During your cooperative party, capturing the moment on video can be difficult if you aren't prepared. Expert videographer Curtis Dahl joins Heidi Bohay to give a crash course on how to get those great party shots: - Familiarize yourself with your camera by thoroughly reading the owner's manual.
- When taking the shot, be sure that the major light source is behind you. If the light is behind the subject, he will be shadowed.
- Get the shot established before you actually start filming. Set the buttons where they need to be in advance.
- Zoom the lens slowly to avoid going out of focus.
- Make sure to hold the camera steady while filming. Hold your arms next to your body and avoid walking.
- Since the camera picks up audio as well, keep the narration going. Interviewing the guests and talking about the food will make a more interesting video.
If you want to learn more about your camcorder or VCR, Party at Home recommends VCRs and Camcorders for Dummies, by Gordon McComb and Andy Rathbone. This title is now out of print but may be available through amazon.com.
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