Tips for non-professional camera operators

How to Provide Usable Footage to a Video Production Company

Many businesses have access to basic video equipment or smartphones capable of capturing high-quality footage. Occasionally, clients choose to contribute their own video content to supplement a project, whether an in-house team member or a hired videographer captures it.

This approach can be a great way to add unique, personal elements to a video production. However, if the footage is not shot with a few key principles in mind, it can be difficult to integrate with professionally captured material. To help you get the best results, we’ve compiled a set of practical tips for non-professional camera operators. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the footage you supply is usable, visually appealing, and consistent with the rest of the project.

General Settings

• Record in 4K: Always use the highest resolution your device supports. Recording in 4K ensures flexibility in editing and maintains a professional standard.
• Always Record in Landscape Mode: Videos recorded in portrait mode are unsuitable for most professional projects. Landscape mode aligns with industry standards and looks more polished.

 

Camera Stability

• Keep the Camera Stable: Use a tripod or stabilize the camera with both hands. Shaky footage can be distracting and is often difficult to fix in post-production.
• Minimize Movement: Resist the temptation to pan or zoom during recording. Instead, focus on framing a strong shot and keeping the camera steady.

Framing and Lighting

• Frame Thoughtfully: When filming people, position their faces in the upper third of the frame and avoid leaving too much empty space above their heads.
• Avoid Shooting Into Light: Ensure the primary light source is behind you to avoid silhouetted subjects or washed-out footage.
• Capture a Range of Shots: Gather a mix of wide shots for context, medium shots for group interactions, and close-ups for details or individual expressions. This variety will give the editor plenty of options to work with.

Shot Timing

• Hold Each Shot for 5-10 Seconds: Let the action unfold naturally within the frame. After holding the shot for a sufficient duration, stop recording and reframe for your next shot.

Storytelling and Content

• Tell a Story with Your Footage: Consider what will help convey the narrative or purpose of the project. Capture establishing shots of the location, key moments of action, and relevant details such as signage or branding.
• Focus on Dynamic Moments: Look for engaging, authentic interactions—people smiling, collaborating, or actively participating in the event or activity.

Event-Specific Tips

• Don’t Record Full Speeches: Unless requested, there’s no need to film entire speeches. Instead, focus on capturing a variety of complementary shots, such as the speaker from different angles, audience reactions, and wider room views.

File Delivery

• Provide Original Files: Avoid compressing your video files before sending them to us. Deliver them in their original format to preserve the best possible quality.

Final Reminder

Ultimately, simplicity is key. A well-framed, steady shot will always appear more professional and be easier to work with than footage that involves excessive movement or zooming. Take your time to set up each shot, and don’t rush the process.

By following these tips, you’ll help ensure your footage looks polished and integrates seamlessly with the professional content we produce. Not only will this save time during editing, but it will also elevate the final video’s overall quality and impact. Your contribution is invaluable, and these small efforts go a long way in creating a successful project.