Shooting Video

1. Don't pan or zoom: Unless the subject is moving across the screen, do not pan or zoom. This can make the viewer dizzy and produce a poor picture.
2. Get up close: If you have no tri-pod, then you must be close to the subject or the picture will be shaky. Faces tell the story, so get close-up shots of expressions and smiles. Shoot wide shots as well to reveal the classroom or business… but tight shots close to the subject are a must! If you're up close, you also have a better chance of capturing usable sound from the subject.
3. Shoot exteriors & cutaways: If you are doing a school project, then also shoot the outside of the school with flagpole or the school sign. If it's a business, shoot the outside and the sign. Also, shoot the product the business produces or sells as well as the SIFE team in the business working on the project.

Shooting Still Pictures

1. Subject: The best subject for photographs for SIFE materials are photos of SIFE Team projects in action. Take photographs of SIFE Team members interacting with project participants, or "action" shots of the project taking place.
2. Light: A brightly lit subject will photograph better than one that is in the shadows. Shoot the picture with the source of light behind the camera. It is best if the light is not shining directly on the subject, but rather at an angle. Using your flash outdoors on cloudy days can help brighten the faces of your subject.
3. Wide or Tight?: Tight! Your subject(s) should fill the frame. For buildings or rooms, you don't need to include the entirety; often a close shot of one interesting part of the room or the building looks better.
4. Background: The camera sees not only your subject, but what's behind it as well. For posed pictures, shoot against a plain background. When taking candid photographs, try to remove distracting details from around the subject of your picture before shooting.
5. Candid or Posed?: People seem more alive when they are not posing. It is best to photograph project participants and SIFE Team members while they are involved in the project, rather than standing in a pose.
6. Go Vertical: It's very common for snapshots to be taken from the horizontal perspective, though many subjects are themselves in a vertical position. Try taking photographs from a vertical perspective when appropriate.
7. Focus: Don't forget to make sure your subject is in focus!