The consumption of video content on mobile devices has been steadily increasing, driven by the convenience and accessibility of smartphones. From funny cat clips to captivating documentaries, mobile video consumption has exploded. Statistics show that OTT video apps saw approximately 3.1 billion downloads in 2023. This surge in consumption of video content on mobile devices, also calls for high-quality mobile videography.
Today’s viewers look for captivating and visually stunning videos that grab their attention and hold it. As you try to record this visually stunning content, it is not just significant to learn the basics of videography, but learning and trying to prevent potential mistakes while filming also plays a vital role. This article will highlight 6 common mistakes to avoid in mobile videography to help you create professional and engaging videos.
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7 Mistakes to Avoid in Mobile Videography
Shaky Footage
Imagine watching a video that looks like it was filmed on a rollercoaster. Not ideal, right? Shaky footage is a common mobile videography pitfall. Hold your phone firmly with both hands. Brace your elbows against your body for added stability. In this case, a mobile gimbal is a great investment. This motorized stabilizer counteracts shaky movements, resulting in smooth, professional-looking footage. When possible, find stable surfaces for filming. Either prop your phone on a table, or ledge or use a tripod specifically designed for smartphones.
Ignoring Audio
Great visuals deserve great sound. Unfortunately, built-in smartphone microphones often pick up unwanted background noise. Here’s how to improve your mobile audio:
- Mind your surroundings: Avoid shooting in noisy environments whenever possible. Choose quieter locations or use a directional microphone that focuses on the sound source (like your speaker).
- Invest in an external microphone: An external mic plugged into your phone can significantly improve audio quality. Look for compact options designed specifically for mobile use.
- Record extra audio: If necessary, record the audio separately using a voice recorder app on your phone. You can then sync it with your video during editing.
Not Knowing What Equipment Can Be Used
The beauty of mobile videography is its accessibility, but there’s a world of optional equipment to elevate your productions. Here are some helpful tools to consider:
- External microphones: As mentioned earlier, external mics can significantly improve audio quality. Options range from lavalier mics for capturing speech to directional mics for focusing on specific sounds.
- Tripods and gimbals: Tripods provide stability for static shots, while gimbals offer motorized stabilization for smooth, on-the-move filming.
- Lenses: Clip-on lenses can add wide-angle, telephoto, or macro capabilities to your phone camera, expanding your creative options.
- Lighting: Portable LED lights can be a game-changer in low-light situations. They come in various sizes and offer adjustable brightness and color temperature.
Shooting Vertically
Most social media platforms and video streaming services favor horizontal viewing. Uploading a vertical video might result in black bars on either side, wasting valuable screen space. To avoid this, always lock your phone orientation before filming. Use your phone’s screen rotation lock to prevent accidental switching to vertical mode while filming. Vertical shooting works best if you are specifically recording for social media platforms like Instagram.
Zooming In and Out Excessively
The digital zoom on most smartphones reduces video quality. It’s generally better to move closer to your subject or crop later during editing. Excessive zooming can create a disorienting effect for viewers.
Poor Lighting
Lighting is crucial for creating visually appealing videos. Avoid shooting in dim or harsh lighting conditions. Here are some tips:
- Film during the day: Natural light is always the most flattering. Utilize the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for warm, beautiful light.
- Use available light creatively: Look for well-lit areas indoors or use lamps and reflectors to your advantage.
- Avoid shooting with the sun behind your subject: This can create an unwanted silhouette effect.
Forgetting to Edit
Even the best mobile footage can benefit from editing. Most smartphones come with basic editing tools, but there are also free and paid editing apps available. Use editing to:
- Cut out unwanted footage: Remove shaky parts, long pauses, or unnecessary sections.
- Add transitions: Smooth transitions between clips can improve the flow of your video.
- Incorporate music and sound effects: Background music and sound effects can enhance the mood and engagement of your video.
Also hiring a video production company can elevate your content to a professional level, ensuring high-quality editing, polished transitions, and the incorporation of appropriate music, and sound effects that enhance the overall video experience.
Mobile videography offers incredible opportunities for creating compelling content that captivates today’s audience. Amid the hustle of city life, individuals take every free moment to consume video content, making it an integral part of their daily routines. This gives a great opportunity for the content creators. Take note of the above mistakes, and ensure that you avoid them to create successful video content.
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