Creating Better Video- Steadying Your Shot

Yesterday I started a series of posts on creating better videos.  The series came from some recent presentations I have given as a social media speaker on using video more effectively in your online marketing strategy.  The first post dealt with picking the right angles for your indoor shots.  Today we are going to tackle another one of the issues I see in too many videos.  The fact that you feel like you are riding a roller coaster throughout the entire video due to the shakiness.  If you wonder what I am talking about, here’s an example from one of my golf outings.

So how do we go about fixing this problem?  Well, absolute easiest is to just use a tripod.  It steadies your camera and removes all the shake.  You can purchase one for anywhere from $20 for an inexpensive one to some that can cost you several thousands.  Personally, I use a tripod/monopod combo from Sunpak that is around $85. (aff link) This tripod is a little taller than some of the others out there which comes in handy if you are taller or interviewing someone who is taller than 5’7″.

In addition to this tripod, I also use a smaller lightweight one, but that can can be hard to use since it is so lightweight it causes some vibration when you try to do pan shots.  The third tripod I carry in my bag always is a small desktop tripod.  This one might get more use than any other tripod I own as it is with me all the time.  It doesn’t always work the best with the DSLR camera due to the cameras weight, but with the pocket cameras it is perfect.

Here is a quick demonstration video showing the importance of steadying your camera:

So what if you want to shoot a video and do not have a tripod handy?  What should you do?  Well, obviously you wouldn’t want to just give up on shooting the video.  Instead, lets think of some other ways to imitate the tripod.  Here are just a few things I have done in the past when I don’t have a tripod nearby to steady my video camera:

• Find a steady flat surface to sit/prop the camera.  I’ve used everything from sidewalks, desks, railings, you name it to steady the camera.  I’ve even used my wallet before to prop a camera up & get that perfect shot.
• Put your camera strap on & pull the camera tight against your neck.  This will help to steady the camera more than just using your arms.
• Find something to lean on.  If you can find something to lean your elbows against you can use your arms as a tripod fairly well.

These are just a few ideas, there are plenty more crazy things I’ve done in the past to try & get the right shot.  Have you ever used any of the things I mentioned in the past?  Or maybe you have another idea.  If you do, please share!