Think of how often you look at videos every day. Maybe you look at sports highlights on your phone on the way to school. Maybe you check out the newest red carpet coverage on YouTube. Maybe you see something on the nightly news while your family watches. Nearly all of that video is captured by someone using a camera, and there are techniques and rules that describe the best way to capture and use video. Once you know the basic language of visual storytelling, you can use that knowledge to make videos of your own that engage, inform and connect with people.

After watching this video you should be able to:

• Distinguish between the different kinds of shots used in news or other video

• Discuss how focal length changes the look of each shot

• Express the best way to show detail in a video story

• Describe strategies to guarantee steady shots

• Contrast the values of including people or objects in video

• Explain the use of natural frames

• Elaborate on the best ways to vary shot position

• Interpret the best approach to using natural and artificial light