Match cuts are the method to create seamless edits within your film. They are used to create a connection between different recordings that are separated in time or space. A match cut is a transition based on something that matches between one shot and the next, focusing on an element that’s the same or similar between the two shots. You can use similar shapes, actions or movements to create match cuts.

DOWNLOAD PDF

A gimbal is an excellent tool for getting steady movements. When you use a gimbal, ensure your smartphone is well-balanced on it.

5 TIPS FOR FILMING WITH A GIMBAL:

• Walk slowly with your knees bent. Often it helps to walk backwards to keep your eyes on the subject and keep the subject centred in the frame.

• Lock exposure and white balance as they might change a lot while walking.

• Guide your gimbal with your body. Instead of twisting and turning the gimbal to get the shot, turn your body and guide the gimbal. Keep the gimbal close to your body.

• Plan your shots, think about the start and stop points of your movement

• Practice. It takes a bit of time to get super smooth movements, but the more you do it, the better you get and the more creative you can be.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Filming in slow motion allows us to capture fast-moving objects like falling leaves or water and playback at a much slower speed, which reveals a much greater detail of the movement. To film in slow motion, you must go into your camera settings and select a frame rate of at least 50 frames per second. The more frames per second, the slower the motion.

DOWNLOAD PDF

We often think of vast landscapes and fantastic sceneries when we think of videos and photos. But the real magic is often hidden in the details of a meadow. You’ll only discover it if you take a closer look. Don’t only shoot from head height. Move your body around to find the best angle. If you have to crawl in the mud for the shot, do not hesitate to do it.

DOWNLOAD PDF

A timelapse allows us to visualise processes that happen over extended periods in just a few seconds. This can be the movement of clouds, stars or the sun. Pay attention to the following requirements while capturing your timelapse:

• Use a tripod

• Set all settings to manual (focus, white balance, etc.)

• loc
  

DOWNLOAD PDF

Polarizing filters can increase colour saturation and decrease reflections — and are one of the only lens filters which cannot be replicated using digital photo editing.

Neutral Density (ND) filters reduce the intensity of light entering the camera. This allows the photographer more control in selecting the shutter speed and creating desired motion blur.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Shooting great wildlife footage may seem like something anyone can do, but to do it right, you need to do more than walk into the woods with a camera and hope you find something. Wildlife videographers are the best because they have the right gear, study their subjects with extreme patience, and put themselves and the animals in the best position.

DOWNLOAD PDF

A common mistake beginners often make is to go out and create an abundance of footage. Later in post-production, you’ll spend too many days sorting and screening this footage before you even start the creative editing.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Outside filming, the moment often seems much longer than it is. We tend to take videos just like we take photos. Only to realise later in post-production that the shot only allows for a quick cut, even if we’d like to show it longer.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Confidence is one of the most critical skills of a filmmaker. You’ll often find yourself in a situation where many things are going wrong and might not be how you imagined them. Especially in these moments, it is crucial to stand your ground and stick to your plan.

Most moments in nature only happen once. You need to be aware of this and always get the shot when it’s there - even when it might not be perfect. Don’t fix it in the post. Don’t do it on another day. Do it now as best as possible in the given circumstances.

DOWNLOAD PDF