Digital Photo Guide – 4 Easy Tricks For Great Photos

August 2, 2012
by Dan Feildman

Unfortunately we have all been there. The subject matter is uninspiring and there is absolutely nothing you can do to make it visually stimulating. For me this usually occurs when I have to film an event or other social gathering however I never let it get me down; when this happens I figure I have two choices, I can either let the boring and humdrum win or I can use some of the following tricks and attempt to get some prize winning footage.

POV: When you use the Point of View Shot you are virtually taking the shot from the point of view of the subject itself. This shot was immortalized during the film The Patriot when the cannon ball comes right at the camera and then the action cuts to a soldier being cut in two by that same cannon ball. The shot easily gains the interest of the audience and quickly pulls them into the action. I normally go with this shot when I have a lot of action and I want to get great shots of the same action.

Rack Focus: Changing the focus between a close subject and a distant subject. These are cool because it puts the camera man in direct control of the audience. By switching the camera focus manually between subjects distant and close allows you to include two totally distinct subjects without cutting or moving the camera. The audience is forced to follow the focus since anything blurred cannot be easily interpreted. It adds a professional look to any video.

Crooked Angle: By turning the camera to its side so the ground is no longer parallel with the square of the viewfinder you will get some very interesting shots. It sounds crazy but you will definitely be astounded by how amazing some of these shots can be. Sea sickness is possible though if there is a lot of movement with the camera so try to keep the camera somewhat still. You can still use very slight movements at crooked angles which is an easy way to create interest and cast your subjects in a new light.

Track Shot: Moving the camera in a definite path I recently watched new music video where the camera zipped around the band on a carefully built track. The band didn?t do much other than simply perform but the speed of the camera flying around and cutting between the shots kept me interested during the entire song. This effect can easily be imitated by putting the camera on a wheelchair, skateboard, or even in your hand as long as it keeps a steady path.

Turn your bland session into something incredible with these four classic shots which will definitely increase the interest of your productions and leave your audience wanting more.

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