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Most of us prefer to watch video footage that is silky smooth and not all jerky. Granted, Jason Bourne movies do utilize a lot of shakiness but that’s for a very specific action effect and not something you’d want in most situations. However, knowing your footage should be smooth and knowing how to make it smooth are two very different things. Here are my easy tips to help smooth out your footage whether you’re using your mobile phone, SLR, or GoPro.
Be sure to also see 3 Easy Tips for Better Video Footage.
Always Use Two Hands – The more points of contact you have on your camera, the better! If you’re using a phone, lightly grip it with you thumb and index finger on both sides and make sure your loose fingers stays away from the lens. If you’re using a mirrorless or SLR camera, hold the camera lens with your left hand underneath and your right hand on the grip. You’ll immediately notice less warbles and shakiness in your footage!
Solid Point of Contact – Now that you’re using two hands, add another level of stability by leaning your elbows or shoulders on something solid. You’re adding another point of contact making your camera even more sturdy and solid. This could be anything from leaning against a wall or door with your shoulder to leaning on a bench or table with your elbows. *Bonus Tip: When you’re in a pinch and don’t have anything solid to lean on or against or just need to grab a quick shot, rest your elbows on your rib cage. This helps keep your arms from moving around and works just about as well (as long as you don’t have shaky legs).
Set it Down – This one is a bit tricky with phones. It would definitely be worth the investment to get a small travel tripod (I highly recommend the Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod) that you can always keep in your purse, car, or backpack for instances where you want to get some nice steady shots; especially of landscapes (beaches, sunsets, etc…) and city life. If you are using a mirrorless, GoPro, or SLR, it’s usually pretty easy to just set down your camera and it will support itself. If you need to adjust your angle then just place your strap or a small stone under the lens to tilt your angle up a bit.
Hold Your Breathe – Believe it not, your breathing can impact the movement of your camera, and this becomes increasingly more and more magnified the more you are zoomed in. When I notice movement from breathing, I always hold my breath after I exhale in order to make sure I get a nice stable shot. Just don’t forget to breathe once you get it!
