Only slightly OT: Keeping rambunctious children in your frame?
by david lincoln brooks
on
May 9, 2008 at 9:47:35 pm
I was filming my neighbor's kids the other afternoon as they played outdoors. They are adorable, and only ages 3 and 7. They constantly yak and laugh and chirp and singsong and chant with every activity.
They knew I was filming them, and as I aimed the camera at them, they kept darting hither and thither, in and out of my frame. Sometimes they'd even run to my side to peer into the canted LCD viewfinder, expecting to see themselves "in the movie".
Now I understand why our fathers' Super-8's of us in the 1960's often looked so haphazard and disjointed! Kids just don't want to stand still! And even wehen they're told that a "movie" is being made, they don't quite grasp the concept and still dance all around the landscape.
Can any of you suggest some hints or guidelines for filming rambunctious kiddos? For helping young 'uns appreciate the need to stand still if only for a few moments?
Thanks, DAVE
The only things which matter in life are Art and Children. (Georges Seurat)
Re: Only slightly OT: Keeping rambunctious children in your frame? by Dave LaRonde on May 9, 2008 at 10:11:05 pm
Shoot candidly. If you don't make a big deal about shooting, they won't think it's a big deal. Shoot frequently -- they'll get tired of the game, and it's off to do something else. Shooting kids takes patience. It's also good exercise for you.
Dave LaRonde
Sr. Promotion Producer
KCRG-TV (ABC) Cedar Rapids, IA
