Tips for Improving Your Home Videos

Video cameras can be a terrific tool to capture memories. Whether it's a soccer game, school play, or a birthday party, a video camera allows you to have a tangible record of sunny days and happy times. Unfortunately, we're not all cinematic master minds and our home videos seldom resemble the art seen on the big screen. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind to make the most out of your home videos.

* Keep Batteries On Hand:

It's happened to all of us. You're about to capture a memory on film and before you know it the camera blinks once and shuts off. Running out of batteries can ruin any home video and there is only one quick fix. Carry an extra battery thats ready to go should the one in use fail.

* Use a Tripod:

You've seen the videos that remind you of bitter stormy days out at sea. It's hard to concentrate on the recorded event when they images are barely held long enough to be in focus. Even if you think you're pretty good when it comes to taking a steady video, a tripod can help you focus on the events at hand instead of on how still you can keep your arm.

* Read the Users Guide:

Reading the instruction can definitely help improve the quality of your home videos. It's important to familiarize yourself with each feature and it's purpose as well as the general set up of the camera. It's never a good idea to wait until the last minute to do this. If you're planning on shooting something important and feel you may need to use a special feature, read up on it before the event so you're well prepared when the time comes.

* Frame the Action:

Pretend you're screen is divided into nine individual squares in rows and columns of three. The center block should contain the majority of you're main focus. This will help you capture the maximum amount of action surrounding your focal point. If you're a beginner this should help you get a feel of the camera and you can experiment with different approaches as you improve.

* Experiment:

Experimentation is an excellent way to learn, taking your talents to the next level. Choose every day events and situations and take you're turn at playing the artistic director. Use all the special features, practice scene changes, and use different angles to find out what works best for you and you're subject. Save the experiments for moments that aren't of particular importance so you don't wind up with sloppy footage of monumental events.

* Maximize Your Sound:

We often throw sound to the curb when it comes to video taping. While that factory built microphone in your camera is great for soccer games or birthday parties you will want something more for recitals or other events where part of the focus is on what is being said or sang. Invest in an external microphone for anything where audio clarity is of great importance.

* Don't Rely on Auto-focus:

Auto focus can be terrific under the right circumstances but it's not the solution to all you're focusing problems. For example, using auto focus while filming in softly lit or dim areas can leave you with hard to view footage. When you are filming in less than perfect lighting you're best ally is learning to how to use navigate options like white balance and exposure.

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