Video - Four Simple Interesting Camera Shots

We have all been there. The subject is bland and beyond your own
ability to manipulate. Event coverage is the most common situation
for this but your creativity has two choices: One, it can shut down
and shoot the boring subject and become a boring video, or two, you
can maximize the potential by implementing the following four shots
that will keep your audience interested and prevent you from falling
asleep during the shoot.

POV: Point of View Shot
This means shooting the action from the point of view of the
subject itself. One of the most memorable POV shots I have ever
seen is during the film The Patriot when the cannon ball comes
right at the camera and then cuts to a soldier being hit by that same
cannon ball. It ignites interest and instantly forces the audience to
become part of the action. Utilize POV shots when there is a lot
of shots of the same action.

Rack Focus: Changing the focus between a close subject and a
distant subject.
These are cool because it puts the camera man in direct control of
the audience. By switching the camera focus manually between
subjects distant and close allows you to include two totally distinct
subjects without cutting or moving the camera. The audience is
forced to follow the focus since anything blurred cannot be easily
interpreted. It adds a professional look to any video.

Crooked Angle: Turn the camera to the side so that the ground is
no longer parallel with the square of the viewfinder.
I am consistently amazed at how interesting these shots can be. I
do not recommend a lot of movement during such a shot unless you
wish to see the audience get sick and vomit on your leather couches.
Very slight movement at crooked angles is an easy way to create
interest and cast your subjects in a new light.

Track Shot: Moving the camera in a definite path
I recently watched new music video where the camera zipped
around the band on a carefully built track. The band didn’t do
much other than simply perform but the speed of the camera
flying around and cutting between the shots kept me interested
during the entire song. This effect can easily be imitated by
putting the camera on a wheelchair, skateboard, or even in your
hand as long as it keeps a steady path.

These four classic shots will exponentially increase the interest
of your productions and will leave your audience wanting more.