Here at The Collective, we use film and imagery to create impactful content for conferences, incentives, events and the communications campaigns that support them. Often that involves using footage and photos supplied by clients and their employees. Seamlessly editing this together with motion graphics, animation and professional footage is something our Creative Studio team excels at. Our very own Video Producer, Nathan Wyatt has years of experience behind the camera and we asked him how people can make more of the technology in their pockets. Here’s what he had to say along with some great hints and tips.
SHOOT LIKE A PRO
Phone camera technology is now so incredible that the latest iPhone 15 Pro can competently keep up with professional level cameras that cost thousands of pounds.
Almost everyone has a smartphone, and whilst it might not be the latest and greatest, most people have a very capable image creating device in their pockets.
I’ve shared with you my insights on what can improve your videos and photography.
NATHAN'S TOP HINTS AND TIPS
VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL?
Vertical filming has taken over! It was common to discourage people from filming vertically but now it is cemented in the way we consume content and optimal for the way most people consume content on their phone. My advice would be to shoot vertical video for Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
However, landscape still has its place. If you want your content to have wider usage outside of social media, landscape works best within other larger scale projects and it’s a more flexible option as you can turn.
THE RULE OF THIRDS
If someone said to me, teach me one thing to improve my photos and videos, it would be the rule of thirds. Imagine your screen is broken down into a grid and on most phones this is an overlay you can switch on. The 4 points where the line intersect are call points of interest. Whatever your main subject is, play around with placing it on a point of interest and see if creates something better to your eye. Also try placing elements along one of the horizontal lines.
THE ANGLE MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
If you see something and want to consider making it more impactful, then you could try a change of angle. Your standard height of holding your camera comes across visually as the most boring viewpoint, simply because we see more of it. When we go to extra effort to get a low angle or high angle you get a different perspective.
FOREGROUND INTEREST & LEADING LINES
Whatever it is you want to take a picture of, let’s call that the main subject. Now look around and see if there is anything you can put between your main subject and the camera. Ideally get closer to what you put in the foreground for a nice blurred effect.
To the right is an example of leading lines. Try to find lines that move deeper into your image so that the viewers eye is pulled into the photo or video. If your lines lead your eyes to the main subject, that’s even better!
CAPTURE DIFFERENT SHOT SIZES
Mix it up with different frame types when doing carrousel photo posts. When making videos or reels, the different shot types keep it visually interesting. The 3 key shot sizes are wide, medium and close ups.
Remember; anyone can take amazing photos and videos.
I’ll leave you with a quote from a French photographer and artist:
If you are looking for support with content media creation for communications, events or corporate messaging, then get in touch with The Collective’s Creative Director, Dan Umney dan.umney@bcdme.com