Nature and wildlife video shots are something that one often sees everyday. Taking good wildlife shots is possible with almost any kind of camcorder since most cameras are now equipped with the zooming capabilities to capture wild animals from long distances. With the technology available to most amateur wildlife videographers, amazing nature videos can be taken just by following a few nature filmmaking tips.
Use a tripod to steady shots. One of the problems with most amateur nature shots is camera shake, shots taken while tilting up and down or panning go smoother when taken from a tripod. The tripod can also help users avoid using the digital zoom and instead use the built-in optical zoom for clearer telephoto shots.
Shoot at various angles. Shooting the same scene in wide, tight and middle angles will give the shooter more footage options to choose from. This way one can have various perspectives to keep a string of shots interesting. A wide shot to capture a whole herd, before one shows a medium shot of a portion of the herd followed by a close up shot of one buffalo will keep things interesting. Another good idea is to get a new perspective, such as shooting from the ground as if getting the perspective of the animals themselves. A tripod will be very handy with this technique, since one no longer has to bend or kneel down to get an unusual shot.
Use a blind. When shooting at a fairly close range a blind is often necessary. This is anything that can help conceal the camera and the shooter to avoid scaring the animals off. A blind can be anything from leaf covers to dried twigs and branches. A car can be used as an effective hide, as long as it does not project too much heat and can be concealed easily.
Shoot in Progressive Mode. Progressive mode is often very important in capturing fast speeds. This mode differs from interlaced footage, which captures every other line of the shot and simply fills the vacant spaces in the film. In progressive mode each split second action is recorded, resulting to better clarity even in sudden motion. Progressive shooting also allows for useful stills to be taken from the footage.
Consider the lighting. Shooting in nature often requires one to adapt to the lighting available at the moment. However, one can exercise a certain degree of control by shooting in certain areas of the day. For example, lighting is best in the morning and in the afternoon, an hour or two before the sun is about to set. During these times, the sun gives the footage a warm glow.
Keeping shots steady with a tripod, using good camouflage, utilizing the optical zoom of the camcorder instead of the digital zoom are just some of the tips one can use to improve nature videography skills. Nature is awesome enough on its own. Capturing it with the right techniques will help others appreciate the wonders of the wild even if they were not there to see the real thing.
Kevin J Railsback
Filmmaking Naturally
http://www.filmmakingnaturally.com/
Award-winning filmmaker Kevin J Railsback has traveled as far as Africa to test HD camera for Panasonic. His stunning nature and wildlife footage has appeared in productions on National Geographic, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, etc.
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