Learn How to Put Your Video Camera in Motion

Course details

Camera movement is vital to creating visually dynamic scenes, but how do you plan your shot? Are there any times you shouldn’t move the camera? What tools do you need? In this course, Director of Photography Matt Nagy discusses basic types of camera movement, planning camera moves, shot composition throughout the movement, and crafting camera movement for the edit. He also covers equipment commonly used to execute camera movements, such as tripods, sliders, jibs, and gimbals, and offers tips and tricks for making fluid and dynamic moves that serve your story.

Concepts

Introduction

Working with a video camera
What you should know before watching this course

An Introduction to Camera Movement

A brief history of camera movement
Why move the camera
Making camera moves serve your story

Types of Camera Moves

Pan and tilt
Zoom
Tracking
Pedestal jib and crane
Handheld
Follow shot
Aerial
Rack focus

Planning for Camera Movement

Reviewing the script or shot list
Performing a location scout or site visit
Knowing what type of camera move to use
When to move and not to move the camera
Performing great camera moves
Making camera moves work for your editors

Camera Movement Equipment

Tripod-based movements
Zoom techniques
Using a camera dolly
Using a small jib
Shooting handheld
Performing a rack focus
Creating stabilized camera moves using handheld gimbals
Using a simple motion control setup
Movement with small cameras
Performing a dolly zoom

Camera Movement Best Practices

Before you press record
Camera moves in interviews
Camera moves in unscripted content b-roll
Camera moves in scripted content
Knowing when to hire a specialist

Conclusion

Camera movement philosophy