Hot Cinematography How-Tos

How To: See through people's clothes with a video camera

This video tutorial teaches you how to see through clothes using a blank roll of film and any video camera that has night vision. You won't see people completely naked, but you can see undergarments and the "shape" beneath...If your imagination just isn't cutting it anymore, check out this how-to video and start getting a peak at people in a slightly less clothed state.

How To: Use a piece of developed film and a camera to see through clothes

The ability to see through clothing has been pursued by voyeurs for millenia, and today with the help of cheap video cameras we are closer than ever. This video will show you how to use a piece of blank developed film and IR to see through different types of shirts and other clothing. It also covers the effects of different colors and fabrics on the technique's effectiveness.

How To: Frame and compose a shot for film

What makes a good movie good is that it is both aesthetically pleasing and has an interesting point/plot. This video runs you through how to make it visually effective, stressing how you frame and compose a shot. While the Rule of Thirds is forever a great way to make shots interesting, there are other ways you can set up a shot.

How To: Make a Lightweight Body-Mount Rig for Filming Unique Front & OTS Shots

Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out, according to director Martin Scorsese, who asserted that when describing his life's work. Getting the perfect shot can turn an otherwise ordinary scene into something great, both on and off screen.

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.

How To: Use an external monitor with a camcorder

In this video from lunawebs we learn how to use an external monitor with a camcorder. The best way is to use an HDTV and use your HDMI output on the TV. The sound can also come through the monitor if you have a headphone port on the monitor. If you want to go outdoors, it will be more of a challenge. If you do not have an HDMI out on your camera, there is a component you can use. Composite AV outs are cheaper when it comes to monitors and camcorders. If you have a composite monitor, assign th...

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: Make a low-budget steadicam from cast iron or lightweight PVC for under $30

Forget expensive steadicams! Save money on your film budget and make a DIY steadicam that's almost as effective as the real deal. Chappy shows you how to make one for only 30 bucks! You can make this steadycam with parts from your local sporting goods or hardware store.

How To: Export your stop motion films with iKITMovie

iKITMovie is stop motion animation software for PC's running Windows XP or Vista. All you need is a computer and a USB webcam or USB streaming camcorder and you are ready to make your own brickfilms or clay animation (claymation) movies. If you wish, you can simply import your JPG images (640x480) that you have already taken with your camcorder or digital still camera for simple editing.

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: Create a DIY Camera Rig (Ultrapod)

This video is going to teach you how to create a video handheld rig that will help stabilize your videos

How To: Make an easy and inexpensive DiY camera dolly out of PVC pipe

This is an easy and simple dolly you can make with just a few lengths of PVC pipe and some wheels taken from a pair of Rollerblades. You'll also need a few pieces of hardware to attach it, like screws.

How To: Shoot low angle moving shots from ground level with a video camera

Low angle shots are a great way to evoke a sense of panic in movies, but if you're trying to get good quality shots from ground level with just your hands, then it's not going to work. The video footage will be all shaky, unless that's another look you're wanting to achieve in your film. If you want steady, fast-tracking low angle footage, then Ritwika has a great trick on taking those ground level moving camera shots. You'll need a monopod, water bottle (with water), 2 rubber bands and your ...

How To: Set up and light a blue/green screen for filming

You will see a great way to light and set up a blue/green screen for your next video. There are a lot of tips that will come in handy if you want to film on a blue/green screen and don't want to pay outrageous fees to do so. The key in setting up is to block out all outside sources of light so you have just the desired amount of lighting coming just from your own sources and also setting up the screen and stretching it out as tight as possible so you won't see any creases or snags in the mate...

How To: Balance and fly a Canon 5D Mark II on a Steadicam

One of the great innovations of Canon's DSLR technology is the relatively inexpensive ability it gives to any filmmaker to make professional quality video. This video is a great demonstration of a Glidecam and Steadicam mod designed to carry the Canon 5D Mark II and give any image a slick, professional look.

How To: Use a Steadicam Pilot

In this humorously presented video tutorial, you'll learn how to operate the Steadicam Pilot. When you know what you're doing, the Steadicam can give you incredible, pro-quality shots. The Pilot makes the rig even more flexible, and it's surprisingly simple to use.

How To: Make polarization filter from 3D Glasses and lens cap

If you're a serious film buff then these glasses will totally give you a cinemagasm. This polarization filter uses a pair of 3D glasses as a base and combines the glasses with a lens cap to reduce glare and any reflections that could tamper with your viewing experience.

How To: Use the JVC GY-DV5100U professional camcorder

Check out this cinematography tutorial video that demonstrates how to use the GY-DV5100U Professional DV Camcorder. JVC has upgraded the camera's features and digital processing circuits to meet the requirements of a growing number of broadcasters looking for cost effective alternatives to the over-priced tapeless solutions of other manufacturers. This video is great for cinematographers and filmmaking aficionados alike. Learn all the functions and settings on the GY-DV5100U with this instruc...

How To: Make your own steadicam

Steadicams are mounts used in film making that helps the cameraman capture smooth shots independent of his body's movements. Unfortunately, this equipment can be very costly. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to make your own steadicam for approximately 9.50 pounds.

