Topics: Content Ideas, Planning
By: Amy Mac, wampro.tv
Summer is the perfect time to get out and experiment with video. There are always lots of events and activities to record and it’s a great way to get some practice with outdoor shooting. Plus, the trees and landscape are in full bloom so you’ll have little to worry about in terms of ‘ugly shots’. Very often, people get in the mindset of figuring out how to shoot it when they are on set, on the day of the shoot but that just isn’t how professionals do it. Learn that lesson early and your productions will show it. “Practice makes perfect” really does help you get the experience you need to take a simple video project to the next level.
Here are some ideas to get you motivated:
Parks
This is a great time to get some action shots of people and animals. People playing frisbee, kids on the playground, people exercising, musicians... use these real life scenarios to figure out lighting and framing. You’ll be amazed at how a shot changes when you zoom, have direct sunlight, a moving object and more. Other things like glares and shadows can be wicked to shoot with so learn how to do it now before the pressure is on!
Family Vacations
Family home movies have changed a bit in the last few years but its just so easy to set up your smartphone and take a video! Each time you shoot a family function, try a different framing or moving technique to see if you can better capture the moment. This is a great way to experiment but it also gives you another reason to get out the camera/phone and capture family moments.
Night Shooting
Shooting in the dark is tough and you may never have to do it... but never say never! Learn how to do it in the warm months so you aren’t bundling up in the middle of winter to stand outside and learn how to light an object or person in the dark. The summer months are also a great time for location scouting of night shoots, and well ALL shoots, because you aren’t fighting the winter elements.
These are just a few ideas to get you motivated to shoot in the summer months and get out and about with your camera. It’s a great time to be outside, be with your family and capture it all on video!