4 EASY SHOT IDEAS for Handheld CINEMATIC B-ROLL

Getting the perfect shot isn’t always easy, but through these 4 tips, I’m hoping to make your chances a whole lot better. In my many years of shooting, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that help to make my b-roll footage just a touch more exciting and cinematic.

THE FOREGROUND BLUR

Placing an object in your foreground when focusing on your subject can add a dynamic element to your footage. Try putting your camera up against a plant or blades of grass. Leave your focus on your subject. Watch as the out-of-focus foreground elements adds motion and texture to your shots. This is a simple little trick that you can use to create more depth within your footage.

THE TWIRL

This is one of the more unique shots types in the list. This requires twisting your camera while moving it either forward or backward. For this shot, you’ll want to have autofocus on your camera, so you can move forward or backward without kicking your subject out of focus.

NATURAL FRAMING

Natural framing calls for you to look at your surroundings. Do you see a fence? A window? A bridge? Look for something that you can use as a frame for your subject. This is a fun shot concept because it allows your to soak in your surroundings and put them to use to emphasize your subject.

THE SLIDE REVEAL

Finally, one of my favorite shots. I use this all the time to establish or close out of a scene. Place your camera up against a wall, a tree trunk, a building, or anything else. Next, slide your camera away from that wall to reveal your subject. Keep your camera on manual focus and be sure to preset your subject before performing the move.

GIVE IT A SHOT!

In conclusion, these are just a few tricks you can use to achieve more cinematic b-roll when filming handheld. Figure out your own favorite moves when you’re out shooting and share them below!