4 tips to create memorable home movies

• Share:

Mar 07 3:57 AM posted by Team Ricki

Friend of Ricki Christina Fleming: Today, with modern technology, everyone has a video camera. Easy access on our cell phones or photo cameras make it easy to film a few seconds of video on a whim. We find ourselves with many clips and not all of them are the best quality. Make your video clips memorable and meaningful with these four tips to shooting great home movies.

CONSIDER THE BASICS There are a few video basics that will turn your home movies into viewable masterpieces. They are simple and easy to do. First, turn your camera or phone to a horizontal position. This angle looks best when viewing on a TV screen or after uploaded to an online viewing site, such as YouTube. Second, be mindful of backlight. If your subject is in front of the light source, such as the sun or a window, your subject will be difficult to see. To solve this problem, turn your back to the light source and allow the light to shine on the subject instead of your camera lens.  Lastly, hold steady. A shaky camera shot will ruin any video. Try leaning against a wall or holding your elbows close in to your sides.

FILM MILESTONES There is a first for everything, why not film it? Of course, you have probably already filmed those first steps or the first haircut. These moments are essential and common. But what about the first time eating an ice cream cone? Or the first time going through a car wash? Consider the events in life that are normally not considered important. Maybe a trip to the grocery store will inspire a short video of cruising down the aisle. A walk to the park may give an opportunity to document your surrounding neighborhood. Think outside of the box and be creative. Some of the most interesting videos come for the unexpected. 

ASK QUESTIONS Children say the darndest things! Inspire some great video by asking your subject a few thought provoking questions. You may ask the typical, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Or be brave and ask, "Where do babies come from?"  Step it up a notch and ask the same question a year or two later to see the different answers. Or ask for some predictions of what the future holds in the next ten years. You may be surprised by the answers of your little ones. This is a great opportunity to get to know your family better and will create a family bonding experience.

TURN THE CAMERA AROUND As a parent, we are often the ones that are behind the camera. It is just as important to include yourself in the action. Try using a tripod to turn the camera around and be the star a movie with your children. Some cellular phones have a self camera view. In this mode, you can see yourself on the screen while you film for an well framed shot. Or, if age appropriate, hand them the camera to film you. Children love to create and enjoy the responsibility of becoming a young filmmaker.

Christina Fleming, founder of Murasaki Media, has been filming families and their children since 2008. Her passion lies in documenting precious moments to be enjoyed for years to come. As the originator of Baby Wish maternity videos, she understands the sentimental importance of freezing time in a film and wants to educate others on its importance. You can follow Christina on Twitter or on Facebook for more tips and tricks to great home movies.