Smartphones have become an integral part of every day of our lives. They not only help us communicate with friends and family or work effectively but also serve as a powerful tool for creativity. One of the directions that even a beginner can master at a certain level is video shooting.
Let’s look at how you can get professional results when working with a smartphone camera.
Choice of equipment
The first thing to pay attention to is the smartphone itself. Modern models are equipped with high-resolution cameras that allow you to shoot video in 4K.
However, for a professional picture, it is not enough just to have a phone. For the operator, stabilization of the gadget is also important. For this, it is better to use a tripod or a stand. If you just try to hold the camera in your hands, it is almost impossible to create a smooth picture, especially for long scenes.
However, for dynamic filming, the built-in digital stabilization in the phone should be enough for the first time.
Also, video is a very important sound, and the sensitivity of the phone’s microphone, especially in windy weather or in noisy locations, may not be enough. Therefore, it is worth looking at external equipment.
For reportage videos you can use loop microphones, they are convenient and almost invisible in the frame. For more complex content suitable remote models with noise reduction systems.
Also important are the services that will be post-processing video. After all, to shoot a masterpiece in one frame – almost impossible. Editor programs offer a wide range of options, for example, the service https://retouchme.com/service/remove-object-from-video will help to remove unnecessary objects from the video.
Customizing your phone
To shoot a professional video on a smartphone, you will need to know the basic settings. Not always the Auto mode, can cover all the needs, at times you need to adjust the technique yourself. Here are the basic settings you should use.
- Resolution. This parameter affects the quality of the video. Modern smartphones allow you to shoot content in 4K, but it is not always necessary to raise this indicator so much. When shooting, there is usually enough HD quality, especially if the material is not intended for large TV screens. The higher the quality – the heavier the file, which means it will take more space and longer to process.
- Frame rate. It ensures the smoothness of the picture. Usually, 24 frames per second is used for movies, 30 frames per second for TV, and 60 frames per second or higher for slow motion.
- White Balance. This is a setting that helps the camera perceive colors correctly. You can choose automatic white balance or set it manually depending on the lighting conditions.
- Exposure. This setting is responsible for how much light hits the camera’s sensor. If the video is too dark, increase the exposure. If it’s too bright, decrease it. You can also fix the indicators so that the video does not glare when there is glare.
- Focus. Most smartphones focus automatically. However, there are shots where you may need to manually focus. This is especially a problem when shooting close-up shots.
Keep in mind that settings may vary depending on the model of your smartphone and the shooting app you’re using. Experiment with different combinations of settings to find the one that works best for you in your particular situation.
An important stage is editing
Once the shooting is complete, it’s time for editing. There are many applications thanks to which you can trim unnecessary moments, add music or special effects, and much more. It is quality post-processing that can give your footage a unique atmosphere and author’s perspective. But you should not modify your footage too much.
Professionals, to qualitatively evaluate their labor, give it and themselves time to “rest”. Returning to the video a few days after the shooting, you will see both the pluses and errors with a fresh look.
In conclusion, I would like to say that shooting video on a smartphone is a great opportunity to express yourself with creativity. With the help of modern technology, each of us can become a real filmmaker or a popular blogger.