5 tips for getting the most out of your iPhone Video Camera

Last week LearnWP hosted another info-packed Smartphone Video workshop with Cindy Burgess of ProVideo Content.

Smartphone Video Pro Tips

Here’s a roundup of a few of the helpful pro tips Cindy taught us to use when shooting video with our iPhones.

1.  No Vertical Video

Shoot horizontally. Cindy is on a one-woman campaign to stamp out vertical video — turn your phone to shoot widescreen! The Youtube Capture app will remind you to turn your phone.

2. Zoom with your feet!

The iPhone’s built-in camera zoom will reduce video quality and pixelate your image. So just get closer → zoom with your feet.

3. Use whatever is available to stabilize your shot.

Cindy suggests that you tuck your arm in tight to your body and hold onto your wrist with your opposite hand. This will reduce your hand-held video wobbling. Try it – it really works!

Another tip is to lean against a wall or a tree to help reduce hand-held shaking.

An iPhone tripod mount is a great investment. Get one that will let you attach your iPhone to any tripod.

4. Lighting

Good lighting makes all the difference in the world when shooting video. Natural light is the best. So whenever possible shoot outside or near a window.

If you’re stuck indoors you may need to experiment with turning on lights in the room and bring in additional lighting.

The iPhone does have a built-in flashlight. It is rather harsh but may work for you in a pinch (like in a cave eh Cindy!). Swipe up from beneath the screen of your iPhone to access Control Center and tap the Flashlight icon to turn it on or off.

5. Sound

et your iPhone microphone as close to your subject as you can. You can also buy an external microphone such as a wearable microphone for iPhone and Smartphones. Another option is to use two iPhones… one up-close for recording and one for filming.

Pay attention to sounds in the environment – traffic, fans, hums or echoing. Cindy suggests recording in a room with soft furnishings.