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Universal Principles of Photography Universal Principles of Photography From "Making Home Movies" episode DMHM-102

Correct camera grip for palmcorder.

These universal principles are followed by professional photographers as well as by the serious amateur shooter. They include the following:

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• Sequence shots, when edited together, feel like a continuous flow of action. For example, a good way to begin a sequence is with a wide shot. This sets up the scene for viewers and gradually brings them into the action.

• Next, edit to a medium shot, which provides greater detail.

  Example of a wide shot.

  Example of a medium shot.

  
  
• Follow with a tight shot, or close-up, which takes the viewer right into the game. For these shots, physically walk closer to the subject. Your shot will be steadier.

• Cutaway shots "cut," or move, away from the action. Cutting away from the action helps pace the video. Examples of the shots include parents in the bleachers, the sun beaming down, or the coach on the sidelines. These shots are invaluable during editing, allowing for smoothly condensed footage, skipping the run-of-the-mill shots and moving straight to the highlights without feeling forced.

  Example of a tight shot.

  Example of a cutaway shot.

  
  
• Pan shots allow the camera to move horizontally left and right in a smooth fashion.

• Tilt, or vertical shots, produce up-and-down footage.

• Zoom shots move from a wide angle to a tighter focus, or vice versa. For action shots, like a soccer game, use the zoom to move quickly from wide to tight shots. Avoid using too many zoom shots during the editing process, since these shots, along with pan and tilt shots, can slow down the pace of the video. As a rule of thumb, use pans, tilts and zooms sparingly in your edited tape, using instead only the wide shot and tight shot on either end of the movement.
  

Amateur photographers love the pan, tilt and zoom movements, but the tape feels "rough" if you constantly engage these shots while taping. For tight shots, it's usually better to physically walk in closer with the camera for high-energy shots than to use the zoom. Not only do you eliminate the movement but you also pick up better sound quality.

Pan shot for horizontal camera movements.

Tilt shot for vertical camera movements.

RESOURCES :

IMAC Computer
POWERBOOK laptop computer
IMOVIE editing software
Apple Computer Inc.
Website: apple.com

Tripods
3433 Fluid Head
755B MDVE Video Tripod
522A Sony LANC Remote
700RC2,756BK MDVE Tripod w/head
714B Digi Tripod
Bogen Photo Corp.
Website: www.bogenimaging.us

Canon Digital Camcorders
Canon USA Inc.
Website: usa.canon.com
canondv.com

Video cameras
PD-150 camera and accessories
Vaio laptop
Flatscreen TV
Mini DV tapes
Sony Electronics Inc.
Website: www.sony.com

Media 100 editing software
Media 100 Inc.
Website: www.media100.com

Electronic equipment
Precision Camera
Website: precision-camera.com