order to move around a lot? If so, you’ll need plenty of battery power.
Ensure Proper Lighting is Available
What lighting is needed for the project? What time of day will this be shot? Do you know the layout, so that you can have the proper illumination equipment for the shoot?
Now, check the space and see if it’s mainly lit up by tungsten lighting or sunlight pouring through the windows? You should go with the strongest source of light – move the subject and platform closer to the lighting if necessary, but never in front of it. Otherwise, if you have an automatic iris on the camera, it will darken the subject to compensate for the background light.
On the other hand, if you’ll be shooting outdoors, remember that harsh shadows are created by midday sunlight. Move the location to the shade where the contrasting isn’t the greatest, but the lighting is a lot friendlier. To better light the dark side of your subject, try rigging a bounce card – it is a great way to supplement direct sunlight.
Shooting videos, whether small, large, planned or unplanned – you have to be prepared. Being a Chicago videographer is like being a camera man for a journalist, you’re always on a mission to capture images on film. At anytime, you could be called to duty, so make sure you’re prepared!
For help using video production, contact Video One Productions today!
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