Creating awesome stable videos requires a lot of work – especially if you don’t have the gear or budget yet. If you can’t wait to try what you have and want to start shooting now, here are three moves that you can do to create stable videos even without a gimbal or stabilizer.
The Robot
Do you want to shoot awesome panning clips? Well, “the robot” should be your go to move. Simply make a 90-degree angle with your arms as you hold your phone, tuck your elbows in, and get a good, solid stance with your feet. Your phone should be tummy level.
Twist your body as far as you can towards the direction you’ll start shooting (make sure you don’t feel any pain). Slowly twist your body at a constant speed to the opposite direction while shooting. Make sure that your movement is solid and smooth so you can get a lovely panning shot for your movie.
Watch how Lok Cheung does it.
The SlowMo Jab
If you want smooth shots similar to a slider, then “the slowmo jab” would be a nice way to do that. Hold your phone with one hand (it can be two if you feel it’s more stable that way). Assume a boxer’s starting hand position (with one or two hands as mentioned), then slowly make a jab towards your subject. Don’t go all the way and hit them or it. You wouldn’t want to pay for damages or hospital bills, right?
Check out the clip below to see how to do it (in two hands and with a DSLR at least). You’ll get the idea.
The Ninja Walk
Need a tracking shot? The “ninja walk” – if done right – will give you the smooth tracking shot you want. Assume the first position of the robot and bend your knees, then walk forward or backward, depending on what you need.
To achieve a smoother shot, use your heels as a cushion when you start walking, then gently “roll” your foot towards your toes like a ninja trying to assassinate someone. Try to keep the camera level as much as possible, too.
Confused how to do the Ninja Walk? You can watch the video below.
Here’s an awesome tip for you. If you want the scene to be dramatic, shoot it as stable as you can. For more intense or scary clips, on the other hand, you would want to intentionally shake your phone while shooting for added drama.
Depending on your strength and stamina, these slick moves will surely help you get that smooth shot. Throw in your favorite editor’s “warp stabilizer” or even a gimbal like the FeiyuTech G6 Plus that I use, and you’re off to get cinematic shots.
Do you have a move that helps you shoot better videos? Share it with us on the comment section below.
Yabee Eusebio 