Tips for Shooting Video Content with a Mobile Device

November 25, 2020
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We live in an era where everyone with a phone is a content creator. However, this ubiquitous accessibility to video and media-making tools does not guarantee quality production. If you are looking to create polished content on your phone or tablet, achieving high-quality images and audio is still essential. The rules of media making do not necessarily go out of the window when shooting with your smart devices. 

Consider our three tips for achieving high-quality content on your phone or tablet before you head into the field to produce or direct your next project:

Use a Stabilization Device: One of the apparent benefits of shooting on a phone or tablet is the lightweight portability of these tools. However, lightweight devices can become a hindrance if not careful, leading to unstable shots and shaky footage, making for an unpleasant viewing experience. If you find that your footage is off-kilter or shaky, consider investing in a stabilization device. Beastgrip offers a variety of pro gear rigs for smartphone media creators.

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Use External Audio Recording Equipment: Relying on your internal phone or tablet microphone will just not cut it if you’re recording in noisy environments while trying to capture essential audio. Consider investing in a lightweight shotgun microphone that can be mounted on and plugged into your device. Rode’s VideoMic NTG is a good starting point for external microphone consideration. 

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Bring Extra Battery Power When in the Field: It is impossible to acquire every beautiful video image that your heart desires if your phone’s battery life is dwindling. If you have long production days ahead of you, investing in a small and portable battery power device such as the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo, will ensure that you do not need to compromise your vision for the sake of battery conservation.

To learn more about Mobile Storytelling and the tools needed to aid in a successful phone or tablet production, take MNN’s free Mobile Storytelling Workshop on December 4th. Plus, check out our upcoming December classes at mnn.org/learn.