Going out to shoot memorable video of your kids? Here are five Halloween Video tips that will help:
1) It’s dark out at night. I know you knew that, so let me be more specific: outside at night away from any light, it will be too dark to see your kids. The obvious solutions: use your phone’s built-in light, position the kids under streetlights, or shoot at the pre-show party indoors.
Less obviously- have another parent light the kids with their cellphones from off to the side. You’ll get much prettier looking footage. Above all, remember– if you can’t see them in the viewfinder now, you won’t be able to see them later either.
2) Get down on kid level. Shooting at their height instead of yours pulls you into their world, which is where all the scary action is.
3) Plan Your Shots. You know the drill: Kids run up ahead and ring the bell, parents stand on the sidewalk and shout helpful things like “Say Thank You!”. Normal parent video position on Halloween is following them up the walk to the next house. Unless you want an all-butt video, use what you know to plan your shots.
Jog up the walk ahead of your kids, then shoot them passing you as they go to ring the doorbell. Or jump past them on the porch and shoot them from the front as they walk up and interact with whoever answers. Bonus: The porch light will shine on their faces and you’ll be able to see them.
4) Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes. What will you want to remember in 20 years– vague shapes ahead of you in the dark, or your daughter’s face as she bravely rings the bell for the first time? Fill the frame with their little faces at least half the time, and you’ll have video you’ll cherish for years.
5) Don’t forget to shoot the prep: Getting ready for Halloween is part of the story, and makes great video. Carving pumpkins, getting the costume on (or not!), eating the candy you’re supposed to be giving out. All great memories.
Bonus Halloween Video tip: The post-game interview amidst piles of candy is great too!
More tips for great Holiday shooting here!
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Steve Stockman is a writer/ producer/ director in Los Angeles. How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck, available in 9 languages, is the best selling video how-to book in the world. You can find the updated (2017) edition from Workman Publishing wherever you get books, ebooks or audiobooks. 