Do you want to learn how to shoot cinematic interviews outdoors? Shooting an interview outdoors can be a great way to add some variety to your video content. Not only is it more interesting for viewers, but it can also be more cost-effective and convenient than shooting in a studio.
In this article, we’ll show you how to shoot cinematic interviews outdoors, including tips on choosing the right location, equipment, and more. Follow our tips, and you’ll be able to shoot great-looking interviews outdoors in no time.
How To Shoot Cinematic Interviews Outdoors
Here are step by step for setting a shoot cinematic interviews outdoors:
Research & Preparation
Researching your shoot location is extremely important. Not only do you need to make sure it will look good on camera, but you also need to make sure the area is safe. If you’re shooting in an urban area, be sure to check for traffic and pedestrians. If you’re shooting in a rural area, be aware of potential dangers like wildlife or falling rocks.
When you’re preparing for your shoot, it’s also important to think about the logistics. How will you power your camera and lights? Where will your subjects sit or stand? How will you position yourself and your crew? By planning ahead, you can ensure that your shoot goes smoothly and you get the best possible results.
Location Scout
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, it’s important to find the right location. You want a backdrop that is interesting and visually appealing, without being too distracting. It’s also important to make sure that the location is safe and free of hazards. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect location:
1. Scout the area in advance. This will allow you to find the best angle for your shots and plan for any potential hazards.
2. Choose a location with good lighting. You want to avoid locations that are too dark or too bright.
3. Make sure the location is quiet and free of distractions. This will help your subjects feel more relaxed and improve the quality of your audio.
4. Consider the weather conditions. You don’t want to shoot in a location that is too hot, cold, windy, or rainy.
5. Pick a location with an interesting backdrop. This could be anything from a beautiful landscape to an urban setting.
6. Make sure the location is accessible. You don’t want to have to hike miles to reach your shoot location.
7. Get permission to shoot in the location. This is especially important if you’re shooting on private property.
8. Make sure there are no hazards in the area. This includes things like power lines, cliffs, and bodies of water.
9. Consider the time of day. You may want to shoot at dawn or dusk for the best light.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to start setting up for the shoot.
Position Of Subject
When positioning your subject to shoot cinematic interviews outdoors, you want to make sure that they are the focus of the shot. This means that you will want to place them in the center of the frame, and preferably in front of a plain background. If there is too much going on in the background, it can be distracting and take away from the impact of the interview.
When shooting a cinematic interview outdoors, it is important to place the subject in a prominent position. This can be done by having them stand in the middle of the frame, or by having them positioned off-center. This will help to create a more visually interesting shot.
Camera Settings
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, it is important to find the right location and positioning for the camera. Try to find a location with a nice background, whether a picturesque landscape or an interesting cityscape. You want to choose a spot with a nice natural backdrop and ensure the camera is positioned at a height that will give your viewers a clear view of the interviewer and interviewee.
If possible, try to place the camera in such a way that the sun is behind it, as this will help to create a more flattering lighting setup. Finally, be sure to frame the shot so that you include both the interviewer and interviewee in the frame and any relevant background details. By following these tips, you can ensure that your cinematic interviews are captured beautifully and professionally.
Positioning Background
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, it’s important to consider the positioning of the background. You’ll want to make sure that the background is interesting and doesn’t detract from the interviewee.
One option is to position the background behind the interviewee. This will ensure that the focus is on them and not on the background. If you choose this option, make sure to use a wide-aperture lens to blur the background and give the interviewee more focus.
Another option is to position the background in front of the interviewee. This can be done by using a shallow depth of field and positioning the camera closer to the interviewee. This will make the background appear more blurred and give the interviewee more focus.
When choosing a background, make sure to avoid busy patterns or colors that will distract from the interviewee. Solid colors or simple textures work best. You also want to make sure that the background is well lit so that it doesn’t appear too dark or too bright in the final shot.
Pack Extra Batteries And Memory Cards
Make sure to pack extra batteries and memory cards when shooting cinematic interviews outdoors – you never know when you might need them! This will help ensure that you don’t run out of power or storage space during your shoot.
Extra batteries are always a good idea, especially when shooting video. Memory cards are also important – make sure to have plenty of space on your card so that you don’t have to stop shooting to offload footage. A tripod is another essential piece of equipment for outdoor shoots. This will help keep your camera steady and ensure that your shots are as smooth as possible.
