If you're videotaping graduation ceremonies, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your graduation movie is as good as possible. Keep these tips in mind as you're videotaping graduation ceremonies and you'll end up with a graduation movie that's fun to watch and a great way to remember the big day!
1. Polish Your Skills
If you're new to videography, make sure that you know the basic steps to shooting great video. These videotaping tips will help you get high-quality video shots during any event, and they'll be especially helpful while videotaping graduation ceremonies.
2. Battery Power
You'll need to use batteries to power your camcorder, since there will probably be nowhere to plug in. Make sure the batteries are fully charged. You may even want to invest in an extra battery for videotaping graduation ceremonies - it'll be a long day and you want your camcorder to make it all the way through!
3. Use a Tripod
Graduation ceremonies last a long time, and you don't want your arms to get tired and your filming to get shaky. A tripod will help you maintain a still, steady shot for the duration.
4. Arrive Early
By arriving early, you'll be able to get the lay of the land and find a good place to set up your camcorder. You'll want plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the stage and the students, and to check that your camcorder is working properly.
5. Consider the Sound
You may not have many options when recording audio at the graduation ceremonies. If possible, though, try to set up your tripod near an audio speaker. That should make it easier for your camera to pick up the speaker's voice, instead of background noise from the audience.
6. Read the Program
After you've set up your camcorder, grab a program and familiarize yourself with the order of events. By knowing when things will be occuring you'll be able to anticipate the action and have your camcorder ready to capture the important moments.
7. Respect Others
Sure, it's important that you do a good job videotaping graduation ceremonies and making your graduation movie the best it can be. But don't forget that there are many others who want to enjoy the event and celebrate the graduates' accomplishments. Be conscious about where you are standing and try to stay out of the way of other people.
8. Videotape Personal Remembrances
There's more to graduation day than speeches and handing out diplomas. Videotape interviews with the graduate and his or her friends and family. Ask about the importance of the day, their favorite memories of school and their plans for the future.
These interviews will add a personal touch to the graduation movie, and make it even more fun to watch!
9. Don't Forget B-Roll
You should always shoot b-roll during any video production. It will add visual interest to your finished video, and give you more options while editing.
Some b-roll shots to try to get are:
- The exterior of the graduation site
- Wide shots and close ups of people in the audience
- The graduation program
- "Congratulations Graduates" signs
- Diplomas, mortarboards, etc.
