Tips on capturing video

Some of you might choose to create a short video clip of the minority who is featured in your profile. The video is an OPTIONAL component of the minority profile writing assignment.

REPEAT: The video is optional. It does NOT replace the required minority profile writing assignment.

But if you do choose to create a short video of your minority interviewee (and then post it on YouTube and email the link to me) strive for QUALITY OF PICTURE AND SOUND.

Nothing’s worse than a video that viewers have trouble seeing or hearing.

Here are a few quick tips on shooting video:

1. Get in close, VERY CLOSE, to the person you are filming. This is so we all can see and hear him/her clearly when we play your video in class.

2. Hold your camera (or smart phone) steady. Make a tripod with your hands/arms to steady yourself while you shoot. Or steady yourself, your hands (and your camera) against a solid object while you shoot.

2 a. Very important to frame the shot carefully before you press the Record button to start shooting. Frame your interviewee—very closeup is best! Then freeze solid. Then press the Record button.

3. It’s okay for you (the interviewer) to talk a little, but refrain from talking or interrupting while your subject is speaking.

4. Look for a hook in your interview with your minority—something catchy, unusual, unexpected or visually interesting. Try to capture this with your camera. Your clip is going to be very short. Make it count!

5. Try to avoid capturing, in video, something that is boring, dull or predictable. You don’t want to make your viewers/listeners yawn. Perhaps the best way to avoid boring material is to first interview your minority—without turning on your camera. Take notes. Anything stand out as striking or interesting or unusual to you? If so, turn your camera on and ask your interviewee to repeat that segment of the interview.

6. Limit your video to 60-120 seconds. We’re not interested here in a long, drawn out video which will bore us to death! A short video clip is much more effective.

7. Lighting—Nothing spoils a video shoot as much as poor lighting. Best to shoot video with the light source behind you, shining on the subject. An example is an outdoor shot where the sun is shining. Make sure the sun shines on your subject and not on your camera lens.

Likewise, if shooting indoors, experiment with the lighting before you actually train your camera on the subject.

8. Be conscious of sound! BEST TO SHOOT A VERY CLOSE-UP VIDEO OF YOUR SUBJECT WITH THE SOUND OR VOLUME ON YOUR SMART PHONE OR CAMERA TURNED ALL THE WAY UP. In addition, a “close-up video clip” provides a sense of physical intimacy; it gives insight into the emotional state of your interviewee.

Not experienced with shooting video that has good sound quality? Practice on your roommate or friend or whoever. Play it back and have a listen.

Good luck!