Taking amazing photos and videos is more than just getting behind a DSLR, as many do not explore the full artistic range of the device. Mostly set to auto, the video is usually only as good as the camera, and may look startlingly similar. However, if you want to become a cinematographer, you need to know that you need to do more to capture a stellar video.
Cinematography requires not just a device that captures the scene around, but a mind that can look beyond the usual. Choosing the right shooting techniques is what will set your video apart from the rest. And if you are looking to up your game and create stunning footage, it is crucial to keep a few things in mind.
So if you are looking to tell a story using visuals, here are a few golden rules that you should follow. The cinematography is more than just about what you do behind the camera; it is all about post-shoot editing as well.
Here is how you can enhance your cinematographic skills as well as use the InVideo.io to help you get professional-looking videos:
1.Start Exploring the Manual-Mode in Your DSLR
To truly become a professional, the first thing to do is to start exploring more of your DSLR. Get yourself acquainted with its functions to understand the use of aperture, focus, zoom, and others to improve your camera work.
Additionally, there are in-built features in the camera that can help enhance your visuals and need to be at the back of your mind whenever you are shooting.
2.Choose the Right Locations and Frames
An excellent cinematographer is not just someone who knows how to capture the moment last minute, but also one who prepares and plans. To get the best shooting experience, it is essential to know the location and select the best frames to add value to your storytelling.
Locations can add depth to the story, and getting the right background will add massive value to your storytelling. So when you start filming, explore the site to get the best lighting and visual angles that will make your work look natural. Plan your shoots well in advance, so you know what to expect from the location.
3.Know the Rule of Thirds
One of the most used photography and cinematography technique; the rule of thirds is all about helping you select the right frame to add visual appeal to your shots. To get this, add two evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines to your frame.
This should divide your frame into nine frames of 1/3. Now, place the object or character of interest between the intersecting lines at the center, but not dead center.
This may seem complicated at the start, but you do not need your geometry kit for your shoots. Let it come naturally and start visualizing the rule of thirds rather than being too picky. After a few tries, you’ll begin to get the hang of it!
4.Use Point-of-view (POV) Shots for Enhanced Effect
There are times when you need to tell the story from the main character’s perspective, and this will, at times, require you to use the POV technique. POV helps the viewer understand the visuals from the character’s viewpoint and adds significant value when used effectively.
While many have used POV throughout a short video, add some drama by using it with other visual techniques to add the right effect.
5.Know When to Zoom In and Out
Zooming into a frame isn’t just about capturing something distant, e.g., for taking a video of birds or wildlife. The zoom technique can add a lot of drama to your video and enhance the story.
For example, when you want to show emotions of a particular character, zoom in on his or her face to add value and let the audience know what to look at.
Additionally, there are several techniques to zoom in or add focus. Knowing when to focus on whom and how is what cinematography skills are all about. The camera should even pan out and give an overall view when the setting is right for providing the audience with a complete perspective.
6.Understand Camera Angles and Lighting
The camera angle and the way it is positioned is critical when capturing a video or photo. A high-angle view or extreme long shot provides perspective to the audience and is typically used to introduce a new location or scene transition.
Meanwhile, a low-angle shot will make the object look significant and prominent, so it is all about using it to add value to the story.
More than the camera angle, the lighting is crucial too. Although you may have great ideas in your mind, the light will be a critical factor in achieving the ideal image. Experiment with artificial and natural lighting to know how to use the right techniques at the right time.
7.Edit and Publish Only the Best of Your Footage
Finally, cinematographers don’t just capture amazing visuals; they also know which ones work and don’t. In most of the movies or visually-appealing videos that you watch, there is a tremendous amount of post-editing that goes in to generate the right output.
This won’t just be adding enhancements or filters to the shots, but also editing out unwanted footage that doesn’t add value.
The attention span of the audiences today is very minute, and it is easy for them to get distracted or move on to another video if they are not hooked from the get-go.
To make sure your videos have the right appeal, edit it to be crisp and professional. This way, your video length will be short, and you can dive-in right from the beginning.
Conclusion
So if you are looking to publish a video online, we suggest you give an online video editor a try. This will help you add a killer intro to get the audience hooked, while you can easily add enhancements to make the video experience a lot better. Explore some of the free tools available online and know what is the best free youtube video editor for your needs.
