ABSTRACT
Making shots with a handheld or shoulder-mounted video camera is a skill that normally takes years of practice to learn well. Therefore, make sure people use the tripod whenever they can. Their interviews and B-roll shots using a tripod can be superior to those from handheld and shoulder-mounted cameras. Their video camera and its partner, the tripod, are their friends. Take the time to study the camera manual and become adept in its use. The night before they go into the field to shoot video, review the camera manual and practice with the camera and tripod. Their shot making is sure to improve, and they can not look like an amateur in the field. Their video camera bag should have extra batteries, the appropriate camera cables, cassette tapes or whatever other data storage system the camera utilizes, professional tape to secure loose cables to the floor, and so on. Always be prepared, and whenever possible, carry extra accessories.
