Anticipating the Scene
I used to always wonder how some of the videographers I looked up to always got those hard-to-get, great shots. How is it they always seemed to be in the right place at the exact right time to get that great shot? With thousands of hours of shooting video and many great teachers along the way, I have found there isn’t always one answer or strategy, but I have found one technique that I have worked on for so long, it has become second nature. I call it anticipation.
When Peyton Manning lines up behind center and starts barking out signals, what is he doing? The answer is he is reading the defense. By looking at formations and movements, he is anticipating what the defense will be doing on the play. This gives him the chance to adjust his offense and put those players in the best position for success. Reading a scene can be much the same. Sometimes before capturing the shot you see, if you survey the scene a bit you may get the next great shot. Where is my subject? What is his or her next move and where do I need to be to capture it?
The better you get at this, the more you will be like Peyton and enjoy many successes. However, remember that even Peyton Manning gets it wrong sometimes (although rarely) and that’s okay. Get back behind center and read it again. It may take practice, but touchdowns will follow!
