Teach how to use the camera

1. The camera must be stable

Stability is the first factor that camera enthusiasts should keep in mind. A stable picture gives people a safe, real and beautiful enjoyment, and makes people feel very comfortable when watching it; if the picture is unstable, the whole picture will shake around, making it difficult for people to see the subject clearly and understand you. shooting intention. Moreover, the pictures are dazzling and have a psychological impact on people, making them feel upset and very anxious. I don't explain this from psychology, but just think about it briefly. An object is jumping around in front of your eyes. You want to see it clearly but you can't see it clearly. Will your mood be good? Therefore, maintaining the consistent stability of the picture is the first prerequisite for photography. Whether you are pushing, pulling, shaking, moving, pitching, tilting, zooming, etc., you must always work around how to maintain the stability of the picture, so that you can take good pictures. material. To sum up, keeping the picture stable can be solved from three aspects:

1. Resolutely use a tripod when conditions permit

Using a tripod is the easiest way to keep the picture stable. It is also the best method. In fact, TV stations will use tripods whether they are filming TV series or parties, because this can keep the picture stable to the greatest extent. Some people will say that the TV station is very stable without using a tripod when shooting news, but that is because the TV station’s cameramen are professionals with strong basic skills, and they all use shoulder-mounted machines. We ordinary photography enthusiasts use small machines, and their basic skills are completely different from them. Therefore, to maintain a highly stable picture, using a tripod is the safest way. Here I recommend that all photography enthusiasts buy those lightweight tripods, which are not only easy to carry, but can also break through environmental restrictions and be used in various situations.

2. Maintain the correct shooting posture

The correct shooting posture includes the correct holding posture and the correct shooting posture. There is no fixed pattern for the holding posture and it varies with different cameras. , but generally when opening the viewfinder, you must hold the viewfinder with your left hand, otherwise it will easily cause the camera to shake.

The shooting postures mainly include standing shooting and kneeling shooting: when shooting standing, hold the camera tightly with both hands, relax your shoulders, keep your right elbow close to your side, and lift the camera slightly higher than your chest. A higher position. Hold the camcorder with your left hand to help stabilize the camcorder. Use a comfortable and stable posture to ensure that the camcorder is stable and motionless. The legs should be naturally separated, about shoulder width apart, and the toes should be slightly apart. Stand firm and maintain body balance. When swinging, you should place the starting position in a position that is uncomfortable for your body, and place the lowering position in a comfortable position. If conditions permit, try to keep your feet still.

When shooting in a kneeling position, the left knee should be on the ground, the right elbow should be on the knee of the right leg, and the left hand should also support the camera to obtain the best stability. You can also use local materials at the shooting scene to support and stabilize the body and machine with the help of stones, railings, tree trunks, walls and other fixed objects. Correct posture is not only helpful for operating the machine, but also prevents fatigue from long-term shooting. If you pan the camera again, pan it from an uncomfortable position to a comfortable position. Another thing to note is not to be carefree and avoid taking pictures with the machine in one hand or taking pictures while walking.

3. Practice the basic skills of shooting well

Practice the basic skills well to provide better guarantee for your shooting effect. It can not only improve the stability of your shooting, but also improve all aspects of shooting. Quality, you will benefit endlessly from improving your basic skills. To practice basic skills, one is to take more photos, and the other is to watch more, see what other people or the pictures on TV look like, and learn more. In short, when practicing basic skills, you do not need to practice Sanjiu in winter or Sanfu in summer. Just pay more attention to accumulation.

2. Learning to compose is the key to improving the level of photography

Similar to painting and photography, photography is also an artistic technique. Bright lines and harmony of the picture are the key. Good composition Not only does it make people feel that the theme is clear, but it also gives people a visual and psychological impact. Failed composition will make people feel that the material you shot is messy. Therefore, to improve your photography skills, you must start with composing a good picture. We have to start from the following aspects when it comes to camera composition:

1. Reasonable use of far, full, medium, near and special

The camera framing is divided into these types, the perspective of the picture From maximum to minimum. Long shot is generally to zoom the camera lens to the maximum range, and your camera framing reaches the maximum range that the camera can achieve. It is generally used when showing grand scenes, mainly used when it is majestic and large-scale. Panorama generally refers to showing the whole picture of a thing to everyone. For example, taking a panoramic view of a person is to capture the person from head to toe in the lens, so that people can understand the whole picture of the thing. Mid-shot refers to taking a part of something, but it can break into the subject and basically show all parts. For example, the composition of a person generally refers to what we usually call a half-length shot, but here we need to pay special attention to the mid-shot of the person. Never take screenshots on human joints such as knees and waist. Close-up shots are generally used when focusing on depicting details, such as focusing on facial expressions of characters. Close-ups are further characterizations, and are often used when photographing small animals. For example, when photographing bees on petals, close-ups must be used.

The choice of scene is mainly based on the theme to be expressed in the shooting. We do not compose for the sake of composition. This must be kept in mind.

