Also this month:

* Farm and Communities Tour Showcases Rural North Carolina

* A&T Research Tackles Swine Waste Issues

* NC A&T Applies Unique Spin to Student Recruitment

* A&T Specialist Advises on Summer Market Opportunities

* A&T Specialist Advises on Summer Skin Protection

* A&T Extends Expertise to Uganda

* NC A&T Extension Specialists Take Home Awards

* Mafuyai-Ekanem Recognized with National USDA Award

Other News Links:

Press Release Archive  

Cooperative Extension Press Releases 

Agricultural Research Press Releases 

General Links:

NC A&T School of Agriculture 

Agricultural Communications 

Mitch Arnold, news editor 

"People often mistakenly assume that shooting a videotape is just like taking a snapshot," said Ron Fisher, video/teleconference producer for North Carolina A&T State University's Agricultural Teleproductions. "Video has its own set of peculiarities, and people who want to make good home videos should be aware of them."

According to Fisher, some of the biggest mistakes made by amateurs result from improper use of the light. Because all popular video cameras have a feature called auto-iris, which automatically adjusts brightness and darkness according to background light, videographers must be careful to make sure that there isn't a strong light source behind their subject. If there is, the camera will adjust to the bright light and darken the subject.

When outdoors, Fisher recommends that videographers keep the sun on their shoulders.

Another feature of video cameras that people might not be familiar with is the white balance, which adjusts a camera's color interpretations according to its interpretation of white. Since some cameras adjust their white balance automatically while others give users the option of indoor and outdoor settings, Fisher recommends that videographers check the setting before they begin taping. An improper setting can result in video with a blue or pink tinge.

"Many people struggle with the temptation to use their zoom to get closer to subjects," said Fisher. "This is disturbing to viewers, and often distorts the picture and makes it shaky. If you want a closer view of the subject, move closer to the subject and widen the angle of the lens. The result will be a more interesting and vibrant picture."

When it is not possible to move physically closer to a subject, like a Little League pitcher or gradeschool ballerina, Fisher suggests that videographers use a tripod to balance the camera and avoid the shakiness that comes with holding a zoomed shot.

An additional characteristic of videotapes made by the inexperienced is excessive "panning" or horizontal movement, and "tilting" or vertical movement. Without a clear subject on which to focus, viewers of such tapes quickly become disinterested. To capture and keep viewer interest, Fisher recommends that videographers stay focused on a subject long enough for the action to come to completion.

Even after the action comes to completion, Fisher suggests that videographers continue taping for an additional 10 to 15 seconds, because cameras often rewind briefly when paused. Failure to tape this extra length can cause videographers to tape over previously recorded material the next time they tape.

With limited knowledge of video terminology, consumers often feel intimidated when purchasing video equipment. For those people, Fisher makes the following suggestions:

• if you plan to tape events, such as games and recitals, from a distance, consider buying a tripod to stabilize your images.
  
• if the audio quality of your tape is a concern, consider purchasing a shotgun microphone which attaches to your camera and provides better sound quality.
  
• purchase an extra battery and keep batteries charged, so you won't miss an opportunity to tape because your batteries were dead.
  
• be aware that compact recorders which use a VHS-C or 8 mm tape will require an adapter to be viewed.

"Shooting videotape isn't extremely difficult, but there is a craft to shooting good videotape," said Fisher. "Experience and knowing your camera and how it works will go a long way toward improving the ultimate quality of your tapes."

NC A&T's Agricultural Teleproductions offers video and audio production and presentation services from developing the original production plan to completion of the production, including satellite uplinking and downlinking.

For more information, please contact Ron Fisher, NC A&T Agricultural Teleproductions, (336) 334-7362.