Lights, camera, action! In the current age of digital content, sharing the magic of live events through video has never been easier. Whether you’re capturing a concert on your fairgrounds or documenting family fun at your festival, knowing best practices for gathering video can set your content apart. In this blog, we’ll explore some of our top tips, tricks and techniques to help you make the most of your video marketing strategy. From the front row to backstage, this guide is your ticket to mastering live event videography!
Plan Ahead
No one knows your event! Identify key points of interest around your grounds or venue (like the concert stage or a crowd-favorite ride) and take some practice shots to determine the best vantage point for filming. You’ll want to anticipate lighting conditions, possible obstructions and any challenges, so try filming a rehearsal if you can!
Choose Your Equipment
Next up, how will you capture the videos? Nowadays, you can capture clear, high-quality video from most iPhones, but you will also want to consider the type of video you’re shooting. If it’s for a social media ad for instance, be sure you’re either filming with your phone horizontally, or you are using a camera that films in multiple ratios. Consider external microphones for better audio sources, and extra batteries or powerbanks so you won’t have to stop filming for a charge.
Keep Shots Stable
Having a smooth stable shot is a simple way to elevate the quality of your footage. Tripods, gimbals and similar tools eliminate shaky footage, ensuring a smooth shot. Practice with your camera shooting in different angles and with different movements.
Consider Lighting
Are you going to be filming the crowds during the day or capturing video at a nighttime concert? If you’re filming a show, familiarize yourself with the lighting setup (such as spotlights or stage lighting) and adjust your camera settings accordingly to avoid overexposed or underexposed shorts.
Composing Your Shot
You’ll want to make sure your main subjects or point of interest are fully captured in the shot! Use the rule of thirds (essentially creating a tic-tac-toe board over the shot, and placing the subject where the lines are intersecting) to create more visually appealing shots, and experiment with different angles and perspectives to add variety to your footage.
Don’t Forget the B-Roll
In addition to capturing all the action at your live event, remember to shoot plenty of cutaways and B-roll footage! Getting additional shots of audience reactions and behind-the-scenes moments can add quite a bit of depth and context when editing your final video.
At the end of the day, capturing video at live events requires careful planning, the right equipment and an eye for detail. With the right composition and footage, you can give your audience an immersive experience they won’t forget. Happy filming!