How To Shoot Handheld Video | 6 Easy Camera Moves

Six Handheld Camera Moves for Silky Smooth Footage

In this video, Steve from Learn Online Video shows six handheld camera moves that can give your footage a smooth look without the need for gimbals, tripods, or sliders. He provides tips on how to stabilize your shots and suggests using post-stabilization tools in editing software.

Using a Camera Strap and Stabilization

• Use a camera strap to create tension and extra stability in shots.

• Use in-body stabilization or image stabilized lenses to iron out unwanted shakes.

Six Handheld Camera Moves

Side Lunge

• Lunge left or right to replicate a slider shot.

• Perfect for reveals with something in the foreground.

• Try pulling focus mid-lunge for added effect.

Jib Shot

• Bend knees, crouch down, and slowly stand up in one smooth movement.

• Most effective with something in the foreground.

• Adds serious production value by mimicking a crane shot.

• Use post-stabilization tools like Final Cut's stabilization or Premiere Pro's warp stabilizer.

Parallax Minor

• Simultaneously lunge sideways while locking camera on fixed position.

• Enable grids on camera and use center grid to keep focal point centered.

• Keep movement as smooth and fluid as possible.

Push Forward/Pull Back

• Lunge or walk forward/backward for cinematic feel.

• Adds depth to shots.

Rotate

• Find focal point, put it in center of frame, rotate camera while pushing forwards/backwards.

• Unusual maneuver but can help videos stand out.

Conclusion

• These six handheld camera moves are just scratching the surface of what's possible.

• Let Steve know in the comments if you want more tutorials on handheld shooting techniques.

• Hit the thumbs up button if you found this video useful.