Each detail is crucial when putting together a brand video, from the script to the color grading. One of the parts that is frequently neglected is camera movement. Is a handheld shot that comes with untamed energy what you want? Or do you need something more refined and smooth? The decision of relaxed or stabilized shots is not an easy one, and each poses a different tone and effectiveness. Rest assured, after this guide, making the right decision will be easy.
What exactly is a Handheld Shot?
It’s pretty self-explanatory as its name depicts the contents perfectly. A handheld shot is when a camera is broadcasted without any stabilizers. Although certain parts of the video may be shaky, handheld shots add an organic feel that is likely to make the shot more captivating.
When should you use Handheld Shots?
You use handheld shots when you want to:
- Portraying Honesty. Authentic documentation is the application of choice for handheld shots. Any brand story that seeks to be down-to-earth and relatable benefits from the “imperfectness” of a handheld camera
- Elevated Energy. For sports or any field where fast-paced activities are taking place, handheld shots are a great addition, and are guaranteed to enhance the intensity and make the moment more interesting.
- Engage younger audiences. Today, social media platforms TikTok and Instagram have normalized posting unedited, handheld videos. If your brand focuses on younger audiences, handheld shots may resonate with them in a more authentic manner.
- Enhance emotional storytelling. The shaky motion of handheld footage can elevate emotions accompanying vulnerable scenes to become more authentic and touching.
Potential Drawbacks of Handheld Shots
Although handheld footage adds excitement and energetic authenticity, these drawbacks should be considered
- Unprofessional look if overdone. Extreme camera shake comes across as unpolished and can detract from the overall message.
- More difficult to control. Longer takes can make maintaining proper framing, focus, and stability more difficult.
- Viewer fatigue. Excessive shaking, especially on large screens, can make viewers uncomfortable and even nauseous.
Understanding Stabilized Shots
What is a Stabilized Shot?
These shots can be taken using tripods, gimbals, Steadicams, or drones to reduce camera shake. The movement of the resulting footage feels more polished and cinematic, creating a smoother, controlled look.
Stabilized Shots: When To Use Them
Use stabilized shots in the following situations:
When expressing professionalism and polish. A luxury brand video showcasing high-end products or television commercials will benefit greatly from stabilization as it assures sleek polish.
- While creating a cinematic polish. Hollywood has set high standards for film production value, therefore, smooth tracking shots and well-framed visuals greatly contribute to an increased production value.
- Consistency is the focus. A brand video that needs a steady visual rhythm, like in the case of a product showcase or an explainer video, requires stabilized shots to achieve that rhythm.
- Shooting long takes. A stabilizer is best when capturing long portions of film in a single run. Your audience’s focus will not be compromised.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Stabilized Shots
Potential shortcomings of this technique include bypassing a relaxed, informal, or casual feel.
- Too formal stagey. A perfect example is an overly smooth video that feels detached. This makes it harder to connect and relate to an audience.
- Less dynamic. Capturing the energy and spontaneity of a video is difficult with controlled shots like stabilizers.
- Heavy Equipment A video that can easily be done on handheld shooting with just a camera will require additional bulk, time, and funds due to the use of stabilization tools.
Choosing the Correct Strategy for Your Brand Video
After exploring and analyzing each style, how do you decide which one works best for your brand video? Here are a few things to ponder
1. What Emotion Would You Like To Convey?
- Raw, authentic, and energetic? Handheld is the way to go.
- Professional, high-end, or cinematic? Stabilizing is your best bet.
2. Consider Your Target Audience
- Gen Z or social media-first audiences will find handhelds more appealing.
- If your audience expects high quality, a stabilized method is more suitable.
3. What Is The Intended Use of Your Video?
- Handheld often works well on social media platforms, while short-form content tends to do well with handheld visuals.
- Website banners, advertisements, and corporate presentation videos require stabilized footage to appear polished.
4. What Is Your Budget and Production Setup?
- Handheld shooting goes easy on the budget while saving time.
- Stabilized shooting, on the other hand, may require more gear and expertise, increasing costs.
Merging Two Styles Emphasizes Key Features and Details
- Who says you have to choose just one? Some of the most engaging brand videos use a combination of both handheld and stabilized shots to create contrast and depth.
- Strategies for Blending Handheld and Stabilized Shots Seamlessly:
- Begin with a polished intro and finish with a carried handheld segment for energetic or personal moments.
- Focus on the action with handheld shots and use stabilized cameras for product close-up shots.
- Slack off a little and add gentle handheld movements to the already sturdy shots for hybrid techniques.
Final Opinions: The Most Suitable Option for Your Brand
Whether to use handheld or stable shots is entirely up to you, there is no right answer. The brand’s style, message and the expectation of the audience dictate what’s best. A youthful portrayed scrappy startup might prefer handheld showcasing, while polished luxury fashion brands will surely prefer stabilized visuals. Finding ways each tape influences perception allows for strategic creative decisions to be made that enhance the brand’s video content.
If expert help is what you seek for bringing the brand’s vision to life, Reset Media is right for you. We create beautifully crafted brand videos that achieve the right balance between authenticity and professionalism. High-energy handheld storytelling or sleek, stabilized cinematography is no issue for us. Call today Reset Media.