Turkey Day is tomorrow, and with the rest of the holidays right around the corner, time to brush up on your home movie skills.   While this is old hat to many DV Guru vets, all the  newbies to the world of Digital Video (DV) might need a gentle introduction.  We've cooked up these tips just in time for some good ol' Thanksgiving turkey.
 

Tip #1-- Buy and Use a Tripod.

It might seem a bit unnecessary for home use, but a tripod gets you the most quality out of the least investment.  The tripod (pictured right) is under $40 at any discount retailer.  Obviously we don't need to explain what a tripod is, how it works, or why you need one (it stabilizes your image, duh) but what makes one tripod better than another?  Basically, look for a couple different factors:

1. Head
2. Accessories
3. Construction
4. Weight

For our purposes, all consumer-level tripods are going to feel a little shoddy.  The materials are fairly low-quality, but consequently, the tripod will have a low weight.  We'll look past the small things, and look at the big things: the tripod 'head.'  The head is the part of the tripod that does all the moving.  A fluid head moves more smoothly than a mechanical head.  They are typically more expensive, but definitely worth it.

Optional accessories can also cost some extra cash, but can take some of the guesswork away.  A simple level bubble on the head or tripod can really save some time checking horizons, and guessing whether your shot is level.  Also, check for an additional tripod carrying strap, or extra rebates.

Tip #2 -- Watch Backlighting

[Images from www.urbanfox.tv]

Sometimes, bad shots are just bad shots.  Backlighting is the bane of any marvelously crafted shot, and while shooting your turkey day, make sure your family doesn't end up looking like they're in the witness protection program.




Some say setting proper exposure is an excuse to use bad lighting.  The rule is don't shoot with bad backlighting, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to still get the shot.  Be wary, however, that even if you do set proper exposure, you're still not going to get the highest quality video, and you'll look like you're about to be taken "into the light."


Tip #3 -- Get Creative

Once you've got all your equipment, look at your subjects and think about creative shots.  Yes, you need your regular establishing shots.  Yes, interviews are great for posterity.  Yes, I've seen those in every home movie, ever.  Think about not only the traditional shots, but get creative! 

A checkerboard is a good way to look at shot composition.  I (and the entire world) divide the video frame into thirds.  The general rule is the top third line has the horizon, and nothing of major consequence ever ends up in the center square.  Sometimes for variety, I like to place the foreground element on one of these four X's:

For starters, just frame your foreground element (or your person) on one of the top X's.  I won't go through all the basics of shot composition, and how to capture that perfect shot, but using the rule of thirds is a good place to start experimenting.  Look what makes your eye satisfied, and stick with that.

Tip #4 -- Think Broad

You've got a home movie shot-sheeted right?  You don't even know what a shot sheet is?  Stick to this advice then: think broadly.  While editing, nothing ruins an editor's day more than having a shot not fit in sequence.  While yes, you could reverse a zoom-in, flip the video to the other side, or any type of image manipluation, cheating tends to have a way of not turning out the best.  For example, if anything moves in your shot and you reverse it, the movement will look very unnatural.  Follow this simple rule: shoot too much and make your home movie look better.  Grab a zoom out from the turkey, and while you're at it might as well zoom in.  Try panning in both directions.  You get the idea, don't skimp on the footage.  You've only got one shot, so make sure to capture as much as you can.

So, you've got these basics down?  Looking for some even better ways to get a quality home movie?  Our friends over at Videoguys have put together a list of tips that has more about composition, and different tricks to pull off a great holiday video.  [Check It]

Home movies don't have to be the walk-through they once were, and definitely don't need to be boring.  As Christmas approaches, we'll take that well-shot footage and show you how to transform it into a complete movie.