Smartphone video is hugely popular, but often dark and disappointing.  Just as we promised in our previous article, we are continuing with some tips to enrich your amateur iPhone video.  You have tips 1-3 in that previous article, and now we continue with Part 2 of our Smartphone Video Tips.  

4. Use the Exposure Lock:  The Key to Smartphone Video of a Person Talking to Camera

Of course, you know the iPhone will automatically focus and expose your shot.  Now, this is excellent for photographs.  However, it is very poor if you are shooting a video of one person talking to the camera.

Smartphone video can be a smart choice if it's the only camera you have when the action breaks loose.

Smartphone video can capture unforgettable action moments for your family.

You will be distressed because you will see the iPhone adjust and refocus repeatedly.  And thus, it will give you jittery footage.  So, find that magical button to your Exposure Lock.  

Why This Happens With Smartphone Video

You see, the poor little camera is just trying to keep up with head bobs and expressive facial moves.  Find and use your exposure focus lock.  Then you can keep the focus and the exposure constant.

That’s why we recommend using the exposure focus lock.  This will help to keep the focus and exposure constant as you shoot your Smartphone Video.

  1. Don’t Drop the Mic, just Move It In

When you have no sound or confusing sound, it really wrecks your video.  One general rule is to move that microphone close to your subject.

Here is a really clever idea from the Smartphone video experts at Wistia:

“When you’re shooting video with an iPhone, it’s best to position a second iPhone directly above the subject’s head to record clean audio.  And thus creating a simple voice memo will do the trick!”  Now, how simple is that?

Another option is to use an external microphone.  Did you know that you can plug a powered mic into an XLR microphone adapter?  And it will do the job for you.  It will “send the audio from the microphone directly into your iPhone.”

Priceless Pro Tip:

Synchronize sound and action by a hand Clap once at the beginning of each take.  This creates a reference point for syncing the good sound from the voice memo with the bad sound from the video recording.

  1. Smartphone Video and the Fancy Stuff!  Slow-motion 

Slow-mo is a built-in feature of the iPhone.  Motivate the reason for using it within your video story.  We love to see it with water-skiing, running and other high action activities.

Smartphone Video can catch moments and almost freeze them.

Slow motion means you can see moments the eye did not catch.

You can get some amazing shots with the iPhone’s built-in slow-mo, but make sure the choice to slow down the action is motivated by the story.  Remember.  Stories dictate the shots, not vice versa.

Remember:  You can pick your slow-mo look:

  • Choose to shoot 120 frames-per-second at 1080p resolution.
  • Or shoot 240 frames-per-second at a reduced resolution of 720p.

  1. The Time-Lapse: Impressive Storytelling and More Fancy Stuff

Action and the right story will clue you into the use of this special video feature also.  If you want that cool looking vibe from rushing  crowds and hustle and bustle of action, then take these easy steps with your Smartphone video:

  • First-Attach the i-phone to its tripod.
  • Second-Lock the focus and exposure.  These settings will account for smooth and natural lighting changes across the hours.
  • Last but not Least: place your i-phone into airplane mode.
  • But Do Not Forget:  Hit “record.”

  1. Edit on your Computer

Lots of editing Apps are out there for the iPhone.  Experts say those Apps are no equal for the editing ability of the one on your computer.  When you complete the final shooting, plug in your phone and offload the footage.  Do your editing on your computer.  And thus improving your final product.

Fear Not the Editing: 

Follow your hot tips from Bullhorn Media for good Smartphone Video.

Sweet Family Times are Made for our special amateur Smartphone Video Tips.

As we said, this blog is in honor of amateurs who want to shoot memorable moments of their lives, friends and families.

Don’t worry if you have never done this before.  Even free tools like iMovie have made editing super easy for amateurs and pros.

Our Terrific Take-Away

When it comes to filming indoor or outdoor memories and get-togethers, we hope you will use the camera that you have.  And sometimes that means you use your iPhone video feature.

If you thought you needed to go out and buy a DSLR or a big video camera for indoor filming or successful memory-making video, think again!  Sometimes, the best video camera is the one you have in your pocket, right there on your iPhone.

Bullhorn Media thanks you for reading our blog. And wishes

A Happy Day to All the Mothers of America.