Movement of the Camera

One way to create movement in your video is to move the camera itself. This includes both physically changing the position of the camera as well as zooming your lens to create movement through the zoom. Camera movement can be very engaging for the viewer. However, if done wrong, it can also be disturbing and make video unwatchable.

Here are some methods you can use to create movement in your videos. Think about how you can use these movements to liven up your movie.

Pan. A pan is simply the swiveling of the camera on your tripod from left to right or right to left. Panning is a traditional way to reveal a wide scene such as a landscape or a big event. A pan, often from the left of the frame to the right, can also be used to follow action so that your moving subject stays within the frame of your composition. You should practice panning a couple of times before you record the video. Professional video shooters often practice their pans before shooting to determine where the pan begins and where it ends before starting. (See