Do you know what is  the big problem facing all of us wannabe videographers? The problem is this:  We don’t know what good video is.  Now, this thought may seem a little strange to some folks, so hang with me for just a bit, keep your mouse off the back button and I’ll explain to you what I mean.

Everyday, year in and year out, we watch TV and movies.  Without really knowing, we are being treated to the best video and film techniques known to man.  Only the best footage makes it to the screen, shot by well-trained professionals with years of experience.  As a result, we see only the best stuff.

On the other hand, we do recognize what bad video looks like.  All you need to do is dig out the old footage of last year’s vacation at Aunt Myrtle’s house in Nebraska or check out a copy of the Blair Witch Project.  Bad, really bad.

So that's my point.  We really don’t know what constitutes good video because nearly all the time all we ever see is the best.  So when we see poor footage (we ALL know what this looks like…), it’s hard for us to identify what exactly it is that makes it so bad.  We just know it's bad.

Well hang in there partner.  While the upcoming feature attraction won’t turn you into the Ansel Adams of videography, it will improve your shooting technique and get you well along the way.
 

Tripods, Handholdling and LCD screens
Panning, Zooming and Other Bad Habits
Movin’ On In
Rule of Thirds
What You Hear Is More Important
Than What You See
Lighting
Miscellaneous Rules
Resources