How to Capture Amazing Christmas Videos December 24th, 2012 / Comments: 0 <photo courtesy of tracitodd> Whether you plan on using a smartphone or tablet, today’s devices are perfect for recording those priceless family holiday memories. These videos will likely be watched decades from now by you, your kids, and maybe even their kids! Capture these emotions, and you’ll be left with a timeless family treasure: Serenity It all starts the night before Christmas. Take shots of everything looking ornate, untouched and silent: the tree, the decorations, the elf on the shelf, and the cookies left out for Santa. Maybe even grab a few seconds of your child peacefully sleeping – assuming they’re not suffering from excitement-induced insomnia – happily dreaming of sugarplums, Barbies, and Nintendos. (And perhaps the occasional Furby.) Anticipation The excitement usually reaches a fever pitch on Christmas morning. Christmas carols in the background, coffee brewing, kids brimming with energy. This is a great opportunity to shoot a few minutes of “b-roll,” capturing the atmosphere, the holiday warmth, and the excitement in the air. Insanity There are few things in life that can match the sheer excitement of kids opening Christmas presents. Screams of joy. The look of utter delight when they open a new toy. (Or even the look of disgust at a pair of socks from a distant relative.) Boxes opened and tossed aside. Zoom in for close-ups and reaction shots. And don’t forget to hand the camera over to someone else as presents are opened; you’ll want to be part of those memories too! Blissed-Out Exhaustion Shredded wrapping paper. Kids playing with their new toys. Relatives knocked out by a food coma. It just might look like a red and green-colored tornado blew threw your house. Ask the children how they like their new presents. Grab some commentary from your spouse or relatives. By shooting emotions – rather than just looking for specific moments – you’ll create a richer story. And thanks to easy digital editing, the days of sitting through an hour of raw footage is long gone. Within minutes you can trim out the less-compelling parts, combine the clips you love, and create an amazing, timeless Christmas tale. Your future self (and your grown-up kids) will love it! <For more Holiday video tips, check out this wonderful advice from an award-winning producer.>
