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Cinematography Tips

How to get the best recording possible

Kyle Fogarty avatar
Written by Kyle Fogarty
Updated over 2 years ago

In this article, we will teach you how to make your videos pop.

We understand that the average funeral director is not necessarily a star cameraperson, but that is not necessarily needed for MemoryShare! With just a few basic changes to the way that your employees handle the camera your videos can and will amaze your audience and impress the bereaved.

We always recommend using a tripod to reduce camera shake and other human errors

The less camera movement during shots, the better!

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Setting up

  • Ensure that your device has enough storage space, if it does not, make sure to delete the videos on your device that have been uploaded

  • We generally do not recommend using any kind of extra lenses on iOS devices, as their level of zoom is perfectly functional as-is.

    If you desire to do so, please make sure to clean it with a microfiber cloth before streaming, to assure that there is no dust or grime buildup.

  • We suggest seating the tripod & camera within 40ft of the speaker in a chapel service, and even closer in a graveside service

    We recommend that with a chapel service, you should be close enough that you see the Speaker from only knees-upwards at the furthest, and waist-up for gravesides

    Listen to Sermon – Central Baptist Church

  • If you are using an device-mounted microphone, ensure that it is functioning before the service, and that it is not pointing directly into the wind

    Validate that it is pivoted correctly, referring to the microphone specs


The Shot

  • Try to follow the Rule of Thirds as best as possible for the most attractive framing

    The Subject/Speaker should be on the intersection of one of the upper thirds, with the secondary subject/casket in one of the lower-opposite intersections

    This is not necessarily a hold-fast rule, but attempt to set up your scenes like this to create more interesting footage

  • Ensure that the device is not pointing into the light, either indoors or outdoors, You may likely want to try to place the camera higher than the speaker for the most visible angle, but it is best to keep it a little lower and pivot upwards

  • Make sure that the casket and all flowers along with other memorial items are shown either during an intro or during the main shot, these items are very sentimental to the bereaved and it has been shown to us that they enjoy seeing them in the footage


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