37
E
Mastering
the Basics
Picture angle
Camcorder moves
Close-up
Instead of zooming while recording, try
to choose your picture angle before you
begin. A good way to tell a story with
video is to begin with a long shot that
establishes the situation, and then move
in with medium shots and close-ups to
show the details. Remember to change
your viewpoint for each shot.
Remember that any camcorder
movement or change in picture angle
should have a definite purpose. Avoid
unnecessary or half-hearted
movements.
Use pans to record a landscape or
follow a moving subject. Decide the
area you want to cover and stand facing
the end of your panning angle. Without
moving your feet, turn your waist to the
starting position. Start recording, and
after a few seconds begin to turn slowly
from the waist. Hold the final image for
a few seconds before you stop
recording.
Tilt the camcorder up to exaggerate the
height of the subject. Tilt down from
the top of a building, for example, as an
introduction to subjects at the bottom.
Long shot
Medium shot
Pan
Tilt
