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How to Make My Movies Look Clear

Shooting a movie requires skills in lighting and camera handling. Whether using a high-end video camera or a mobile phone to shoot your movie, it is essential to know the basics of shooting a video to ensure you capture clear and well-composed footage. Aside from familiarity with the camera used, it is also crucial to have an ample lighting source for your scene to avoid getting blurred and visually inferior shots.

Things You'll Need

  • Video camera
  • Light source/s
  • Tripod (optional)
  • Camera accessories such as extra lenses (optional)
  • Camera to computer connecting cable
  • Computer
  • Video-editing program
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Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with the buttons, functions and features of your camera prior to the shoot. Even with user-friendly cameras meant for amateur users, you should still check on the different features available in your camera so you know which settings or program to use or which button to press in specific situations. For instance, most cameras have programs designed for low-light conditions or a stabilization feature to minimize camera jerks or shakes that typically cause blurry photos.

    • 2

      Check your shooting location and adjust your framing according to the lighting condition and overall look of your location. If you don't have enough light to illuminate your scene, your shot is more prone to blurs and other visual problems. If you can't find additional light sources, favor your source of light when composing your shot and avoid taking shaky camera shots and zooming in.

    • 3

      Focus your shot on your main subject. Sometimes, especially in constantly moving shots and when shooting in low light, even a camera that is set to "autofocus" is unable to actually focus on the right element on the frame. If your camera has manual settings, it is better to use these so you have better control on which element to focus your shot.

    • 4

      Keep your subjects at least three feet from the camera's lens, except if you are using a special lens such as a macro lens, which allows you to be significantly closer to your main subject without compromising the picture's clarity. Just like with the human eye, if you are extremely close to your subject, it will result in an out-of-focus view of your subject. If you want your subject to look significantly closer in your shot while being at a significant distance away from it, use the zoom button or use a longer lens if your camera allows different lenses to be attached to it.

    • 5

      Use a tripod to stabilize and level your camera to avoid blurry shots and unintentional camera shakes, especially when shooting in low light. You may also use a monopod or simply fold the three legs of your tripod to carry it as a monopod. This way, you will have more versatility in your camera movements. This is more stable than a handheld shot, which is more prone to jerks coming from the hand and wrist.

    • 6

      Position your camera to take your shot, then press the "Record" button to start shooting. Press the "Stop" button after taking your desired footage.

Film Production

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