ADOPTION JOURNEY VIDEO TIPS

Always record in SP mode and never in LP or long play mode.  You will get double the footage on a tape in LP mode but you are sacrificing half the image quality.

Try to keep the camera as still as possible.  To do this use a tripod.  When shooting hand-held, tuck your elbows in against your chest so your arms don't shake.  Lean against something or rest the camera on something like a table to get steadier shots.  Use your zoom as little as possible while filming. The zoom is best used to help you "frame your shot" just as you would with a still camera.  Once framed, press record.

Plan your shoot to better tell the story.
For example, when shooting "Gotcha Day" you may want to consider this sequence.

a) Shoot a wide/long shot of outside of hotel to establish where you are
b) Next shot, spouse walking through door of hotel - medium close up.
c) Next shot, spouse waiting with excitement in room - medium shot.
d) Next shot, Spouse looking anxiously - close up
e) Next shot, spouse shoots video of you waiting with excitement - medium shot
By using different shots, such as wide/long shots, medium shots, and close-ups, to transition from scene to scene, your adoption video story will flow better.

An American Express commercial Anchee tells an adoption story
in 30 seconds by utilizing a series of wide/long, medium, and close-up shots. 

When the baby comes in, this is one time you may want to just get everything on tape!  With all the excitement you're not going to be thinking too much at that point and you don't want to miss anything.  Try to take some close-up shots of the baby, the caregivers, your spouse, and anyone else there. Even if it is well after the initial entrance, you can try to get some close-ups.

When sightseeing, don't over use the zooming and don't pan the camera back and forth.  Just pan left to right.  Remember not to move the camera too fast.

Try to take:
a) An establishing long shot to show where you are.
b) series of medium shots of interesting buildings, mountains, etc.
c) close-ups of cool details.

If you video footage of a large area:
a) Pan from left to right - one direction only - IMPORTANT RULE: do
not pan back over a scene you already shot in the same shot
b) It is helpful to allow "action to carry you from left to right" -
in other words, if you are taking a long shot of a street scene and
cars are traveling from left to right, start at the left by following
a car to the right and your camera movement will seem invisible. When
you get to the right, stop and hold still and allow the viewer to see
something interesting. Pan and hold.

By using long, medium and close-ups shots your video story will flow better and be more interesting. If you just push record and start roaming with your camera, make sure you have Dramamine on hand when watching your video. Learn your camera's functions and practice filming before your trip.  Remember to keep at least two charged batteries with you at all times.

Always label your tapes to keep them in order.  When you have filled your tape, slide the eraser prevention tab so that you do not accidentally tape over your precious memories.

Download a complete printable copy of    shot list.

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