How To Shoot a Short-Form Video

They are the latest diversions of the digital age – those six-second or twenty-second videos that are the perfect outlet for creative smartphone owners who feel constrained by regular photos. But shooting an interesting and engaging short-form video can be harder than it looks. Whether you want to be funny, serious, or just come up with something unique, there are a some basic rules that you need to follow. Here are a few helpful suggestions:

Map out a storyline

The biggest difference between a short video and a single frame photo is the need to tell a story. Once you have an idea for your video, plot out the main images in storyboard form. How will the video open? How will it end? What are the key progressions that will carry the viewer from start to finish? You don’t need to draw up every scene before you start shooting but you should have a clear idea of the script and how you will move from one clip to the next.

Get the lighting right

This golden rule for still photography is just as important for video. Smartphone cameras perform poorly in low light settings, so make sure your scene is well lit, particularly if you are shooting indoors. The light also needs to be consistent, as variations in light from frame to frame will distract the viewer and detract from the overall experience.

Use a tripod

If your video is going to include multiple shots of the same background, then consider using a tripod to eliminate camera shake and ensure a consistent flow from one scene to the next. Although most smartphones don’t come with tripod attachments, there are lots of effective mounts from companies like Joby and Square Jellyfish.

Frame your subject

Both Vine and Instagram present videos in a square format, so it’s important to plan for this and to frame your subject accordingly. If you are shooting in landscape mode, any action to the side of your screen will likely be lost or cropped. Similarly, get close to your subject, so it fills the frame and eliminates distractions.

Make it loopy

Short-form videos can be more impactful and entertaining if they are presented as a single seamless loop. (Vine will automatically loop your videos.) If your video is going to loop, then plan for first and last scenes that are compatible, like someone entering and leaving from the same door, or starting and finishing your video with the same empty background.

Practice makes perfect

While Instagram allows you to edit your videos and take advantage of some special effects, Vine is either a save or delete experience, which can entail a number of do-overs to get something you like. As with most things in life, practice will eventually pay off. Stick with the task and you will have short-form videos you can be proud of!

Comments:

  1. You’ve made some decent points there. I checked on the
    net for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.

  2. I constantly spent my half an hour to read this website’s articles all the time
    along with a mug of coffee.

  4. My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.

    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.

    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a number of websites for about a year and am concerned about
    switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  5. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog.
    I really hope to check out the same high-grade content by you in the future
    as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities
    has encouraged me to get my very own site now 😉

  6. great post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not realize
    this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  7. My brother suggested I might like this web site.
    He was totally right. This post truly made my day.
    You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info!
    Thanks!

  8. I was excited to discover this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this fantastic read!!
    I definitely liked every little bit of it and i
    also have you book marked to see new information on your web site.

  9. This article offers clear idea designed for the new people of blogging, that truly how to do blogging.

  11. My husband and i felt really glad when Michael could finish up
    his homework from your precious recommendations he received while using the weblog.
    It is now and again perplexing to simply choose to be releasing instructions that people may have been trying to sell.

    And now we understand we have got the blog owner to thank because of that.

    All the illustrations you have made, the simple
    site navigation, the relationships you aid to instill – it’s all impressive,
    and it’s aiding our son and the family consider that that theme
    is awesome, and that is particularly vital. Thank you for all the pieces!

    Review my site … omega 3 fatty acids

  12. Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized
    it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it
    and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

    Also visit my page – omega 3 fatty acids

  13. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It’s always exciting to read through content from other writers and use a
    little something from other web sites.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage firming skin

  15. Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get
    advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage weed indoors (mhes.tyc.edu.tw)

  16. Great blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What web host are you using?

    Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website
    loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Also visit my webpage – hemp benefits

  17. You are so cool! I don’t suppose I have read through something like this before.
    So good to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject.

    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website
    is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

    My blog … balanced low-carb diet

  19. Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of
    the issues. It was definitely informative.

    Your site is very helpful. Thank you for sharing!

  20. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide
    credit and sources back to your website? My blog is in the very same area benefits of hemp seed oil
    (http://www.fles.hlc.edu.tw) interest as yours and my visitors would definitely
    benefit from a lot of the information you present here.

    Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks a
    lot!

  22. Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog
    and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your weblog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing for your rss feed and I
    hope you write once more soon!

    Also visit my webpage; omega 3

  23. Valuable information. Fortunate me I discovered your
    website unintentionally, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate did not took place earlier!
    I bookmarked it.

    my webpage – kids trip

  27. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this.

    We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from
    this post. I am very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.

    Feel free to surf to my blog post … omega 3 source

  28. What’s up, of course this post is genuinely fastidious and
    I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.
    thanks.

  31. I wanted to thank you yet again for that amazing web page you have developed here.
    It can be full of useful tips for those who are really
    interested in this particular subject, in particular this very post.
    You’re really all so sweet in addition to thoughtful of others in addition to the fact that reading your
    site posts is a good delight to me. And thats a generous present!
    Dan and I usually have fun making use of your tips
    in what we should do in the near future. Our checklist is a kilometer long
    and simply put tips will certainly be put to very good use.

    my web-site; illegal drugs

  32. I get pleasure from, lead to I found exactly what I used to
    be having a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt!
    God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

    Check out my website; hatched seeds

  34. Hi there, simply changed into alert to your weblog
    via Google, and located that it’s really informative. I’m gonna
    watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate in case you proceed this in future.
    Numerous other people will probably be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    my homepage – healthy eating habits

  37. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought
    this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going
    to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  38. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in web explorer, might check this?
    IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a good component to people will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.

    Here is my web page: boost male libido

  39. Everyone loves it when people get together
    and share views. Great website, continue the good work!

  41. We’re a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your web site provided us with valuable info to
    work on. You’ve performed a formidable job and our entire group will be grateful to you.

    My web site; stop weed smoking

  42. Hello there! I could have sworn I?ve visited this web site before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it?s new to me.
    Regardless, I?m certainly happy I came across it and I?ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

    Here is my blog post; everyday sex

  43. I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your information. This article
    has really peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and keep checking
    for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

    Here is my webpage cleveland clinic diet

  45. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and test once more here regularly.
    I’m somewhat sure I will learn many new stuff proper
    right here! Best of luck diets for health the following!

  46. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues with your website.
    It looks like some of the text on your posts are
    running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let
    me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Kudos

    Feel free to surf to my homepage: healthy eating plan

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended Articles

How To Shoot Better Smartphone Videos

How To Build an Audience for Your Videos

How To Get The Most Out of Your Smartphone Camera

7 Tips For Better Smartphone Photos

8 Must-Have Photo-Editing Apps