Are you new to photography or cinematography? For both the professions, you need to have good understanding of principles of lights. To begin with all lighting tools need to be set up at the right places. By taking care of certain things you can get better videos.

Tips for recording better videos

Learn to use lighting tools wisely

You should learn to position lighting devices at the right places. Three point lighting set up is a basic technique used for video recording as well as photography. In this lighting arrangement, three lights are installed for illuminating a subject- two lights are placed on the either side of a subject and one behind. One of the lights installed on either side is dimmer than the other and is called fill light. Other one with stronger power is known as keylight. Backlight is placed behind the subject to differentiate it from the backdrop. It is very important to place the devices at right spots to create the effect you are looking for.

Pick right kind of tools

Different types of lighting tools are used for illuminating a subject. Soft light is more conducive for video recording and photography. Tools that emit soft light are softbox, umbrella and other devices that are fit with a diffusion panel. Beauty dish is used when you need semi hard light. Video lighting devices that do not come with a diffusion panel generally emit harder light (basically incandescent bulbs). You should master to strike the perfect balance between shadow and light.

Do not mix different types of lights

Different types of lights have different temperature. It is recommended that one should not mix all these lights. You will not get good effect on your subject by mixing them.

Choose frame wisely

You should choose frame wisely. Subject at the centre is not always the right frame. One should also try to place the subject on one side and see what kind of image you are getting. The cinematographer has to rely on his/her creative instinct for choosing a frame.

Avoid zooming (if you do not have a high end camera)

One should not capture video with the zoom function on unless he/she has a high end camera. Recording a scene in zoom mode deteriorates its quality. Do not try it if you are using a general camera.

Experiment with different angles

This is no need to record video with usual angles. One should also try different angles. With a different perspective you can get something interesting. So keep your mind open and try out some unusual shots.

Experiment with the settings of your camera

One can also get amazing effect by using different camera settings. So you can experiment with your camera settings and see what results you are getting. This will help you in knowing your gear thoroughly. Your camera can capture an amazing shot in the process.

You should also experiment with your video lighting tools. The better one knows his/her equipment the more proficient the person is in the profession.