I noticed this while dumping footage of last weekend's shoot. It's not the first time I've noticed this either - I'm wondering if a tripod head with more resistance would help or is it just a matter of training and self discipline.

framing on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/4726163)

G'day Paul

I'm guessing a better, sturdier tripod head would probably help. In addition to the framing there seems to be quite a few little shakes (eg 0:03 to 0:05) which shouldn't really happen - even with the wind.

With the framing, practice and self-discipline are the key once you have the gear IMO - always keeping an eye on what's being shot.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Matt.

Personally I would not follow them like that but allow them to walk out of frame instead of following, also unless it's a shoot for Miss Legs keep on the faces. Any fluid head should be able to do the trick really, putting one hand on the handle and other on the base of the head will also help smooth motion out.

Don't let your wife catch you doing those leg shots. She won't buy "the tripod made me do it" story. ;-)

It kind of looks like you should have simply zoomed out more.

i see nothing at all wrong with that footage!

I shoot with a shoulder mount (or monopod in the past), and go for the "head shot" - looks like your tripod is a "sticks man"...

Thanks guys - with all the wonderful answers I'm embarrased to admit it was tongue in cheek - I'm the 'sticks' man - the camera was an extension of my eye and that's what I was looking at. another reason never to hand over raw footage.

lol @ Dany

I would've overcranked if I were you.