31
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
