Peter Murray from Media Trust explains how to shoot web-ready video & images on your phone. Great videos & photos without all the kit!

1. 
Marvellous Mobiles
Shooting web-ready video and images on smartphones & tablets

2. The Rule of Thirds
Try to align your subject on one of the points of focus – the eye is
naturally drawn to these points
Avoid placing your subject in the centre of the picture
Have your subject moving towards or looking into the empty
space in the picture

3. The “Ant and Dec Rule”
Always make sure a speaker is on the
same side of the frame during the film
Use alternate sides of the frame for each
interviewee
When you are shooting cutaways. make
sure your speaker appears to be talking to
the interviewer
Use alternate sides of the frame for each
interviewee

4. Rule of Thirds – it’s not the law
Try to make sure your horizon is straight – but play about with
this. Rules are made to be broken... The same goes for the rule
of thirds. If it looks good to you then go for it!

5. Blur
It doesn’t matter how interesting your subject is
if the picture is out of focus!
Most cameras or smartphones have an
autofocus function
Hold the camera or phone with both hands
Spread your feet apart, one foot a pace in front
Keep your elbows tucked in towards your torso
Press the shutter button lightly

6. Focus and Depth of Field
Always make sure your subject is in sharp focus
Focus can be used to draw attention to your
subject using
depth of field
You can also try pull focus shots in your videos if
you have the right apps

7. Sound
If you’re going to make good films
you need good audio
For the best audio – get close
to the sound source
Use a plug-in microphone
and headphones
Even using a hands-free may give you a cleaner-sounding
interview

8. Light
Try to use soft light for people and objects (near a window or
lamp)
Avoid having the light source behind the person
Contrast can be good for buildings
For sunsets its better to have a dark foreground and a sky that is
properly exposed
To avoid shaky pictures at night use a tripod or try sitting your
phone on something stationary and level (a wall, table etc)

9. What’s in your bag?
Microphone, headphones, tripod
USB cables
Blu tac/hacky sac
Batteries (if your mic needs them)
Always keep your film kit together - Always

10. Budget Apps & Software
Smartphone for stills:
Snapseed
Photoshop Express
Instagram
Smartphone for video/audio:
Voddio
iMovie/Pinnacle Studio
Filmic Pro (iPhone), Cinema FV-5 (Android)