Video at BlogHer '09: Doing It Right

I don't take nearly enough pictures, because I hate looking at posed pictures. So I'm always worried about when "candid" becomes "obtrusive" - next time I try, I'll incorporate your tips, to get better pictures, and then employ my conscience-saving salve of taking the picture first, and then showing it to the person(s) concerned, and asking them if they a) want a copy, b) don't mind if I post it somewhere (or if they preferences regarding e.g. tagging, naming, linking) - or c) want me to delete it, period. And if it's c), then that's what I do, there and then - and then my conscience is as clear on this topic as it's ever likely to get! :)

Who is taking a photo of Denise and her phone?  I want a close up please. 

Wilma Ham

www.wilmasblog.com ( http://www.wilmasblog.com/ )

Tripods can be key for unsteady folk like me.

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

You also want to use a tripid whenever you can.  It's pretty tough to hold a shot steady, especially if there's a long speech or panel discussion.

If you don't have a tripod, hold the camera with two hands and brace one or both elbows against your body as you shoot.

Here's a video I shot @ Blogherbiz '07: EMS Episode 95: Marissa Mayer @ BlogHerBiz ‘07 ( http://billcammack.com/2007/04/03/ems-episode-95-m... )

More video tips => How NOT To Do Internet Video ( http://billcammack.com/2008/04/13/310-reelsolidtv-... )

~ Bill ( http://billcammack.com/ )
I blog at billcammack.com ( http://billcammack.com/ )

( http://billcammack.com )

To piggyback on Denise's suggestion that candid shots are better than posed --  which I totally second! -- here are a few other suggestions that might be helpful to folks who are somewhat new to photography and looking for simple tips:

 Be aware of the background! Oftentimes it is so distracting or what have you that your subjects disappear. But because you love 'em and are all happy and excited talking to 'em or whatever, you don't even realize what's going on in the background of the photo.  Just tune in to it before you press the shutter release.
Move yourself, not your subject, it's easier.  When you want to get the background to work -- i.e., not be all distracting -- you can often just move left or right a bit. But it's easier (and I think more gracious) to do the shuffling yourself.
Consider unusual angles (usually from above, more than below).  Folks look better from above, usually.  Not like you're going to want to get on a chair (if that's even possible) or hold the camera at arm's length in a "Hail Mary" shot all the time (that is what it's called, by the way, a "Hail Mary" -- way over your head and you're not even looking through the viewfinder).  But seriously, those angled shots don't look as wacky as you think they'd look.  But you'd be amazed at how fresh an image is when viewed from anything other than the standard range from which we're all accustomed to seeing images.
Consider not even looking through the viewfinder at all when a moment is really fleeting. With digital cameras and enough storage space (or a moment to look through & delete the duds), you really can take fun risks like this.  For me, fully a third of the pictures I've loved the most have come from me holding the camera at my waist (to keep my kids from becoming self-conscious, or anyone else for that matter).  If you have the time, you can check how the image came out (often using the camera's automatic coupla-second playback of the image) and then reposition your hand accordingly. 
Try the timed release feature, if you have it. It's not just for setting up a self-portrait! If the lighting is low and you don't want to disturb your subjects, you can set the camera on a solid surface and set the timed release dealie.  This way, if the camera's automatic exposure is pushing the speed down so slow that there'll be camera shake, or what have you, you can minimize it. Sure, moving subjects will still blur, but what's interesting is that unmoving ones jump out as the clear images amidst the blur. It's really interesting, and also an honest representation of that moment (when movement is really part of the moment, like with folks dancing or talking animatedly with their hands or whatever, even moreso).
Buttonhole me! Last tip dealie: I love photography and if you see me and have your camera with you and a question about any of these wacky suggestions, PLEASE ASK! I think my nametag may actually have my name on it? Which is Polly Pagenhart. (Probably also my blog name Lesbian Dad.)

Because I sure don't have the cash either!

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Yes I'm new iPhone jealous..I have the previous model...booo no video on mine!  Too bad Apple isn't a sponsor coming to the conference....

There is the Canon series, Panasonic and Nikon line has them too. Any recently produced digital camera should be able to record not only video but audio as well.

There are so many goodies out there - so many cameras, not near enough money.

Gena - Out On The Stoop ( http://outonthestoop.blogspot.com )

Last year my big photo tip would have been "take vertical photos so they can be included in the masthead!" This year, all types of shots can go in there so that makes it much easier.

Tomorrow I'm going to blog about uploading images to flickr and submitting them to the masthead group (along with twitter tag info.)

I'm not a photographer but the best tip I can give you is candid shots are awesome, better than posed - unless the posed shot includes a McDonald's cheeseburger bag, a red stapler or a beaver.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net/ )

OK I am jealous of all the video babes -- iPhones, Flip and the like...  I am coveting them and will have to get a Flip after I sit like a kid without a toy at the conference...

 Any similar tips for using old digital camera to take shots at the conference? (and yes a new digital camera is in the works too... but what can I say, the photographer in me is researching...)

Thanks!

Paula Gregorowicz
The Paula G Company

http://www.thepaulagcompany.com

you aren't going to hate me are you?

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net/ )

that's what i was going to say, erin. i have new iphone envy.  :P

Amy
Crunchy Domestic Goddess ( http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com )
BlogHers Act contributing editor ( http://www.blogher.com/special-events/bloghers-act )

From my iPhone. My Flip Videos will come later in the evening or any time I can sit still in one place long enough to upload from the Flip.

Best thing about the new iPhone is the video and easy upload to youtube. :-)

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net/ )

new iphone taunter!!!!!!!!!!

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

...tackling Denise for her phone. Oh wait...I mean looking forward to her photo post. Yeah, that's what I meant. Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )