Hold the camera still to get professional looking video

Hollywood has trained us to expect smooth shooting. The result is that few things will ruin a video project faster than shaky cinematography. You’ll see proof in the accompanying video which compares a handheld shot with the same action done with the camera on a tripod. Engineers have attempted to come to our aid with image…

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“The Juggler”: how to shoot a video biography

All around us are people with astonishing skills and stories—too often invisible and uncelebrated.  But armed with your mobile and a few questions, you can put the spotlight on  these stars. Here’s an example—a two-minute iPhone 5 video of Dan Mankin, the director of a community and cultural center in West Marin California. Typically, Dan…

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How to control color values: beyond automatic white balance

Orange colored people…  what’s up with that?   What’s happening when your camera records the image in colors other than what you thought? Did you know that our eyes automatically adjust to the change in the color of many kinds of light.  Your camera doesn’t.   What it does do is guess.   The camera in your tablet…

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How to shoot underwater video with your mobile

The three rules of real estate—location, location, location—apply to moviemaking. Whether you’re creating a horror picture, a documentary, or a music video, where the action occurs will affect your material. Underwater locations can be dazzling. Think of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Abyss. However, until recently, such locations required plenty of technical resources.…

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