How to Create Cinematic and Artistic Videos with Your Smartphone

Was the challenge to make a video with a phone? No. The challenge developed midway through production when New Jersey locked down due to the Coronavirus. Ben Lowy and Marvi Lacar managed to create some socially distanced clips outdoors in the wooded South Mountain reservation before it closed. Then they moved their entire studio in-house and limited their models to their children, Mateo and Kaleb, their hands, and Ben’s face. Check out some tips and tricks below and read more on the nitty-gritty of shooting An Anthology of the Circle with the Sony Xperia 1 on Alpha Universe’s blog.

The circle is a universal shape encountered both in nature and man made designs. Its symbolism spans across cultures depicting “the notions of totality, wholeness, original perfection, the Self, the infinite, eternity, timelessness,” even creation itself. It is in the food that nourishes us, and the innovations that entertain and delight us. It is seen in both the profound and the mundane. This short video piece is an anthology of one of the oldest symbols revered by man, and a ubiquitous occurrence shaped by nature and adapted by humans.

Creative Tips and Tricks for Stunning and Artistic Videos

Smartphone videography has transformed the way we capture and share visual stories. With advanced camera technology at our fingertips, creating high-quality and artistic videos is more accessible than ever. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore a range of creative tips and tricks to help you master the art of smartphone videography. From optimizing settings to embracing artistic techniques, we'll unlock the full potential of your smartphone camera and elevate your videos to new heights.

1. Optimize Resolution, Frame Rate, and Settings: Before you start recording, ensure you choose the appropriate resolution and frame rate settings on your smartphone camera. Higher resolutions, such as 1080p or 4K, capture more detail and clarity. Adjust the frame rate based on the desired look and feel of your video, whether it's the cinematic 24 or 30 frames per second (fps), or the smooth motion of 60fps. Explore your smartphone's settings to unlock additional manual controls for exposure, focus, and color profiles, maximizing your creative control.

2. Stabilize Your Shots for Professionalism: Shaky footage can detract from the quality of your videos. Take advantage of your smartphone's built-in stabilization features or consider investing in a smartphone gimbal for even smoother shots. Keep your phone steady while recording by using two hands, tucking your elbows close to your body, or utilizing stable surfaces. Stabilization is essential for creating professional-looking videos that captivate your audience.

3. Harness the Power of Lighting: Lighting is a fundamental aspect of videography. Aim to shoot in well-lit environments or utilize natural light sources to create a pleasing and balanced look. Avoid harsh direct sunlight and extreme shadows that can compromise the quality of your footage. Experiment with different lighting setups and be mindful of the lighting direction to effectively highlight your subject and enhance the overall aesthetic of your videos.

4. Embrace Thoughtful Composition: Composition is key to creating visually engaging videos. Apply the rule of thirds by aligning key elements along the gridlines or intersections to achieve visual balance. Experiment with leading lines, framing, and interesting perspectives to add depth and captivate your viewers. Be open to unconventional compositions that add a fresh and artistic dimension to your videos.

5. Capture Clear and Crisp Audio: Don't overlook the importance of high-quality audio. Invest in an external microphone or use a lavalier mic to capture clear and professional sound. If external microphones aren't feasible, record in a quiet environment and get as close to your subject as possible. Crystal-clear audio enhances the overall impact and professionalism of your videos, ensuring your message is conveyed effectively.

6. Explore Slow Motion and Time-lapse: Utilize your smartphone's slow-motion and time-lapse features to add creative elements to your videos. Slow motion can highlight intricate details or create a dramatic effect, while time-lapse condenses time, capturing the beauty of slow-changing scenes. Experiment with different speeds and durations to achieve the desired visual impact and evoke emotions.

7. Dive into the Art of Color Grading: Color grading is a powerful tool for enhancing the mood and atmosphere of your videos. Experiment with adjusting color temperature, contrast, saturation, and hues to achieve a distinct artistic look. Whether you're aiming for warm and nostalgic tones or cool and futuristic vibes, color grading allows you to add a unique touch and elevate your videos to a new level of visual appeal.

8. Embrace Unconventional Perspectives: Challenge traditional perspectives and explore unconventional angles to add a fresh and artistic dimension to your videos. Experiment by placing your smartphone on the ground, attaching it to a drone for aerial shots, or capturing videos from unique viewpoints. Pushing the boundaries of perspective allows you to create memorable videos that captivate and engage your audience.

9. Experiment with Creative Editing Techniques: Don't be afraid to unleash your creativity during the editing process. Incorporate split screens, overlays, or double exposures to create intriguing visual effects. Explore unique transitions, such as crossfades or morphing, to seamlessly connect different scenes. Embrace experimentation and let your artistic vision guide the editing process to create videos that reflect your unique style.

By implementing these creative tips and tricks into your smartphone videography, you'll unlock the full potential of your device and create stunning and artistic videos. Optimize your settings, stabilize your shots, and pay attention to lighting and composition. Embrace slow motion, time-lapse, and color grading to add depth and impact. Explore unconventional perspectives and experiment with creative editing techniques. With your smartphone as a powerful creative tool, there are no limits to the artistic possibilities that await you. Elevate your smartphone videography and captivate your audience with videos that showcase your unique vision and creativity.