Shooting a digital video scrapbook

Creating a digital video scrapbook is easy if you know some basic shooting tricks. This is one of your digital video scrapbook classes and on this page you’re sure to find a tip that will make your scrapbook recording much better.

Now, we’re calling this a digital recording because most everything is now moving into the digital realm. If you record on a VHS tape and edit VHS to VHS machine, you won’t be doing it digitally.

However, if you record on a camcorder using a mini-dv tape (recommended) or one that uses a DVD in the camcorder, you are recording digitally. Plus, once you capture the footage into the computer, you are now in digital scrapbook land.

But first, we must get a good recording. Fortunately, with today’s home video equipment, most of the technical nightmares are history. In fact, all you really need do is pull a camera out of the box, turn it on and shoot. The automatic settings will do you well just like they are.

So, don’t get exotic with tech stuff. Just be sure of a few things when you are shooting the footage for your digital video scrapbook. Here's some video scrapbook how to's for your scrapbook class:

1. Use the power adapter when you shoot and not a battery.

2. Use a tripod – they are not expensive.

3. Avoid white in the scene – it will cause your camera iris to stop down and make everything dark.

4. Put the main “prompter” (or the person conducting most of the interview) right next to the camera lens so the star will talk to them and also to the lens.

5. Never have a fluorescent light anywhere in the vicinity.

6. Have twice as much tape or disc capacity as you think you will need.

7. Cover the red light on the camera with black electrical tape.

8. After you start the camera recording, walk away from it until it is time to change tapes.

9. Don’t put the camera too close to the subject – the zoom can create a “fatso” kind of effect.

10. Do not use a wireless microphone – they can pick up strange things.

As was mentioned earlier, position the main interviewer next to the camera lens. This will also help get their voice on camera should they ask a question. Put other people near to the camera on the other side.

So, if all is prepared and your digital video scrapbook script or outline is ready to go, then start recording. After a short while, everyone will forget about the camera recording and start to have fun. Remember, this is an exploration process and an adventure. What you record at this moment may be seen decades from now. Enjoy the moment – it won’t happen again.

Here are some more "secret" tips for you. Secret Shooting Tips

A couple of resources for you. Equipment suggestions if you need them. We kept our selections for camcorders under $500 and editing software around $100. Technology changes rapidly so investigate wisely or, if you are a purchaser of our E-Book then just send us an e-mail and we'll take a look at your suggestion and give you our opinion.

Camcorders
Editing Software Systems

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