How To: Build your own ten foot long camera dolly track

Need some smooth pan shots for your indie film? How about a cool dolly zoom effect? Well, you don't need to be a professional filmmaker to use such a device, but you do need the money for the gear. But—if you can work your way around the workshop, you can probably build your own camera dolly and track just fine. And for under $100! This video shows you how to build your own DIY dolly and dolly track, and all you need are the parts listed below. Then you just need to learn the art of the dolly...

How To: Get a Professional Audiovisual Look for Your Videos with Low Budget

This video has some tips how to make your youtube videos quality better. It is great for someone who has an entry level dslr or a mirrorless camera in their house, but don't have a microphone. I will give you tips on lens settings and a great diy audio tip.

How To: Set Up an SJ4000 to Take Timelapse Pictures

This video teaches you how to setup a SJ4000 to take timelapse photos.

How To: Create a DIY Studio Light Equivalent to 800 Watts at 5000k

This video is going to teach you how to create a DIY studio light that is the equivalent to 800 watts at 5000k

How To: Create a Detachable DIY DSLR PVC Shoulder Rig

This video is going to teach you how to Create a DETACHABLE DIY Pvc Shoulder Rig Video: .

How To: Get Great Bokeh for Videos and Photos Using Christmas Lights

So what is Bokeh? Well, the word comes from the Japanese term "boke" (bo-keh) which means fuzziness. Bokeh describes the character of the blur in an image, but is often used specifically to refer to points of light rendered as fuzzy circles. These "circles of confusion" come from points of light not being perfectly focused. You know when you're taking a picture of your friend at night, and the lights in the background go fuzzy? That's it! Having a beautifully blurred background can help focus...

Your Brain on Music: How to Turn an MRI Scan into a Music Video

Ever wonder what your brain looks like while you're singing? No? Neither had I, but as this music video for the song "Better Man Than He" by SiVU (aka James Page) will show you, the answer is "pretty cool."

How To: Film Using DSLR at Low Light

Filming in low light is not easy, its tricky and challenging, but if you know the proper ways to set your DSLR camera even if you have the most ordinary lenses you can still capture great videos with less noise. So here are some settings and samples in Filming with your DSLR in Low light.

How To: Take Time-Lapse Photography on a Digital SLR with a Timer Remote (For Beginners)

This tutorial is for complete beginners to time-lapse photography and will show you all the settings and equipment you'll need to start taking time-lapse videos with a DSLR camera relatively cheaply. Although this tutorial focuses on the Canon 7D, the steps outlined and equipment discussed also applies to other models available on the market.

How To: Configure a 3D camera rig with the proper interaxial distance and parameters

3D video capture isn't just for the Hollywood film makers, but it does take a bit of knowledge to set-up and configure. In this two part video series, the guide provides you with tips and information that will help you learn how to use your 3D camera rig and correctly adjust your parameters.

How To: Build a 3D camera rig for recording and shooting 3D videos and films

This guide goes over the basics of 3D video recording and the mechanics behind it before delving into something a little more specific. The host discusses how to build a rig that allows for adjustments to be easily made to the interaxial distance and convergence of the two cameras.

How To: Mount a 1080p camera on a helmet for less than $70

Looking for a way to record what you see from your motorcycle? Check out this video and learn how to mount a 1080p HD camera in a motocross helmet. Capture awesome high quality video of your rides with this 1080p helmet cam mount.

How To: Build a car rig camera mount for cheap

If you're a filmmaker with bigger ideas than your budget, Indy Mogul is here to help with Backyard FX. Learn how to build a camera mount for a car that costs less than 40 dollars. Using suctions cups, you can rig a camera on the front of a car.

How To: Make a simple low budget camera mount for film

If you are interested in low-budget filmmaking, this video will show you a clever way to construct a camera mount. Instead of spending money on a tripod or camera mount, pick up a few materials from a hardware store and make your own.

How To: Turn a tripod into a free body mounted camera rig

Start with a basic tripod, and then follow this DiY tutorial which shows you how to construct a body mounted camera rig. Why spend hundreds of dollars on one, when it's so easy to just construct one for yourself at home?

How To: Shoot like a pro as a newcomer to digital video

Learn the basics of shooting videos in this video. This funny and informative video from Vimeo's excellent Video 101 series of tutorials demonstrates the importance of things like always carrying extra batteries, holding on to the subject for at least 5 seconds, using the rule of thirds to compose the shots, and planning the shots ahead of time.

How To: Use a Superclamp and articulated arm for camera support

This system won't replace the need for a tripod entirely, but it's a great way to use both a superclamp and an articulated arm to give you a little extra camera support if you can't use a tripod for a particular shot.

How To: Set up the lighting and camera angles for a music video shot

This tutorial shows you how to set up a very stylized shot that's ideal for shooting music videos. Choose and set up the right kinds of lighting setups, and then make sure you get just the right camera angle for your project.

How To: Design your shot setup to make it look more like film

The equipment only does about half the work when it comes to making your shot really stand out - the other half is setting up your shot just so. This is a quick video that gives you some good tips for making your shot look amazing, no matter what you're filming with.

How To: Troubleshoot your Arriflex S camera

Will your camera refuse to run? Is your viewfinder just one blank screen? This video takes some common problems users might experience when trying to film with the Arriflex S camera, and shows you some easy and quick solutions for all of them.