How to Shoot an Instructional Model Train Video

By Henry Michael

Often times a model train video is shot with the intention of showing off a layout or a particular item of scenery. There is another reason that model train videos are shot however, and that is to instruct other hobbyists on how to accomplish a particular effect with scenery, or how to build a tunnel that has invisible access for the occasional derailment, or any number of other “how to” subjects. Some of these are videos are well done, others are not. Here are some tips to ensure yours are not in the latter category.

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The first and probably most important tip is to purchase a quality tripod and use it EVERY time. Handheld videos should be left to your grandson’s birthday party. You do not want the watcher to be distracted from the subject of your video by a shaky presentation.

A tripod will ensure that your video is steady, but it should also ensure that the picture is level. Look through the viewfinder to look for lines that are parallel to the floor to eliminate another distraction.

Lighting is another key to a good video. Make sure that your subject is well lit with natural light or artificial light that is the correct color temperature to simulate natural light.

Lights that are mounted on the video camera are often too harsh, but may be adequate for close up work. Again, preview through the viewfinder before you start to insure the correct light levels and lack of color shift.

Unless you are a gifted speaker who can wax eloquently off the cuff, you should have a script and practice, practice, practice to make your instructions sound natural. Do not just read from a script or worse yet, try to “wing it” regardless of how well you know your subject. Try it once, and you will be shocked at how many awkward pauses, uhm’s and uhh’s you hear. A script, while better, will sound stilted and stiff without lots of practice.

Enlist the services of an assistant. The subject matter expert should not be the same person who is operating the video camera. Also, the person who is doing the instructing, won’t be able to zoom in to show details, back out to show the speaker or wide angle to show the entire layout.

Plan your video. As with a good essay, in a good instructional model train video, you should tell the viewer what you are going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them. This gives your video a structure and it will feel more complete with a beginning, middle and end. Another thing to consider is the length of your video.

While it obviously has to be long enough to cover the subject, guard against making it too long. 10-15 minutes is a good length. If you cannot cover the subject in that amount of time, see if there are things that are not as relevant or consider breaking the subject into two or more smaller parts and make more than one video.

Model train video is an excellent vehicle for sharing your knowledge with newbies or other enthusiasts. So channel your inner teacher and follow the tips above to make a great video that will become immortal in model train video history.

Henry Michael is a model train enthusiast who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with others to help them get the most out of this exciting hobby. For more information on model train video, visit my website at http://www.modeltrainenthusiast.com/ and learn how easy it is for you to get involved with model railroading. It will help you to avoid mistakes that most beginners make. If you are more experienced, it will give you a different perspective on things you maybe doing or would like to do.Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Henry_Michael