Brooks Reid
Air Time Design Productions
Q: Which camera should I use?
A: Whether you plan on a feature film release or a web site video, the quality of your image is your most important first step. Betacam SP has been the standard of the video industry for over 15 years but the newer digital cameras are changing all that. DV and consumer video cameras do not have the professional features that most videographers require but are sometimes preferred because of small size, lightweight and the ability to look inconspicuous. Always shoot with the highest quality camera you can find. Don’t think that the final product is VHS so you don’t need to use an expensive camera. Film cameras are very good but remember all your film footage will have to be processed and transferred to video before you can edit and this significantly adds to the production cost.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Avoid high contrasting colors. Pastels and mid tones work best for video. Bright reds, highly saturated and bright colors are the worst. Stay away from white and black and choose a color that works well with your background. If your background is white don’t wear white, choose a contrasting pastel or mid tone color that works well with your background. Most importantly stay away from busy prints and patterns. A Houndstooth coat or intricate patterns like tight stripes or small checks cause video to vibrate. Simple patterns of pastel colors are fine. Finally, White and Black do not make good background colors. Greys, Blues, and midtones work best.
Q: How much light is enough?
A: Most newer cameras can capture a good image even in low light but light is very important. Too much light will wash out your image. Too little light will and your face will be over shadowed. The secret to good facial lighting is modeling. Soft indirect large lights work best. Use the shadows to enhance your lighting. Avoid flat lighting. Let your light wrap the face and reveal the curvatures. If you don’t have professional lighting, try a shaded lamp or a Chinese Lantern placed in front and slightly to the side of the subject. Don’t forget to loose the shine. A little powder on the nose or a bald spot helps a lot. For the best image consider hiring a professional. If that is not an option take a little time to test the lighting and make adjustments to get the most flattering image
Q: What is the best camera angle?
A: The camera should directly in front of you or slightly to the side. Be sure to use a tripod. Keeping the camera still is imperative and always try to limit your movement on camera. The height of the camera should be slightly above eye level. Set the camera viewing area so the subject is visible from the chest to the top of the head. If there is a zoom lens on the camera set the camera further back and zoom in. This will create less "depth of feild", soften up the background and bring the subject out. Another reason to pull the camera back and zoom in is setting the camera close and wide makes the subject look heavier
Q: What about sound?
A: Recording good high quality sound is a must. If the audio is bad no one will know what you are saying and other noises will detract from your message. If possible plug in a good quality external microphone. There are two problems with the "built in" microphones on video cameras. First, they are usually not the best quality and second the mic is on the camera. This means mechanical noise from the camera and additional noise from all the room. The best solution is to place the mic as close to the subject as possible. A clip-on lavalier mic or a shotgun mic on a stand in front or overhead is the best. Don’t forget to try and reduce any background noise. Pick an area that is quiet and doesn’t have hard surfaces such as tiled floors or glass doors.
