Hiding Behind the Lens: 4 Hints for Videographers

By Shannon Waters Posted on September 01, 2015

Banff Centre videographer Dylan Toombs gets up close and personal with Indigenous Arts performers.

Whether you're covering an event or trying to get some behind the scenes action, capturing great video without getting in the way can be tricky!

Videographer Dylan Toombs has done his fair share of working in the shadows, and he says the key is collaboration. "Sometimes you get really deep in the projects and you can really work with the artist as an artist yourself," says Toombs. "We are able to meld ourselves into their creative process." And that's when the magic happens!

Here are some tips on how to get great shots without getting in the way.

1. Talk to your subject. So much of what you can do depends on who you're working with. Are they comfortable in front of the camera? How much time are they willing to give you? Maybe they even have ideas about what you can capture. Connecting with your subject before your shoot will help both of you sort out your expectations and ensure things go smoothly.

2. Stick to a small crew. Depending on the shoot, you should be able to have no more than two or three people working cameras and lights. Fewer bodies means it's less likely that someone will be in the way. It can also help put your subject(s) at ease. A big group of people showing up with a lot of gear can make those who aren't used to being on camera nervous, which can make the shoot and the resulting recording awkward.

3. Decide on your approach. Again, this will depend on what it is that you're shooting. There are a couple of options available to you when you want intimate video unobtrusively obtained.

Use a long lens. Telephoto lenses are a great way of capturing close-ups while maintaining maximum distance. They are especially useful when shooting performances and sporting events.
Be a fly on the wall. When you only have one chance to capture an event (say, behind the scenes before a performance), taking this approach may be your best bet. Talk to your subject about pretending you aren't even there for a natural, intimate feel or let them speak directly to the camera for more of a reality TV result.

Choreograph it. If you've got the time and your subject is willing, choreographing your shoot will get you the widest variety of shots and sequences. Have your subject prepare to perform for the camera and let them know you'll need multiple takes. This way you can change your angle and your focus and adjust lighting as needed. This is the most time-consuming way to record — it's also how they do it in Hollywood!

4. Be flexible. Sometimes an angle won't work out the way you thought it would. Sometimes your subject won't be comfortable with your requests. Sometimes you won't have as much time as you expected to complete a shoot. When things aren't going the way you hoped, take a deep breath and either change tactics or move on. And remember, but don't rely on, the mantra: You can probably fix it in post!

Keep these tips in mind and may your shoots go smoothly, you edits quickly and your videos viral!