Tips for Shooting on Mobile Devices
iPhone /iPad / Android

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LET'S GET STARTED
Welcome to this quick primer on shooting on a mobile device, whether you are using an Apple product, Android or other - keep in mind that most of the general practices are relatively the same, no matter the type of mobile device you are using.
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First off, thanks for taking a moment to check out these tips, we hope it helps to answer some of your questions.
TOOLS NEEDED
For best results you will need:
- A Smart Phone OR Tablet Device
- Headphones (with an attached Microphone)
- Headphones can be wired or wireless
- Selected background or location

BEFORE YOU SHOOT ANYTHING

STEP ONE - Select your shooting location.
Before you begin shooting anything, you will need to find a space to shoot your video that delivers some key components.
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1) Should be well lit.
2) Should be relatively quiet.
3) Background should be interesting or neutral.
4) You should be comfortable in a seated or standing position.
STEP TWO - Prepare your material.
While you do not have to be able to read like a newscaster or reporter, you will need to express your story clearly and effectively.

1) Write down what you want to say.
2) Practice, more than once and get comfortable with the material.
3) Relax and take your time.
​4) You do not have to be perfect, just do your best.
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STEP THREE - Setting up your camera.

​Whether you are using an Android, Google or Apple device, you will need to make sure you phone is shooting 1080 HD at 30fps.

In your SETTINGS panel of your device, please go to CAMERA and select the correct setting.

In some Android phones they may ask for Image Ratio (always select 16x9), and if asked please select BEST settings for picture quality.

If your phone cannot record in 1080, please select 720p HD at 30 fps.

SHOOTING TIPS

STEP FOUR - Shooting Tips
  1. When shooting video on an iPhone, make sure that you shoot in landscape mode.  Everything should have that cinematic look.
  2. Launch the Camera mode on the phone.  Be sure to select VIDEO not PHOTO mode.
  3. When you are ready to record,  set your phone to AIRPLANE mode.
  4. Be sure to shut off the AUTO or flash setting on the phone.
  5. As you select the subject or area to shoot, hold your finger down on the screen over the selected area.  Wait until you see the AE/AF Lock button appear.  This locks in your focus and exposure so if you move around, the image doesn't shift while shooting.
  6. Be sure to wear headphones with a microphone for clear audio.
  7. If you are not comfortable holding your device steady, have someone else hold it for you - or set it on a shelf, using books or other items to level the shot so it is looking at you directly.
  8. HIT RECORD, then count to 3 and take a deep breath before beginning - we will edit out the countdown.
  9. Take your time and try not to speed through your material.
  10. Take the pressure off - this can be fun, so don't try for perfection, just do your best to tell your story. 

​Once you finish recording what you want to say, but BEFORE you stop the recording - take a moment, look into the camera and smile. You have done a great job capturing a special moment and while it may feel unnatural, you should be proud of yourself. Stop the recording. 

SENDING FOOTAGE

On most devices you can select the video that you have recorded and send via email or to a Dropbox or Google Drive.
For iPhones, you can select the Video in the PHOTO section, once selected hit the NEXT button and it will give you options on how to send it.
On your Android device, open a Gmail app - compose an email and tap ATTACH, tap INSERT from Drive, then add the selected file and hit SEND. 
Think of us as Tech Support for your storytelling needs, whether we are working from your creative brief or maybe you would like us to pitch something completely new, we stand ready to get started on your next project.