(ARA) - Good news: You don't have to attend film school to shoot great home videos your friends and family will enjoy watching for years to come. If you want to attend school, or you have, you're one step ahead of the game. However, no matter what your experience level, the following tips from Brooks Institute will help you keep your video camera ready for action at all times.

There are several fundamentals to keep in mind when you start shooting home videos. Although many great moments come from unexpected activities and events, it still pays to follow the basics whenever you pick up the camera and start recording.

Try these five simple steps for capturing candid moments on film:

Whether you are spontaneously turning on the camera to capture your child's first steps, or filming your parents' elaborate 50th anniversary party, you want to abide by several simple filming rules. The five rules for making effective home videos are:

1. Understand your equipment. Familiarize yourself with your camcorder, no matter how long you've had it. If it's new, you need to learn all the important functions. If it's old, there's a good chance you've formed habits and aren't utilizing at least one of its beneficial tools.

2. Set the lighting. Shooting outside will provide you with the best lighting for your video. However, if that's not an option, you want as much light as possible as close to your subject as you can get it.

3. Monitor the background sound. The visual footage you're capturing is obviously going to be the focus of your home video, but loud background noise can be quite distracting. Don't forget about the noise or commentary you may be inadvertently adding to the video by talking to those around you while filming.

4. Pay attention to the background. When you're actively filming, it's easy to zero in on the subject and ignore the surroundings. Take time to look at the area around your subject - remove any distracting objects and make sure that the background isn't taking away from your focus.

5. Take lengthier shots. When you are filming, a few seconds can feel like an eternity - don't be fooled by this. You want to make sure you hold a shot for long enough to ensure that you have ample footage to work with later when editing.

In addition to following the five rules above, it is always a good idea to practice. Shoot video in different lighting, in different places, and using different tools. Get comfortable enough that you are ready to pick up your camera at a moment's notice and start shooting fabulous footage.

People who have pursued a film degree have studied the five basic camera angles and the six basic shots that can be used while filming a scene. However, for those of you who haven't had that schooling, or for those who need a refresher, it's a good idea to play around with footage taken at different angles. Shooting the exact same scene from two different angles is going to capture the action in two entirely different ways.

Film school and even individual film classes can equip you with the fundamental knowledge you need to take great footage. However, it is entirely possible to shoot great home video on your own. Follow the five simple steps and you will be well on your way to creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact Brooks Institute today if you are interested in designing a rewarding career for yourself through one of its innovative and industry-current degree programs. Brooks Institute does not guarantee employment or salary.

Courtesy of ARAcontent