Basic framing

Rules

1. Always use a tripod or other support whenever possible. There are now small pocket tripods with flexible legs that can be held against a lamp post etc.

2. Avoid telephoto shots unless camera is steady on a tripod or other support.

3. Keep use of the zoom to a minimum when shooting. The zoom is there for the purpose of framing the shot.

4. If intending to zoom in during a shot check the focus while in close-up first. (Cameras without manual zoom are not ideal for this type of shot!). Start and end with a static period as an edit which cuts from a zoom to a steady shot looks bad. See 5 below.

5. When panning, hold a steady shot for 5 seconds at each end of the pan. Pan slowly, particularly if shooting in high definition, and use a tripod if possible.

6. Keep the main subject slightly off centre in the frame but with potential 'action' or looking pointing into frame. A speaker can be further to the side, ideally about a quarter in, if there is something interesting in another part of the frame.

7. A speaker or subject should look into the frame.
 
8. If filming close-ups of one or two people in conversation, frame the shot so the top of the head is very close to the top of the frame.

9. If two people are talking, avoid putting them at the extreme edge of the frame. Place the speakers closer together than seems normal without the camera.

10. It is better to let the subject do the moving in most shots than to wave the camera about to show that you are shooting moving pictures!

11. Faces should be well lit. Use a reflector to soften the shadows, particularly in daylight, whenever possible.

12. Film plenty of close-ups for cutaways and reaction shots. You can never have too many!

14. Leave plenty of shot before and after the main part if it is intended to edit afterwards.