Lights, camera, action: movies at home!

It seems like everyone is making home movies these days — and posting them online for all to see (literally). Even if you’re not ready to share your videos with the world, creating home movies can capture special moments with the click of a button. Still, there are certain tips that can make your movies more Spielberg and less “Blair Witch.”

Tracy Claybrook, filmmaker and lead instructor of Digital Filmmaking & Video Production at The Art Institute of Dallas, Texas, offers the following suggestions:

“The most indicative sign of an amateur video is camera shakiness. To avoid this common problem, my number one tip is to use a tripod. It will raise your production value 80 percent,” she says.

Doug Yeager, associate dean of Academic Affairs at Brown Mackie College Cincinnati in Ohio and former chair of the school’s audio and video production program, concurs with the importance of eliminating this camera shakiness. “If you don’t have a tripod, consider using the ‘roll step’ technique,” he says.

“Firmly grip the camera with both hands, and keep your elbows out for balance,” Yeager explains. “Bend your knees slightly, and as you walk, put your heel down first, then roll your weight to your toes. Your knees will absorb the motion instead of transferring it to the lens. It also helps to keep your buttocks tight so that your hips become part of the shock absorption. And remember to breathe regularly. This posture enables your body to serve as a mobile tripod.”

Yeager says this technique, often used by professionals, helps the videographer keep an eye on the lens while navigating any dips in terrain, and makes for steadier photography. He also stresses the importance of practicing the technique with the camera rolling. “You can watch the results during playback and gauge your improvement,” he continues.

“Another common problem in amateur video is associated with the camera zoom option,” says Yeager. “The more you zoom in on an object, the more the image magnifies. Any ‘bump’ or camera shakiness during a zoom becomes exaggerated.”

Frame composition is another important consideration. “When teachers talk about balance in film composition, they don’t mean symmetrical balance,” states Yeager. “Use the ‘rule of thirds.’ Imagine placing a tic tac toe grid over the screen. Your main image should appear anywhere on the grid except dead center in the middle block. This simple rule helps to create an optimum look and feel to your video.”

“Next,” Claybrook says, “Short of filming a birth, don’t be afraid to shoot the same scene from different angles. You will benefit from having a second or third take when you move to the editing stage.” This is a necessary step if you find you’ve left the lens cap on during an initial take.

Many amateur videographers get nervous about editing. Claybrook advises purchasing decent video editing software, which can range in price from $200 to $2,000. She adds, “Think about what you’re editing: these are priceless family memories. It’s worth a bit of an investment.” Most of these programs are super-intuitive and easy to use, creating an end result that can last a lifetime.

What about posting your videos online? It’s the latest craze, but Claybrook advises to learn how to use the social networking sites first — be it YouTube, Flickr, iLife, etc. — before uploading your personal movies. Each site provides step-by-step directions for posting, and offers a lockdown procedure, allowing friends and family to view by invitation only.

Most importantly, says Claybrook, “Have fun. Making home movies shouldn’t bog you down.” And perfection on film is overrated — sometimes the little mistakes make the memories even more … memorable.