Yearly Traditions

Family Filming Moments: Yearly Traditions and How to Refrain from Stale Video.

If your family is anything like mine, you'll have annual traditions – places you visit, parties you throw, things you buy, and occasions you celebrate every year.

Uncle Gene singing his rendition of “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”, again.

Even though these events are a blast, it can be hard for you, the videographer of the family, to capture video that feels new and exciting; to create something people will want to watch.

Here are some tips to keep your video from feeling stale, even if the settings and circumstances stay the same year after year.

Interview your subjects

Asking questions while filming is a great way to add variety to your footage. Questions discourage people from smiling and waving at the camera. It’s also a great way to capture how your family members change, their voices shift, and how their opinions develop!

Play hot potato with the camera

Not everyone is a videographer, but if you force the camera into someone’s hands, they are more than likely going to play along. Everyone has their own viewpoint and will most likely think of shots that would never have crossed your mind. Encouraging multiple layers of commentary also provides another layer of variety.

Get the kids involved

Give the kids in your family (or the adults that act like children) a task or game that you can film. They can put on a little talent show, play hide and seek, build something, or tell some jokes. Most kids are looking for something fun to do during family parties anyway and are often very excited to receive their next assignment.

Filming your family get-togethers every year shouldn’t feel like a boring task. It should be fun for everyone involved – including YOU! Using the above techniques will keep everyone engaged and keep your footage varied so that everyone, even your hyperactive nephew…

…will be on the edge of his seat waiting to see what you’ve captured.

Happy Filming!

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