Tips For Making Your Own Video

Step 1: Wedgie

Give your camera a wedgie. Here's a great way to prop up your camcorder when you don't have a tripod and you want a low angle shot from the ground.

A regular doorstop works perfect. You can move the wedge design up and back to set the shot higher or lower. And because it's made of rubber it stays put.

Step 2: Improve The Softness

Here's a cheap way to get a soft look effect without expensive filters. All you need is a regular set of pantyhose. Cut out a small square with a pair of scissors and apply it over the lens using a rubberband. By adjusting how tight it is you can change the intensity of the softness.

Step 3: Cable

Sometimes you have to run cables across a doorway or where people will walk. You don't want people tripping so you have to tape it down. You don't want to use duct tape, that leaves a nasty residue.

Regular gaffer's tape can be pretty expensive, but an alternative is to pick up a roll of Scotch Blue Painter's Tape. You can find it at your home improvement store. It's easy to apply and remove, and it's bright color makes it very visible.

Step 4: Camera Level

Unless you have a professional tripod it's hard to tell if your camera is level. I found a small bubble level for under two bucks. Use some double sided tape, stick it to your tripod, then you'll know if your camera is level all the time.

Step 5: Camera Stabilzer

Here's a compact easy to use replacement for a tripod in a pinch. I found an eye bolt that matched the threads of my camcorder. Then tying about a five foot length of bungee cord to the eyebolt I made a convenient camera stabilizer.

By stepping on the cord and pulling it tight while shooting it steadies the camera pretty well. It's easy, portable, and works great.