2. Learn the golden section composition and one-third composition

We have learned mathematics. 0.618 is the golden section point. Our picture is generally divided into 0.618 and 0.618 horizontally. 0.382. The things at the golden section in a picture are the coordinates that attract the most visual attention, rather than the midpoint that everyone easily perceives. Therefore, when composing the picture, we try to avoid placing the subject in the center. Of course, it is not absolute. If there is For companions, for example, if there are many people in a row, then I must arrange the important person in the center. Of course, the golden section points we are talking about are two points, not just the left or 0.618 on the side. There is also a rougher method, which is to divide a picture into nine parts using two vertical lines and two horizontal lines. Then the four intersection points of the four lines are basically the center of human vision. Placing the subject on the intersection points can To attract people's visual attention.

3. Use color and static and dynamic contrast to compose the picture

Red flowers always need green leaves to set off. We will also compose the picture in the same way. If the whole picture is green and only a little red, So no matter where the red is located, it will always attract people's visual attention, so good use of color composition can often produce unexpected effects. There is also the contrast between static and dynamic composition. On TV, we often see vehicles coming and going, crowds of people rushing back and forth, and only the protagonist is walking slowly on the street, so we naturally pay attention to him and ignore the other backgrounds. In the same way, everything is still, and if an object is moving, we will naturally pay attention to it. We need to make reasonable use of static and dynamic contrast to produce unexpected effects.

3. Proper use of light is a necessary factor for good restoration of the captured images.

A brief introduction to light: Smooth light means that the camera position and the light source are on the same straight line and in the same direction when shooting. Backlighting: When shooting, the camera position and the light source are on the same straight line and in opposite directions. Side light: When shooting, the position is at a certain angle to the light source, but on the same side of the subject. Side backlighting: When shooting, the position is at a certain angle to the light source, but distributed on both sides of the subject. Pictures shot with smooth lighting appear particularly smooth, but lack a sense of layering and produce a flat effect. I don’t recommend you use backlighting unless it’s under special circumstances or when you’re trying to express special effects. Because if you use average exposure or automatic exposure when using backlight, the subject will be dark. If you use a wider aperture, it will cause the entire background to be overexposed, making it particularly dazzling. Metering is better than smooth light in expressing the layering of the subject, and the captured pictures have a three-dimensional feel. Of course, when we use light, we have to use it randomly according to the specific theme and light. There is no absolute. However, we generally do not use top light (that is, the light source is on the top of the subject) and foot light (the light source is directly below the subject). Because this will make people look particularly evil, it is often used when filming villains in movies.

4. Mastering rhythm can give people a sense of harmony

Rhythm is more difficult to master. This requires using different rhythms according to the specific theme you want to express, and it must be done regularly. Gradually summarize and explore during shooting and regular exercise. Let’s take stage photography as an example. When it comes to soothing songs or tender dances, you must use a slow tempo; when it comes to more popular songs or vigorous dances, you must use a fast tempo. In other words, the rhythm of the camera It should be consistent with the rhythm of the main body, so as to better express the theme. The fast pace of the camera is mainly reflected in several aspects: the speed of the lens push and pull, the speed of the panning lens, the speed of the subject changing, and the speed of shaking the lens.

5. Proper use of manual will improve your shooting level.

I do not recommend using automatic camera at all times. Although the automatic function of cameras is now very perfect, if the majority of DV enthusiasts want to further improve their camera skills, it is very necessary to use manual camera. Because manual operation can avoid many automatic shortcomings, in summary, the main manifestation is that when shooting in the backlight, the camera is averagely exposed, and the subject is definitely underexposed. At this time, we can manually adjust the aperture to increase the aperture, so that the subject can be restored correctly; when shooting on stage, the light It flickers on and off, and the bright spots move around. Because our camera usually focuses on the bright spots, then we are definitely not focusing on the object we want to shoot as we imagined, and the focus will jump around. At this time, we can use manual focus to achieve the shooting effect we want; when shooting, especially in large tourist attractions, it is difficult for us to ensure that no one is between the people or attractions we want to shoot during the shooting process. If we move around, our camera will jump focus. We can also avoid this situation by using manual focus. Proper use of manual focus will greatly improve the quality of our camera materials and improve our camera skills. .

Other things to pay attention to when taking pictures:

Remember to adjust the white balance before each take. When panning the camera, pushing and pulling the lens at the same time will appear particularly rhythmic. The taking must be in your control. Press the record button 10 seconds before the start of the required material and 10 seconds after recording. When panning, be sure to pre-pan at least once with an amplitude of at least 5 seconds and a duration of at least 5 seconds, and the rhythm must be consistent, etc.

Use mobile shooting methods to increase the appeal of the plot

The shots shot using the "moving camera" technique are extremely immersive and have a visual effect that cannot be matched by push-pull and panning alone. , the lens can be moved closer to the shooting target, which is very suitable for long lens shooting.

