Lesson 1: Mobile Video Basics — Settings, Framing & Stability

Why this matters

Great stories don’t need expensive cameras. They need clear pictures, steady shots, and good choices. This lesson will help you set up your phone so your video looks intentional.

Learning goals

By the end of this lesson, you can:

• Set up your phone camera for good video
• Frame shots clearly (what is inside the picture + what is not)
• Keep shots steady using simple techniques
• Avoid common beginner mistakes (shaky video, backlight, messy backgrounds)

1) Quick phone settings checklist (2 minutes)

Use these simple default settings:

Video quality

• If your phone supports it: 1080p (Full HD)
• Frame rate: 30fps (good for most videos)

Stabilization

• Turn on Video Stabilization (if available)

Focus + exposure

• Tap on your subject to focus
• If your phone allows: lock focus/exposure so it doesn’t keep changing

Storage + battery

• Clear space (at least 2GB free)
• Charge battery above 30%

✅ Tip: Keep the same settings for the whole week so everything matches.

2) Framing basics (how to compose your shot)

The “clean frame” rule

Before recording, look at your screen and ask:

• What is the main subject?
• Is there something distracting behind them?
• Is the background telling the right story?

Simple composition rules

• Rule of thirds: Put your subject slightly left/right, not always centered
• Headroom: Don’t cut off the top of the head
• Lead room: If the person looks right, leave space on the right

✅ Training habit: Count “1…2…3” before you press record — it makes you frame carefully.

3) Stability: how to stop shaky video

Choose one method:

1. A) Two-hand + elbows tight

• Hold phone with both hands
• Press elbows against your ribs

1. B) Lean on something

• Wall, pole, table, chair, tree
• Rest your arms

1. C) DIY tripod

• Stack books
• Use a cup, shoes, or a bag to hold the phone still

1. D) Walk like a “soft robot”

If you must move:

• Bend knees slightly
• Walk slowly
• Keep phone close to your body

✅ Best beginner option: static shots (don’t move the phone).

4) Biggest mistakes to avoid

• Recording in portrait when you want a film look (use landscape for this course unless instructed otherwise)
• Standing with bright light behind the subject (their face becomes dark)
• Fast panning (moving the camera quickly left-right)
• Zooming with your fingers (it reduces quality)

Practice activity (10 minutes)

Record 3 short clips (5–8 seconds each):

1. A steady wide shot of a place
2. A steady medium shot of a person doing something
3. A steady close-up of hands or an object

Save them — you’ll use these skills all week.

Micro-checklist before you leave this lesson

• I can explain wide vs medium vs close
• I can record steady video for at least 8 seconds
• I know how to avoid backlight