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Jason's Field Notes

Videography Fundamentals

content creation
video camera lighting composition
beginner

Camera Settings

  • Frame rate: 24 fps for normal video (cinematic look)
  • Shutter speed: 2x your frame rate — 1/48th for 24fps. Increase if exposure demands it, but you’ll sacrifice motion blur
  • ISO: As low as possible. Increase only as needed to avoid grain
  • White balance: Adjust per scene so whites look white. Use auto WB to find the setting, then lock it for consistency across the scene
  • Lens: Use the main wide camera — it’s usually the best quality
  • Filmic Pro
  • Moment Pro
  • DJI Mimo

Lock exposure and autofocus before recording for consistent shots.

Lighting

  • Soft light with diffusion is almost always better than harsh direct light
  • Avoid overhead light — it creates unflattering shadows
  • Outdoors: Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) are best
  • Indoors: Position near a window or in a corner of a room for natural, even light

Composition

Rule of Thirds

Align your subject along the gridlines or at intersections — not dead center.

Create Depth

Use foreground, middle ground, and background layers. Shoot close to an object in the foreground to add dimension.

Movement

  • Deliberate and smooth
  • Push in or pull out for emphasis
  • Truck (side to side) for reveals
  • Jib (up and down) for dramatic effect
  • Less is more — small, controlled movements

A motorized gimbal (like the DJI OM5) makes a huge difference for smooth handheld shots.

Audio

Good audio matters more than good video. Options:

  • Shotgun mic — directional, great for on-camera subjects
  • Lavalier mic — clips to clothing for interviews (POP Voice Pro ~$15)
  • Music: Epidemic Sound for royalty-free tracks

Editing

  • VN Video Editor — free, capable mobile editor
  • LumaFusion — professional-grade on iPad/iPhone