When shooting an interview outdoors, it’s important to pack extra batteries and memory cards. This way, you’ll be able to stay powered up and keep shooting, without having to worry about running out of storage space.
If you can, try to shoot with two cameras. This way, you’ll have a backup in case one of your cameras runs out of power or space. And if you’re using a DSLR, pack an extra lens or two, just in case you need to change things up mid-shoot.
Shooting video interviews can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging if you don’t have the proper equipment. One of the most important things to remember is to pack extra batteries and memory cards. This will ensure that you have enough power and storage space to capture all of your footage.
Lighting, Hair/Eye Light
When filming an interview outdoors, it is important to consider the lighting. Natural light can be beautiful and provide a natural look, but it can also be unpredictable. If you are shooting in direct sunlight, you may need to use sunscreen or a hat to protect your subjects’ skin. You may also need to use a reflector to help soften the light. If you are shooting in the shade, you may need to use a fill light to help brighten your subjects. The time of day will also affect the lighting, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Natural Lighting
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, natural lighting is key. Position your subject so that they are facing the sun, and use a reflector to bounce light onto their face. Just be sure to position your subjects so that they are not backlit by the sun, as this will create a very unflattering shot. If you are shooting at night or in low-light conditions, you can use artificial light sources such as lamps or spotlights. Just be sure to position the light source so that it is not in the frame of the shot, as this will create a very distracting glare.
If there is a lot of glare, try using a flag to block the light. And don’t forget to expose for the highlights – you want your subject’s face to be well-lit, not blown out.
Book Lighting
When it comes to lighting an outdoor interview, you have a few different options. One popular option is to use book lights. Book lights are small, battery-powered LED lights that can be easily set up and provide a soft, directional light source. They are perfect for interviews, as they create a nice, evenly-lit shot without being too harsh or intrusive.
Rembrandt Lighting
One of the most important aspects of lighting for cinematic interviews is using Rembrandt lighting. This involves positioning the key light in such a way that it casts a triangular shadow on the subject’s face. This type of lighting can help to create a more dramatic and interesting look.
When setting up Rembrandt lighting, it is important to pay attention to the position of the key light. The light should be positioned at a 45 degree angle from the subject’s face. This will help to create the triangular shadow on the face. It is also important to make sure that the light is not too close to the subject’s face. If the light is too close, it can create a harsh look. It is also important to pay attention to the size of the light source. The larger the light source, the softer the light will be. This can help to create a more flattering look for the subject.
Silhouette Lighting
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, it’s important to use silhouette lighting. This will create a more dramatic and visually interesting image. There are a few different ways to create silhouette lighting, but one of the easiest is to use a reflector.
Position your subject in front of a light source, and have them face away from the camera. Then, place a reflector on the other side of them, opposite the light source. This will bounce light back onto their face, creating a silhouette effect. You can use any type of reflector, but a white one will work best.
Another way to create silhouette lighting is to use a backlight. Position your subject so that the light source is behind them. This will cause their body to be illuminated from behind, creating a silhouette effect. You can use any type of light source for this, but a sunlit sky or a bright lamp will work best.
Finally, you can use a diffuser to create silhouette lighting. Position your subject in front of a light source, and then place a diffuser between them and the light source. This will soften the light, creating a silhouette effect. You can use any type of diffuser, but a translucent one will work best.
By using silhouette lighting, you can create more dramatic and visually interesting images. So next time you’re shooting outdoors, try using one of these techniques to add some extra impact to your shots.
Audio
When it comes to sound when shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that your microphone is in a position where it will pick up the best sound. This may mean placing it closer to your subject than you would normally, or angling it in a certain way. You’ll also want to be aware of any background noise that could potentially interfere with your audio. This could be anything from wind to traffic to birds chirping. If possible, try to find a location where you can avoid or minimize these types of noises.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the sound of your subject’s voice will likely be different outdoors than it would be indoors. This is due to the acoustics of being outdoors, so you may need to make some adjustments to your audio levels. Be sure to test things out beforehand so that you can get the best possible sound on your final recording.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to get great sound when shooting cinematic interviews outdoors. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible results.
Camera Movement & Second Camera
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, it’s important to consider camera movement and eye line. Camera movement can be used to create a sense of energy and fluidity, while eye line can be used to control the viewer’s focus. When shooting interviews, it’s usually best to keep the camera static and have the subject move around. This will help to keep the focus on the subject and avoid any distractions in the background. If you do need to move the camera, make sure to do so smoothly and deliberately.
