7 Tips For Better Family Videos
Better videos mean family members will actually watch them
Video is wonderful to preserve family memories. However, once we find the time to actually watch our home movies, it’s quite common to find they didn’t fully capture the moment or we realize the cameraperson was too shaky. You may also realize the lighting was off or that by trying to tape everything, you just feel like fast forwarding through your memories because, well, it’s too boring.
To shoot better family videos, especially during special moments or a vacation, here are some tips:
1) If you don’t have a tripod, enable the steady shot or stabilizing feature most video cameras have. It can only improve your shots and your finished videos.
2) To avoid making everybody dizzy, try to keep your camera still while shooting the video. If you will pan (move sideways), do it slowly. If it helps, count silently to 5 while panning the camera from start to finish.
3) Be careful when zooming in. It’s best to use a light hand and to zoom in slowly, rather than abruptly. That way you also ensure staying in focus.
4) Think of your video as visual storytelling. What story or memory do you want to capture? Whenever possible, have a mental plan of the video you want to shoot. For example, if you want to shoot video of your children seeing the ocean or their favorite character for the first time, plan to be in front of them to be able to capture their faces. That way you won’t miss their eyes opening wide or their smiles.
5) If your video camera allows, shoot still pictures while shooting the video. It’s a great way to shoot candid shots and that way you can relive your memories even if you can’t access your video, since photos are easier to look at.
6) Don’t forget to capture the ambiance: be aware of the natural sounds or music and tape snippets that will give you a feeling of where you are.
7) Get at least one shot of your kids laughing or giggling. Their voices will change over the years and being able to remember how they chuckled as babies, toddlers and preteens will prove priceless later on.
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Learn to use your camera features
Every videocamera is different so take time to learn about different features. Try learning by doing, just don't do it the same day you are going on vacation or celebrating a special moment.
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Go easy on the zoom
Zoom is great because it allows you to get closer to the action. However, be careful and go easy, because zooming in abruptly does not make for good video.
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Tell stories with your pictures
Plan and think in advance of the story you want to tell with your video. Use wide shots and close-ups to give your video visual variety and movement.
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Enable the SteadyShot feature
Most video cameras have a special feature that stabilizes the images and avoids minor shakes when you don't have a tripod. This is especially useful if you are using the zoom.
Do you have any other tips when shooting family videos? Please share!
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One tip I have for shooting family videos: Have your kids tell you what’s happening. It’s priceless years down the line to hear what they had to say!
Gretchen, I love your tip! Thanks for sharing.
Great tip to actually learn the features of your camera. I’ve had my camera for 3 years now and STILL can’t figure out how to work the darn thing, other than turn it on, point, and shoot. MY son had to show me how to take flash on and off. I’m technology-challenged…
Love the tips! 1 thing I like to do is give my kids the camera for a bit (when they’re a bit older, of course); it gives the video a different perspective which can sometimes be hilarious to watch later!
Sooo true about watching the zoom- i have way too many videos from my childhood where the videographer forgot he was zoomed in and you have NO idea what is actually going on!
Sadly I really don’t get the video camera out nearly as often as I should, but I do make sure to video-tape my twin girls’ birthday and first day of school each year. That way it’s like a little year-to-year time capsule! If I get more ambitious any time soon, I will definitely keep these tips in mind
That´s a tough question to answer…so many amazing family memories! I will have to choose this last holiday season we spent with family in El Salvador and seeing my daughter develop an intense relationship with her cousins. That´s just priceless!
My favorite family memory was when we took all 3 of our boy’s to Disneyland for the 1st time. The excitement and joy on their faces was priceless!
My husband and I were just looking for a simple video camera to capture moments like those. My family has tried to take one trip a year together (out of state every other year, out of the country the rest) and I will always remember the fun time we had in Cancun! We have family there and I got to see my great-grandmother for the last time before she passed away. It was wonderful!
I have the worst time keeping the camera still! I’m afraid my videos end up making people seasick. Boo!
I love taking videos of my kids just talking and telling stories. It is so precious to go back and listen to their little voices, and how they’ve changed over the years. I definitely don’t take enough family videos though, thanks for the tips!