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Camera position : On rare occasions you will want the light behind your subject. That is called 'back-lit.' Most of the time, you want your subject to face the sun and not be in shadow. So, as the shooter, always keep your back to the sun. Be sure you are well balanced and hold the camera with two hands.

No pans, no zooms : A piece with too many pans and zooms is hard to watch and looks unprofessional. A pan is moving your camera from one side to another, zooms move targets closer or further away in the frame. Avoid these as much as possible. It is better to stop rolling and change the perspective and then start rolling again.

Rule of thirds : Just like in photography, your subject should not be smack dab in the middle. Be sure his eyes are in the top third of the frame and he is standing off-center. The subject is in the center on rare occasions, like newscasts or self-narration.

Interviewing : Be sure your subject is wearing solid colors and is standing/sitting off-center. Keep the eyes in the top third of the frame and avoid asking 'yes' or 'no' questions.

Continuity : Be sure your subject and background look the same throughout the shot. Common mistakes include cars that disappear in the background, glasses or hats that magically appear or disappear.

No jumpcuts : Jumps make it look like something is missing. Show different perspectives and remember to maintain continuity.

Audio sets the pace : Natural sounds like water and birds chirping give your video a calmer feel. Let it breathe. Sounds can also help set the pace.

Shooting a process : When shooting someone doing a process, use different perspectives and multiple takes. Be sure your subject isn't talking while demonstrating.

Camera perspectives : Shooting a subject from above makes her look small and unimportant. From below, she looks powerful and full of status. Choose your perspective carefully.

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