Eye line is just as important as camera movement. When shooting outdoors, you’ll want to be aware of where the sun is and how it will affect your subjects. If you’re shooting in direct sunlight, you’ll want to position your subjects so that they’re looking into the sun. This will help to create a more dramatic effect and keep the viewer’s attention on the subject.
If you’re shooting in shade, you’ll want to position your subjects so that they’re looking away from the sun. This will help to create a more calming effect and keep the viewer’s attention on the subject. When shooting interviews, it’s important to consider both camera movement and eye line. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to create more cinematically pleasing shots that will keep the viewer’s attention focused on the subject.
Sponsor Break & Communicate With Interviewees Before The Shoot
One of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful outdoor interview is to communicate with your talent before the shoot. Make sure they know what to expect and how to best prepare themselves. This will help keep them comfortable and looking their best in front of the camera.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when communicating with your talent before an outdoor shoot:
- Discuss the location ahead of time so they know what to expect. If possible, visit the location together beforehand so they can get a feel for the space and understand the lighting conditions.
- Talk about what they should wear. Natural fibers like cotton breath better in warm conditions and won’t wrinkle as easily as synthetic fabrics. It’s also a good idea to have them bring a few different outfit options in case one doesn’t work out.
- Discuss the schedule for the day and how long they can expect to be shooting. This will help them plan their day and make sure they have enough energy to last through the shoot.
- If possible, provide a list of questions ahead of time so they can prepare mentally and emotionally for the interview. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident when it comes time to answer on camera.
By taking the time to communicate with your talent before the shoot, you’ll set yourself up for success and help make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Use A Professional Sound Recordist
If you’re shooting an interview outdoors, you’ll need to use a professional sound recordist to ensure good audio quality. This person will be responsible for setting up and monitoring the sound equipment, and will ensure that your interviewees’ voices are clear and audible.
Even if you have a good microphone and sound-recording software, it’s important to have a professional sound recordist on hand to avoid any potential problems. If you’re not sure how to find a sound recordist, ask your local film or video production company for recommendations.
Control The Pace
When shooting interviews outdoors, it’s important to take into consideration the pace of the conversation. If you’re filming a more serious interview, you’ll want to keep the shots tighter and use less cuts. This will help create a more intense and controlled atmosphere. If you’re filming a more casual interview, you can afford to use more cuts and have wider shots. This will help keep the interview feeling relaxed and conversational.
Of course, the pacing of the conversation will also be dictated by the questions you’re asking. If you want to keep things moving quickly, ask shorter questions that can be answered quickly. If you want to allow for more reflection and thoughtful answers, ask longer, more open-ended questions.
How To Light Outdoor Interviews
Find Somewhere Quiet
When shooting interviews outdoors, it’s important to find a quiet location where you won’t be disturbed. This will help your subject feel more comfortable and allow them to focus on what you’re asking them. Avoid busy streets and locations with a lot of noise pollution. Instead, try looking for a park or other peaceful spot.
Find The Sun
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, finding the sun is essential. Place your subject so that they are facing the sun, and then use a reflector to bounce light onto their face. This will create a more flattering and consistent look, and will help to eliminate any shadows.
If you’re shooting in direct sunlight, try to position your subject so that they are not squinting. You can also use a diffuser to help soften the light and reduce any harsh shadows. When possible, shoot during the golden hour – the time around Sunrise or Sunset when the light is softer and more flattering.
Shape The Light
When shooting cinematic interviews outdoors, it’s important to use natural light to your advantage. Position your subject near a window or in a spot that gets good sunlight. If you need to, you can use a reflector to help bounce light onto your subject’s face. This will help shape the light and create a more flattering image. If you’re shooting in the shade, try to position your subject so that the light is coming from behind them. This will help create a nice rim light around their head and shoulders.
