Little known, unconventional fact:
Capturing amazing footage isn’t all about having expensive equipment…
You see…
I’ve dropped over $25,000 on elite videography training and logged over 10,000 hours of professional recording to find out that one staggering fact…
Yep…
that’s me holding about $10k in film gear in my hand…
So…
Imagine how shocked, disappointed and invigorated I was all at the same time to realize I could get incredible quality images out of the smartphone sitting in my back pocket…
Now, we’re sharing 17 game-changing strategies that will elevate your smartphone video quality instantly.
Apply these simple strategies…
And 99% of people who see your work won’t even know you shot it with your iPhone or Android…
Want to learn how to shoot like a pro using just your phone?
Here are the essential moves you need to make...
Step 1: Gear Essentials: Minimal Tools, Maximum Impact
Wondering how some smartphone clips rival big-screen blockbusters?
It’s not about breaking the bank on fancy gear; it’s about mastering what you’ve got in your pocket.
The Camera
Here’s the secret— start with whatever phone you've got.
Latest iPhone or Samsung or Google Pixel Phone? GREAT.
An older model? STILL GREAT.
It’s truly not about the gear…
It’s how you use it…
But hey, if you're shopping for a new phone, snag a recent iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.
The Gimbal
A gimbal is a must for cinematic shots.
It’s your magic wand for smooth, steady footage straight out of the box.
Aside from your phone, it's all the gear you need…
The Recording App
Many of your top cinematic smartphone filmmakers use the same video app you have to capture mind blowing shots…
But if you feel the need for more power and feel you want a recording app that gives you more control and features, we’ll give you a few to unlock your smartphone’s full potential…
#2: Overhaul Your Smartphone Camera Video Settings: Shoot with Buttery Precision
Framerate
Your phone can mimic Hollywood's look — shoot at 24fps for normal footage and 60fps for silky slow-mo…
Resolution
Crank your resolution to 4K or even 8K on some iPhones & Androids for crisp, professional-looking video…
HDR
Turn on HDR to capture fine details in both light and dark areas of your scene.
The Grid
Use a grid from your recording app to frame shots perfectly every time...It’s a pro tip that works hand-in-hand with the next big secret: Rule of Thirds!
#3: Cinematic Smartphone Recording Secrets
Rule of Thirds
This classic composition rule is a game-changer.Position horizon lines on the top or bottom third of your frame.Place your subjects on the right or left third to make each shot pop…
White Balance
Control how true whites look under different lighting with your white balance settings...Use auto settings or presets for spot-on accuracy.
Lens (Focal Length)
Choose the right lens on your phone for the shot.Wide lens for landscapes, telephoto for portraits.And remember, NEVER pinch to zoom — move closer instead…
BONUS: Smartphone Cinema Mastery
- Leading Lines
- Lock Your Shot Settings
- Motion Mastery: Elevate Your Shots
- Push-In Shots
- Pull-Out Shots
- Tracking Shots
- Tilt & Push Shots
- Low Mode Shots
Cinematic Wizardry Unlocked
These are the techniques we’ve used to capture amazing smartphone video.
With the game and info we're about to give you (and some practice & patience) you’ll bring these pro moves into your own smartphone filmmaking.
Now…
Let’s get started…