Marvellous MobilesShooting web-ready video and images on smartphones & tablets

Peter Murray, Media Trust@Media_Trust @Peter__Murray

The Rule of Thirds

Try to align your subject on one of the points of focus – the eye is naturally drawn to these pointsAvoid placing your subject in the centre of the pictureHave your subject moving towards or looking into the empty space in the picture

The “Ant and Dec Rule”

Always make sure a speaker is on the same side of the frame during the film

Use alternate sides of the frame for each interviewee

When you are shooting cutaways. make sure your speaker appears to be talking to the interviewer

Use alternate sides of the frame for each interviewee

Rule of Thirds – it’s not the law

Try to make sure your horizon is straight – but play about with this. Rules are made to be broken... The same goes for the rule of thirds. If it looks good to you then go for it!

Blur

It doesn’t matter how interesting your subject is if the picture is out of focus!Most cameras or smartphones have an autofocus functionHold the camera or phone with both handsSpread your feet apart, one foot a pace in frontKeep your elbows tucked in towards your torsoPress the shutter button lightly

Focus and Depth of Field

Always make sure your subject is in sharp focusFocus can be used to draw attention to your subject using depth of field

You can also try pull focus shots in your videos if you have the right apps

Sound

If you’re going to make good films you need good audio

For the best audio – get close to the sound source

Use a plug-in microphone and headphones

Even using a hands-free may give you a cleaner-sounding interview

Light

Try to use soft light for people and objects (near a window or lamp)Avoid having the light source behind the person

Contrast can be good for buildings

For sunsets its better to have a dark foreground and a sky that is properly exposed

To avoid shaky pictures at night use a tripod or try sitting your phone on something stationary and level (a wall, table etc)

What’s in your bag?

Microphone, headphones, tripod

USB cables

Blu tac/hacky sac

Batteries (if your mic needs them)

Always keep your film kit together - Always

Budget Apps & Software

Smartphone for stills:Snapseed Photoshop ExpressInstagram

Smartphone for video/audio:VoddioiMovie/Pinnacle StudioFilmic Pro (iPhone), Cinema FV-5 (Android)