How to keep your phone steady when filming – 10 guidelines for taking better smartphone videos

If you’re a filmmaker, you know that holding your phone steady is crucial when shooting video. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to keep your device still. This guide will teach you some tips on how to keep your phone steady when filming. Furthermore, keep reading to learn 10 guidelines for taking better smartphone videos from Terry VerHaar.

How to keep your phone steady when filming

Self-stabilization

Certain camera settings can also help stabilize footage. Try changing exposure compensation, increasing ISO, or using manual focus.
Experiment until you find a setting that works best for you and your filming style.

There are also a number of apps that offer stabilization for your footage. Some examples include Optical Flow (for iPhone), Steadicam for Windows, and Filmic Pro for Mac. Try searching for “stabilization app” in the App Store or on Google Play to find the best option for you.

Smartphones with good digital in-camera stabilization make filming smoother.
However, sometimes even the best phones can’t keep up with the action, and you may find your footage is shaky. The following tips will help keep your footage steady even when the phones are moving around.

Devices that keep smartphones steady (tripods, mounts, gimbals)

There are a number of devices that can keep a smartphone steady while filming. These include tripods, mounts, and gimbals. If you don’t have any of these devices, you can try using a phone case or attaching the phone to a strap.

Once you have chosen a device, make sure it is set up correctly. Tripods typically need to be set up at a 90-degree angle. Mounts can be positioned in any direction. And gimbals should be held in one hand and the phone in the other.

A number of phone cases also offer stabilization features. Some examples include the Otterbox Defender and the Spigen Neo Hybrid. If you don’t have a case, you can try using an adhesive pad or placing your phone on a flat surface.

Remove shake from video post-production using Premiere Pro

If you want to remove shake from your footage, you will need to use post-production tools. Shake can be removed by using a video stabilizer or motion tracking software.

DJI Spark and Lumix DMC-GH4 Stabilization Systems are video stabilizers. These devices attach to your camera and help to keep the footage smooth during slow or fast movements.

Motion-tracking software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, offers more advanced stabilization features. These tools track the movement of objects in your footage and can then be used to remove shake in post-production.

Hand pose

One-handed phone holding is ideal. To achieve this, place your index finger on top of your phone, your pinky on the bottom, and your other two fingers on the rear. This frees your thumb for shutter, focus, and exposure adjustments. Use your hand as a steadying device.

This phone-holding technique has many benefits. First, it’s more sturdy, making photos less fuzzy. Holding your phone with one hand instead of two makes it easier to move your phone toward the subject. Finally, switching from landscape to portrait is quick. Street photography has its benefits.

Hold your phone the way you hold a camera

Use both hands to hold your smartphone as close as possible to your body as you record the video. In good light, hold your smartphone like a camera. Hold it upright with the screen facing forward. Actually, it appears as though you’re handling a genuine camera due to the fact that you can snap photos using the volume buttons.

Use both hands to hold your smartphone as close as possible to your body as you record the video. Since this can be a bit tiring in long takes or sequences, you can use other ways to support the phone:

• Stabilizers and tripods have perfect handles, which allow you to keep your smartphone still when taking a video with it.
• You can also rest your phone on other physical supports like tables, chairs, desks, shelves, etc.

Collected from teaching-resources.delta.ncsu.edu

The shutter pressing technique

Regardless of your phone-holding style, ensuring that you only depress the shutter when both hands are steady is essential. For assistance, try leaning against an object like a railing or table. Alternatively, placing one arm atop your body and using the other to support it can also be quite helpful.

How you press the shutter is also important. The volume buttons are easy to use and almost always move your phone. It’s advisable to stay away from them when it’s dark out. Remember that the image will only be taken if you release your finger from the screen when using the on-screen shutter.

You can also stop any camera movement caused by the shutter by pressing the volume-up button on your Apple headphones. In street photography, the headphone shutter is especially helpful if you’re using a tripod or trying to blend in.

Use a stable surface

Take stable video with a stable surface. If you are filming on a shaky surface, try to find a more stable surface. This can be done by using a tripod, mounting the phone on a Steadicam arm, or using an adjustable stand.

Take notice of your breathing

Don’t force yourself to become more still; that only exacerbates your body’s natural tension and instability in your hands. Instead, many photographers have discovered that their motions of exhaling are more steady at the end of each cycle.

10 guidelines for taking better smartphone videos

Maintain a basic background

If you’re filming on a white or light-colored background, your footage will appear grainy. To avoid this, try to find a backdrop that blends in with the environment. Alternatively, shoot against a dark or solid surface.

Get creative with stabilization

There are many different ways to achieve stabilization in post-production. Some tools attach to your camera, while others require software like Adobe Premiere Pro or the shake reduction tool in Apple Photos.

Lighting matters

When shooting video, make sure to light your subject properly. Too much light can cause footage to look overexposed and blurry. Instead, try to use a light that falls in the midtone range or shoot during the day.

Record with sound

If you’re shooting video and your phone is noisy, turn off the audio recording feature. This will help keep your footage smooth without any pops or drops in sound quality.

Moving closer to your subject

This will also help to reduce camera shake. Try to move at least three feet away from your subject for the best results.

Frame your shot

A good rule of thumb is to frame your shot so that your subject fills the majority of the screen. This will help reduce camera shake and keep your viewers engaged.

Editing can help you make better videos

Even if you’re not using the best equipment, taking the time to edit your footage can make a big difference. Try to frame your shots in a way that looks natural and avoid over-editing.

Use landscape orientation

Landscaping improves your video’s visuals and lucidity on widescreen or curved screens.
Furthermore, it enables you to capture more content within the actual footage, making for an alluring experience!

Consider buying accessories

If you’re serious about shooting videos with your smartphone, you’ll want to invest in some quality accessories. This could include a tripod, Steadicam arm, or adjustable stand.

Time-lapse photography with a smartphone

Time-lapse photography is an excellent way to show the passage of time. By taking several photos every few seconds, you can create a video that looks like it was shot in slow motion.

FAQs How to keep your phone steady when filming

How can I keep my camera stable while walking?

Hold the camera with the neck strap taut in front of you. It stabilizes video and prevents jarring motions. You can move or pivot while capturing video with this camera hold.

How to hold your iPhone for taking a selfie?

Don’t reach out. Bend your elbow and face the phone or camera. Your arms can frame your portrait if you’re holding your smartphone with two hands.

How do you hold mobile while taking mirror selfie?

Hold the phone steady below your face while taking a photo.

How do I use my iPhone to record steady videos?

The iPhone 14’s Enhanced Stability setting zooms in to improve video and cinematic recording stability. Standard settings turn on Enhanced Stabilization.

Conclusion

To conclude, there are many ways to remove shake from your footage. In post-production, you can use video stabilizers and motion tracking software. Alternatively, you can use one-handed phone holding or take notice of your breathing. Remember to stay calm and keep your hands steady when taking photos or filming. Thanks for visiting fvanstry.com!