When photographing moving targets, we can use panning or zooming of the lens, or we can use shifting to express it. However, if you shoot the same target and use different shooting methods, the results will be completely different.

When introducing larger scenes, panning has its own advantages: you can scan from one end of the horizontal line to the other in a few seconds, but most of the pictures are at a considerable distance, and subtle Parts cannot be photographed. If you use the panning method, you can get closer to the target you want to shoot; you can show several pictures from different angles in the same clip; you can capture details that cannot be captured by panning.

For shooting of stationary targets - for example, when you want to shoot a group of scenes showing the scene of approaching a building, it is most appropriate to use the panning method to move forward and shoot, because this will make the subject People really feel that the picture is moving, and the effect is more natural.

Although the zoom lens is somewhat similar to this panning method, if you use a zoom lens to shoot this clip, the resulting picture will make people feel unreal. Using a zoom lens to zoom in is a bad expedient because it doesn't create the same feeling as moving the camera forward or backward.

Use auxiliary equipment

Generally speaking, you should avoid walking while holding the camera while shooting, because this may cause the images you shoot to be unstable, but quality comes first Under the circumstances, you have to do this, leaving you with no choice.

The biggest problem that needs to be solved in mobile shooting is how to prevent the camera from shaking. When shooting moving objects, it is best to have some kind of support with wheels. The most professional way is to use a camera dolly, which is to lay simple rails on the ground when shooting moving shots: install the camera on a The camera is placed on a wheeled platform and then pushed to move on the rails. This platform is called a photography dolly. This is currently the most commonly used practice in professional photography, and it is also the most effective way to ensure camera quality. We can see it in the filming of movies and TV series.

However, the cost of this kind of platform is expensive, which is a luxury for ordinary camcorder users. The civilian approach is to use a tripod dolly: just install wheels on the bottom of the tripod so that it can move on flat ground. The worst thing to do is to use anything with wheels as a substitute: including wheelchairs, cars, supermarket shopping carts, as long as the car drives smoothly. Although this is at the expense of the quality of the work, as long as your work is not film and television quality, the effect of the film shot in this way is still acceptable.

Moving on foot

In many cases, it is impossible to use equipment to move the camera, such as home videos, news interviews, travel photography, etc. The camera operator can only rely on the footwork to maintain the camera. of stability. This requires the photographer not to walk casually as usual, but to bend his legs at the knees, shift his body weight downward, and walk on tiptoe. Keep the waist upright, use your toes to explore the road when walking, and use your feet to compensate for the height of the road to reduce the ups and downs of the body while walking. The waist, legs, and feet must be coordinated and coordinated so that the machine can achieve a sliding effect.

According to different walking routes, moving shots can be divided into three types: forward and backward moving shooting, left and right moving shooting, and arc moving shooting.

"Moving forward and backward" is the most basic walking method for panning. When photographing a moving target (such as a couple slowly walking into the wedding hall), the photographer should be in front of the moving target and maintain an appropriate distance, with the camera aimed at the front of the subject. The photographer steps back smoothly as the two newcomers advance, paying attention to the fact that their walking route must be consistent with the person being photographed. Because it is a face-to-face shooting, all the expressions and movements of the person being photographed can be seen at a glance, which makes it easier for the photographer to capture the details of the character's face while they are moving, and is conducive to portraying the psychological changes of the character. In this case, close-ups should be put to good use.

When shooting by walking back and forth, there is another issue that should be paid attention to: before shooting, you must understand the walking route of the target and what the road conditions are like, and be aware of it. If the road surface is uneven or there are obstacles, you should take countermeasures in advance to avoid affecting the shooting effect or even causing a stumble.

"Left and right movement shooting" is also a sideways walking shooting. The photographer is parallel to the line of the subject being photographed. In this case, it is necessary to walk sideways to shoot. This method of moving is different from "forward and backward moving shooting". During the shooting process, large close-ups are generally rarely used to depict the details of the characters, but are usually used to emphasize the route the subject is walking or the changes in the surrounding environment.

Moving left and right, as the name suggests, the walking route of the feet is left and right instead of front and back, so this walking method is very different from the "front and back" pace. If you want to walk sideways to the right, first bend your legs slightly, then move your left foot in front of your right foot, so that the front of your right knee touches the back of your left knee. When your left foot hits the ground, shift your center of gravity Slowly move to your left foot, then move your right foot back around your left foot to stand firm... Repeat the above actions in sequence, and the entire shooting process will be completed. In the same way, the process of walking sideways to the left will be completed using the same method.

"Arc movement shooting" means that the photographer moves in a circular or arc direction instead of moving in a straight line. The walking method of "arc photography" is basically the same as the walking method of side walking, but the walking route is different. The arc of the arc shot should not be too large or too small, and should be controlled between 120° and 180°. The main target should remain in the center of the frame throughout the clip.

Using this "arc shooting" method to shoot around a static scene - such as a fountain, a statue or even a bouquet of flowers - will be more vivid and interesting than standing still. Much, so that it can well reflect the depth and level of the still scene.