One of the most common mistakes made in shooting video is poor framing of shots.
Shots are too loose or not properly centered on the subjects.
The average video editor cuts out the obvious mistakes in the video, shots of the floor, snow, etc.
They then throw in a few transitions (dissolves, wipes, etc.
), maybe add a title and call it a day.
Professional video editors pay close attention to the framing of shots and use all of the tools at their disposal to bring drama and direction to the scenes that they are editing.
Simply by blowing up and repositioning a shot you can make up for the mistakes made in the original camera work.
Since everything is digital these days there is a lot of latitude in how far you can blow up a shot before the quality starts to suffer.
By centering the frame on your key subjects you keep the story line focused and your audience is drawn into the narrative that you are telling.
If you use the same shot multiple times be sure to use the same values each time you go back to the shot unless the camera has drifted during the shot.
In that case try to keep the ratio between your subjects and the edges of the frame at roughly the same distance.
By simply re framing your shots during the video editing process you will add quality that will greatly enhance the viewing of your video.
Video camera moves are another tool used by professional video editors.
With video moves you can add emphasis to a shot that other wise lacks power.
Slow moves added to the narrative and they work well when dissolving from one move to another.
Quick move ins are used to provide shock and suspense.
Moves can run the length of a shot or they start in during shot and stop and hold at some point before the end of the shot.
Start and stop points for moves are determined by the individual shot and by what you are trying to emphasize at that point in your video editing.
Like all of the tools that you have in your video editing arsenal, once you start to use them, you will become more comfortable with when and how to use them.
Always keep in mind that you are telling a story for an audience and use the tools that will move the story forward.
Blow ups and moves are tools that will enhance and bring power to your video editing.