How To Shoot A Cinematic Dance Video Part.2

Welcome back, everyone! This is episode number two of our series on shooting cinematic dance videos. Today, we’re diving deeper into some essential techniques that will elevate your dance videos. Let’s get straight into it.

Dynamic and Engaging Shots

When you’re shooting a dance video, using a higher shutter speed can make your dances look more dynamic and engaging. For a 25 frames per second (fps) video, try setting your shutter speed to 100 or 125. This will enhance the movement and energy of the dancers, making it more captivating for your viewers.

The Basic Rule of Shutter Speed

If you’re not familiar with the basic rule of shutter speed, it’s quite simple: the shutter speed should usually be double your frame rate. So, if you’re filming at 25 fps, your standard shutter speed should be 50. However, for dance videos, a higher shutter speed like 100 or 125 can add that extra vibrancy and movement.

2. Avoid Slow Motion for Dance Sequences

Real-Time Sync

Avoid filming dance sequences in slow motion with a frame rate higher than 25 fps. Most dancers want their movements to be seen in real time and synced with the music. Respect their artistry by keeping the footage in real-time to preserve the authenticity and energy of the performance.

Best Times for Slow Motion

If you really want to use slow motion, save it for the intro or outro of your dance video. This can be a great moment to get creative and tell a story or add a unique opening or closing sequence.

3. Camera Angles

Experiment and Play

Play around with different camera angles to show off the dance from varied perspectives. For instance, a low angle can make the dancers appear more powerful, while a high angle can effectively showcase group formations. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

4. Editing for Maximum Impact

Cutting on Action

When editing, try to cut on action during big, impactful movements. This keeps the viewer engaged and maintains a smooth flow in your video. For example, cut on a dancer’s jump or spin to add excitement and keep up the energy.

5. Creating Depth

Create depth in your videos to make them more interesting. Think about how you can position your camera and stage the dancers to add layers and dimension to your shots. Many people make the mistake of shooting too close to a wall just because it looks cool. To avoid this, get your subject away from the wall and you will give your video a more cinematic feel.

Summary

By playing with shutter speed, camera angles, and creative editing techniques, you can make your dance videos more dynamic and engaging. Remember to respect the dancers’ real-time movements and only use slow motion strategically. Experiment, get creative, and most importantly, have fun with the process.

That’s it for today’s episode. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks!

To see the full video of Episode 2 ‘How To Shoot A Cinematic Dance Video‘ click the button below.