Tips for making fun family videos

by scandice Swanepoel author

Kids videos make excellent memories and can serve as an important part of family genealogy for those in the future trying to learn about their past. Family especially kids videos are often a rich source of positive family memories. These days the iPhone in your pocket can help you record precious moments and even make them into outstanding videos using apps that capture the spirit of that special family time and last long after the holiday is over. Even someone who is not an expert at shooting or editing video can turn out a very memorable video if they follow just a few tips.

Our 7 tips for making family videos

1. Keep it natural and relaxed

Children are children, not actors or reality TV stars. Let them be themselves. That’s the whole thing you are trying to capture isn’t it? The minute you try and put words into their mouths or set up unnatural situations they will either ham up or clam up. Do something you know they will enjoy, or follow them as they potter and you’ll get more organic, natural footage.

2. Be Happy with imperfection

Give them a line to say to camera if you’d like them to present, but make it short and keep your instructions clear and concise. Be happy with imperfection; don’t make them do take after take as they will get bored. Keep all takes.

3. Know your camera and how to use it

Don’t try and figure out how to work a complicated video camera on your shoot. If you are more familiar with your phone then use that instead, these days it’s good enough. During shoot make sure that your camera is actually on and recording when capturing events.

4. Step into the light

Be aware of light and shade and use it. Don’t stand kids next to the window or they will all be silhouettes.

5. Be Aware of the sound

The sound can be the most overlooked part of a video, but it’s very important for interviews. It can make your footage unusable if it’s no good. Be aware of traffic, background noise or anything that’ll obscure or interfere with the sound you want.

6. Involve the kids

Kids don’t have to be the stars of the video or hangers on. They can be part of the crew or creative team. Get them to think up ideas for a video, to plan and storyboard the shoot.

7. Capture Movement

Track them occasionally with the camera. But don’t move the camera around all the time. Hold your shots for 5-10 seconds to make editing easier.

Whatever you do, remember you’re not Spielberg. The point is to have fun together not to fall out with each other in the quest to produce an Oscar winning movie. It’s family life not great art.

Author Bio-

This article is brought to you by the friendly people at Kidterview. Kidterview is a Kids interview recording and instant movie making iOS application. For more details about Kidterview log on to Kidterview.com