Shooting your own stand ups

Our text, Advancing the Story, details strategies for solo journalists who need to shoot their own stand ups.  One approach involves using your light stand as a stand-in for your body as you frame your shot.

SU-2Bob Kaplitz of the consulting firm of AR&D has created a short video explainer of the technique, along with an example of how a small camera, such as a Flip or the new Kodak Zi8, can be used to shoot a stand up or a cutaway of yourself, even when you’re all alone.

Another good idea is featured in this stand up from Darren Brown in Oklahoma City.  By placing his camera on the ground and angling it up slightly,  Brown gives us an interesting perspective on a stand up that would otherwise be pretty dull.  He also walks into the shot to create movement.

SU-3Kaplitz has several great posts on visual storytelling topics, including why it’s important to open with your best video and how lots of tight shots can help make up for a lack of video sequence opportunities. 

We’d also love to hear your own ideas for shooting creative stand ups when you’re in the field alone.

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