From Still to Motion: A photographer’s guide to creating video with your DSLR

Chapter 11. Get a Steady Shot

Basic Camera Support

Although it may seem contradictory at first, a primary theme of this book is to make the camera invisible. After all, you’re trying to create an engaging story that wraps the audience in the narrative and emotional arcs of that story. However, you’ll need to add more gear (like a tripod or monopod) to keep the camera stationary.

If your video shows any visible camera movement that your viewers notice, they are often pulled out of the story and into the technical or even awkward details of your production. You don’t want your viewers distracted by technical flaws. You want them to notice the subtle ...