Shooting Video...Can Be Fun

Video can be an intimidating medium.  Many are camera shy, some feel overwhelmed by all the fancy gadgets and then are completely turned off by complex editing software.  While I can do basic video shooting and editing, I am far from being an expert, but I am always on the lookout for new training.  This past February, I attended a one day Gloria Shields - All American Workshop.  One of the presenters, Mike McLean, discussed how to use DSLR cameras to obtain video.  He showed us this video of Grand Blanc's yearbook ad as inspiration.  

He discussed the importance of having  B roll and movement in your video.   The B roll is useful to help break up a shot and emphasis the topic by showing relevant imagery.  He also briefly went over some equipment such as DSLR sliders to create a gliding effect.

Audio is another issue that many deal with when kids go out to capture video.  I bought a Rode lapel mic so students can hook it up to a cellphone headphone jack, turn on a recording app and record.  I tell them to put their phone in airplane mode so notifications don't disrupt the audio.  

My news group started really late in producing video and while they managed to get one out, they enjoyed the experience. They learned out in the field and hopefully this year I'll be able to show them more techniques to develop more interesting videos to engage viewers and retain them.  

So don't be afraid to jump into video! Learn as you go and become best friends with Youtube, there are tons of tutorial out there.  

Victoria TijerinaMoises E Molina High School
Dallas, Texas