1. Figure out your “story” before you get into the editing room.
2. If interviews are needed – make a list of good questions that will lead to insightful answers and concise sound bites.
3. Always think about your “audio” – listen to your room sounds.
4. Capture your audio with external mics – not the mic in the camera.
5. Wear headphones – camera meters only indicate that you’re getting sound – but it may not be good sound.
6. Shoot and move – getting wide, medium, tight and close-ups from various angles.
7. Anticipate what’s coming next and be in the right spot to get the shot.
8. When shooting, think about how you will “get into” and “out of” a shot in the finished piece. Play it out in your head.
9. Shoot action and reaction – both points of view. Example: Teacher and student’s reaction
10. Don’t talk over your video – even if you think you might not want to use the audio – because you never know.
11. Use a tripod for long lens shots.
12. Get lots of close-ups especially if the finished piece if for the web. You’ll be happy you did when you get in the editing room.
13. Have a plan but be prepared to be spontaneous and let serendipity happen.
Gail Mooney – Insights from a professional photographer and filmmaker
Journeys of a Hybrid 