Low level – 3a. Shooting a landscape

Category: Video

Objectives:

To become familiar with camera movements while shooting something still, such as a landscape.

Short Description:

In this activity you will create short video shots practising the different movements of the camera which will be very useful for your movies later. 

Module:

Module 2 > chapiter 2 > section 3
Download the activity

Duration

30 minutes

Number of participants

Adaptable. Work in pairs or small groups, depending on the cameras you have. 

  • Video camera.
  • A tripod if available / desired
  • Any kind of computer you can download the audiovisual material and watch it.
  • You can use a projector as well.

Description step by step

  • Choose an urban or natural landscape.
  • Then shoot it with a panoramic movement for around 20 sec. Repeat it until you are satisfied.
  • Then do the tilt shot for around 20 sec.
  • Then do the dolly in/out shot for around 20 sec each. 
  • Watch the shots and discuss the different results. Answer to questions like:
  • In which case  would you use each scene?
  • Which one do you prefer and why?
  • Do any of them cause any feelings?

Tips for the trainer

The quality of the tripod will affect the smoothness of your shot. 

Remind the participants: the starting and finishing point of a pan or a tilt are important for editing, so try to make them slow and smooth.