Hot Cinematography Posts
How To: Use camera stabilization equipment
In this episode, we dive into the expensive, or, at the least, tedious realm of camera stabilization equipment. This ranges from the all-powerful, all-knowing fluid tripod head, to the much used and often abused dolly. We don't own and operate an actual Steadicam or a jib or a crane, but hey, we'll mention them, too.
How To: Create a simulated shallow depth of field
60 Second Filmmaking Lessons explains how to create a simulated shallow depth of field when shooting video, podcasts, or photography.
How To: Make your own track dolly
Build a track dolly for about £80. This is great for getting professional dolly shots when making your own films.
How To: Film in a moving vehicle
Jennifer demonstrates an in car video camera techniques by showing different ways to shoot video from a moving vehicle.
How To: Use deceptive shooting by crunching the depth of field
Mark and Andrew demonstrate how to crunch the depth of field to achieve two camera tricks. By crunching the field of view it makes the action closer than it really is. Often used when filming fight scenes or being "hit by a car" scene.
How To: Shoot better hand-held footage with your video camera
Jennifer gives Melissa, a beginning videographer, some pointers on shooting better hand-held footage.
How To: Shoot sunrise or sunsets on video
It's very hard to capture a sunrise on camera. Yes, you can get a general feeling from a single shot: the hazy, blue-orange rays of light peeking through the clouds in a sunrise or the crimson red streaks of sun dappling darkening skies in a sunset. But to truly capture a sunset or a sunrise, you have to experience them.
How To: Create different shot types with your video camera
Issac explains what different shot types are: from the establishing shot to the extreme close up, and how they can be used to enhance your videos.
How To: Shoot landscapes on film
John talks about some techniques that are used to capture vast landscapes in a small frame.
How To: Stabilize your video filming with a wheelchair
Issac shows another way to create better-looking videos using a wheelchair and a friend to create steady shots.
How To: Use a "pan" and "tilt" when filming
Issac demonstrates what a "pan" and a "tilt" are and how they can improve the quality of the shots in your videos.
How To: Avoid making the 7 biggest mistakes in camera work
Videomaker demonstrates the 7 biggest mistakes made when shooting video and how to avoid them.
How To: Shoot underwater video
Here's a short tip from Videomaker magazine on how to shoot underwater video without having to purchase that expensive underwater housing. Go get wet!
How To: Use the "180 degree rule" in filming
Also known as the Line of Action, the 180 Degree Rule is an important fundamental to communicating the action through careful camera positioning. Jennifer O'Rourke walks us through it.
How To: Steady your video camera
Isaac gives some helpful tips on keeping your camcorder steady.
How To: Make a video camera stabilizer
This is sort of like a homemade steadicam without the harness and everything that makes it keep the camera straight. This is kinda just a stick you attach to the camera.
How To: Make a underwater video housing
Make a underwater video housing for less than $20.
How To: Install a vario-switar 16-100m lens battery
Watch this video to learn how to change the power zoom battery in this legendary Bolex camera lens.
How To: Create a zero budget plank camera
We love these guys because they do it for the love of it. How can you get those smooth tracking shots that glide over obstacles without track, steadycam, jib or all those other expensive pieces of equipment? Find a plank!
How To: Build a camera jib crane
In this DIY video, we show you how we built our camera crane. This was all done with a table saw, drill and hack saw.
How To: Build a radio controlled camera pod
Watch this video to learn how to make a radio controlled camera rig that can tilt and pan like an expensive security camera. This is an amazing tool for movie making! Stick to your budget.
How To: Make a hand held jib
How to build a hand held jib out of easily obtained materials from a building supply store to make more interesting videos.
How To: Shoot great video with pantyhose or a door stop
Here are 5 great little tips for anyone who has a camcorder. Cheap too, less than $10 for all 5! Have fun making videos!
How To: Build a $25 camera crane
The guys at Indy Mogul show you the Camera Crane (turbo mini jib) that ANYONE can afford! Attach it to your tripod and that good looking girl in your English class might mistake you for George Lucas...not sure if that'll help your chances with her, though.
How To: Operate a steadicam
A steadicam can mean the difference between a professional and steady wide shot of Victorian era London or a wobbly, user-generated content-esque portrayal of some old lamps and streets. Having control over how your camera moves is so vital to good film production.
How To: Build a cheap camera jib arm
Movies take us places we've never been before, and a big tool that has contributed to that age-old phrase "movie magic" is the camera jib arm. Kind of like a camera extendeder, the jib arm is like a rotating crane that you can place your camera on top of.
How To: Protect your moviemaking equipment from rain
Andrew Burke from Videomaker magazine gives some advice for protecting your equipment while shooting in the rain.
How To: Get proper camera angles and moving shots
In this video series, professional filmmaker Kevin Lindenmuth gives you expert advice on how to use camera moves and camera angles to make a powerful, dynamic visual narrative.
How To: Use video filters
This is certainly not all-encompassing, nor is it very complex. It’s a simple before and after demonstration of different video filters. It does tell you what each filter does and how it works so you'll know when to use it. Check out Israel's tutorials for lots of great tips and ideas! Use video filters.
How To: Use exposure when shooting videos
Have you ever found your video images over-exposed? Or under-exposed?
How To: Use F-Stop when shooting videos
Not sure what F-Stop is? Israel Hyman's tutorial goes over the details of what an F-Stop is and how it works. This will also answer some questions you may have regarding both exposure and depth-of-field.
How To: Use lines to create a more interesting image
This Israel Hyman's video demonstrates how using lines can create a more interesting image. This technique is an easy one to learn, and it’s one you can immediately use whether you’re shooting home or formal video. The principles of cinematography are universal.
How To: Focus video image using blur
You can use a Gaussian Blur in a number of ways, but Israel Hyman's purpose in this video podcast is simply to expose you to some new possibilities. It’s a brief Izzy Video because he's just throwing out some ideas. In the future, he’ll show how to create the effect.
How To: Capture better color when shooting videos
One challenge in shooting miniDV video is capturing good color. 3-chip cameras are way better than 1-chip cameras but they are also more expensive. No matter what type you have, remember lighting is still important. In this video Israel Hyman shows you how to capture better color with your camcorder.
How To: Create dolly shots
This video is all about creating dolly shots. If you have ever wondered about how to use and control this type of shot, then let Israel Hyman show you. This is a great alternative to zooming in and out which is unnatural for our eyes.
How To: Synchronize timecode for a multi-camera shoot
Matt, the Shirtless Apprentice, gives us some quick tips on how to sync timecode for multi-camera footage. He shows you how to sync multi-camera footage using cameras that support free run and cameras that don't.
How To: Assemble and shoot with a jib
Matt gets jibby with it! The Shirtless Apprentice teaches you how to assemble, adjust, and use a junior jib on your next film shoot.
How To: Shoot a dolly zoom shot
The dolly zoom shot is also known as the Vertigo Effect in filming. It's that dizzying, slightly unstable camera effect you see in shows like "Glee" and sometimes "The Office." It creates audience confusion, thus forcing them to keep watching in interest.
How To: Shoot b-roll footage
In this episode of The Shirtless Apprentice, Matt is on location to discuss some more tips for shooting internet video, specifically directed towards capturing B-Roll. Take a look at our links section for more shooting tips!
How To: Build a snorricam for a cool camera effect
If you've seen Requiem for a Dream, you've seen the snorricam effect - the camera is worn around the actor's waist and as the actor moves it creates a wild camera effect. The guys at Indy Mogul show you how to build your own snorricam.