Video

We are looking for video that captures a scene or event with a variety of shots.

Here are some tips

Longer shots are better - Make sure your shots are at least five seconds long.

Be Steady – use a tripod if you have one. If not, lean up against a wall or vehicle. or hold it steady as best you can. Shaky video is hard to watch.

Keep zooms to a mimimum – avoid the temptation to zoom in and out with each shot. If you do zoom in or out, shoot for at least five more seconds after completing the move. Same with panning left or right, don’t overdo it.

Give us a wide variety of shots - wide shots, close ups and don’t forget the cutaways. Cutaways are shots of people watching the action that help us with editing.

Establish the scene and then move in - Start with some wide shots and then move closer to capture detail. But don’t endanger yourself, respect police and fire lines and keep an eye on events around you so you don’t walk into traffic or interfere with others.

Get the facts – tell us as much about the scene as possible. Get names, titles, addresses and other information that will explain what the pictures are about.

Stay safe - If it is dangerous or hazardous situation, stay well back. Obey any instructions from police or other emergency personnel.

Photos

More is better – Give us plenty of angles and shots that help tell the story

Watch the background – try to avoid shooting pictures with distracting backgrounds like poles wires or with bright light behind the subject.

Use your flash - not only at night but on bright days when the subject is in shadow

Keep it in focus – use your automatic settings if possible.

Get the facts – tell us as much about the scene as possible. Get names, titles, addresses and other information that will explain what the pictures are about.

Establish the scene and then move in - Start with some wide shots and then move closer to capture detail. But don’t endanger yourself, respect police and fire lines and keep an eye on events around you so you don’t walk into traffic or interfere with others.

Stay safe - If it is dangerous or hazardous situation, stay well back. Obey any instructions from police or other emergency personnel.