Creating and improving video

This topic provides information about how you can improve the quality of your video by using the right background, lighting, and clothing for your subject.

• Background. If possible, use a still background when recording video. If you need to record against a moving background, try reducing the depth of field to help reduce the amount of detail in the background. Reducing the depth of field or shortening the area in focus softens the background and helps reduce the amount of data that changes from frame to frame. To reduce the depth of field and make the background go out of focus, use a lower level of light and move the subject closer to the lens, or move the subject farther away from the lens and use a telephoto lens to zoom in.
• Lighting. Provide adequate lighting; use soft light, diffuse light, and consistent light levels. A certain amount of contrast is necessary for lighting a subject, but avoid direct high-contrast lighting. For example, when recording a face lit by strong sunlight from the side, the facial features in the shadow can be lost on video.
• Clothing. Have your subjects wear clothing colors that complement their skin tone and are sufficiently different from the background and other overlapping objects. Avoid bright colors, which tend to bleed or spread outside an object, and stripes, which may create moiré patterns, especially when the subject is moving slowly.
• Tripod. When possible, use a tripod when recording video. A tripod will help to keep the video camera still and improve the overall quality of the recorded video. This prevents your recorded video from being jittery and improves the source material that you plan to use in your movies.

Related topics

• Preparing to create your video