Have you ever wondered why people like to watch a friend's home videos while yours tend to always get fast forwarded through?  Most likely the problem isn't your equipment, it's your shooting.  This month we would like to share a few simple tips to improve your videos.  In a nutshell, it boils down to video, audio, and subject.

Video

Video shots need to be STEADY.  Use a tripod for plays or events.  If you are going to be videotaping non-stop for more than a couple of minutes you will start to tire from holding the camera and wont be able to hold the camera steady. 

Any camera moves should be slow and you should hold still shots on subjects for at least five seconds.  This allows your viewers time to comprehend what they are seeing. 

Use your zoom to frame your shot before recording.  Constant zooming in and out is disorientating to watch.  Only zoom while recording if you need to adjust framing of a moving object during a shot.

The more you zoom in, the harder it is to hold a steady shot.  Steady shot can't compensate for a shaky camera.  If you must be zoomed in all the way and don't have a tripod, try to brace yourself against something for support to help hold the camera still.

Audio

People will accept poor video quality before they will accept poor audio quality.  Be aware of your surroundings!

Camera mics pickup audio all around the camera, including behind you.  Cameras also adjust volume for the loudest sound reaching the mic.  If there is background noise louder than your subject, than you'll only hear the background noise when you watch it.

Get as close as possible to your subject to insure they are the loudest sound being picked up.

Keep your hands still on the camera.  Any hand movement or button pushing will be picked up as loud, irritating booms and squeaks on the video. 

Subject

Make your subjects interesting.  A variety of shots from different angles is better than one long shot.  The standard scene starts with a wideshot to show where you are, followed by some closer shots to show the detail in the scene.

Try to keep distracting objects out of your shots.  If the object isn't needed for the viewer to understand what is happening, don't include it.

Be observant of where you place your subject in the frame.  Make sure they aren't competing for interest with the background or foreground. 

And finally, for others watching your video, miles of video through your car window, minutes of babies laying on a blanket, or a camera setup in the corner of a room and left alone for half and hour are BORING.  Leave your viewers wanting more, not asking "How to I fast forward with your remote?"