Camera movement can convey a lot more than you may think. Whether it’s intentional or not doesn’t matter. Your audience will feel a certain way depending on how you are moving the camera. So, before you go out and shoot your next video, be sure to watch Film Riot's latest tutorial in which they talk about the different movements possible and what you could use them for.
From camera panning to using a dolly or a slider or even shooting handheld, each method has its purpose. In the video above, Ryan from Film Riot doesn’t go over how to create these types of shots, but focuses on the why instead, because as he explains extremely well, a simple difference in the way you shoot can significantly impact how the viewer is going to feel.
For example, shooting handheld is the preferred method for a first-person point of view, as opposed to using a gimbal or a Steadicam, which would give you a more refined look. As a photographer, it’s quite fascinating to learn about all this. When shooting stills, we certainly do not have to think so much about movement, except if we want to freeze an action or not. The subject movement can impact our framing, but not so much the way we move. However, I do believe that including some dynamism or action in a photograph is always a great idea, and looking at what videographers are doing makes me rethink many of my concepts, from lighting to framing or even pre-production.
What do you think of camera movement? If you are a videographer, is it something you use on purpose or do you simply wish for the best? As a photographer, do you think that looking at cinematography tutorials and educational content helps you push your work? Let me know below in the comments section.