Select The Right Lens
- 75-300 millimeter telephoto zoom lens with f 4-5.6 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
- Improved mechanism makes zooming smoother; front part of zoom ring sports silver ring
- Measures 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches long; weighs 16.8 ounces; 1-year warranty
- 4.9-foot closest focusing distance; 32- to 8-degree diagonal angle of view
- Image Stabilization: No
- 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
- Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
- Stepping motor (STM) delivers near silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills
- 80 millimetre effective focal length on APS C cameras, 50 millimetre on full frame cameras. Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
- - 8 pieces of circular aperture, smooth and large focus rings internal focusing(IF) hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), ultra multi coating(UMC)
- - FULL MANUAL FOCUS OPERATION: require complete manual focus operation on dslr camera to align with lens body, NOT suitable for SLR beginners, recommended for photographers with excellent experience in equipment.
- - Compatible with Canon EOS Rebel T7, T7i, T6, T6i, T5, T5i, SL2, 80D, 77D, 700D, 70D, 60D, 50D, 5D, 6D, 7D, 600D, 550D, 200D, 150D, 100D, 1300D, 1400D, 1500D etc.
- Warm Tips: This is a MANUAL FOCUS LENS, NO Electronic Contacts, your camera will not detect the lens when mounted, please switch to M MODE in order to use this lens correctly. Tips to use our Manual Lens: 1) Attach the lens to camera. 2) Set the mode dial to Manual (M).
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- ✔ TRUVIEW 0.45x WIDE ANGLE LENS - CAPTURE 45% MORE PICTURE WITH EVERY SNAP: Shoot stunning photos of people, pets, travel scenery, landscapes, architecture, selfies and more. NO DARK CORNERS (vignetting) like cheaper lenses. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum and premium optical glass for durability and clarity. Multi-element, coated glass lenses minimize ghosting, reflections, lens flare, and other artifacts. Xenvo cell phone lens attachment is ideal for hobbyists and photography pros alike.
- ✔ CLARUS 15x MACRO LENS - MARVEL YOUR SENSES. MAGNIFY NEARBY SUBJECTS FOR BREATHTAKING, SUPER CLOSE-UP PHOTOS: Capture all the intricacies and details with precision-focus for razor crisp macro photos every time. (For best results, position macro lens approximately 1/2 inch from subject. Not designed for zooming in on distant subjects.) THE TRUGRIP LENS CLIP offers SUPERIOR GRIPPING POWER to fasten your lenses to your cell phone when you're in action mode, framing your next perfect shot.
- ✔ GLOWCLIP RECHARGEABLE LED FILL LIGHT - The GlowClip LED light clips ANYWHERE on your phone to instantly illuminate your subject and surroundings with warm continuous light. The warm and natural LED light is superior to your smartphone's built in flash—which can be blinding and unnatural—especially in darker settings and venues. FEATURES 3 BRIGHTNESS SETTINGS: Low, Medium and High. Say goodbye to frustrating photo "retakes" and hello to brilliant photos the first time.
- ✔ QUICK-RELEASE LANYARD AND TRAVEL CASE - TRANSPORT AND PROTECT YOUR LENS KIT: Perfect for taking your Xenvo lenses with you on the fly. The travel case stores and protects all lens kit components snugly and safely while the quick-release lanyard is the perfect way to carry your lenses on your next outing. Just drape the lanyard and lens around your neck. The quick-release lanyard head makes it a cinch to access your Xenvo lenses in a flash so you never miss another photo moment.
- Comprehensive Gear – This 58mm lens kit for Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II STM is a comprehensive equipment set essential for photographers. It bundles a vast array of professional tools into one convenient package, including 43x Wide Angle Lens, 2.2X Telephoto Lens, 3pc Filter Kit, 4pc Close Up Filters, Tulip Lens Hood, Soft Lens Hood, Lens Cap, and Cap Keeper.
- Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens – With its 0.43x wide angle lens, it allows you to add depth and dimension to your shots and this can be split into two macros. The 2.2x telephoto lens offers you the ability to zoom in on distant subjects.
- Compatibilities - This 58mm lens kit is compatible with Canon EOS 80D 77D 1100D 700D 650D 600D 550D 7D, Mark II 6D Mark II 5DS 5D Mark IV 1D Mark II, Rebel T8i T7 T7i T6i T6 T6s T5i T5 T4i T100, and SL3 SL2 SL1.
- Lens Compatibilities - Our 58mm lens filters are compatible with the following models - Canon EF- S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 & f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, EF 75- 300mm f/4-5.6 III USM, EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, Nikon AF-P & AF-S, NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G & f/1.8G, 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR, Fujifilm XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40- 150mm f/4-5.6 R, and Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II
- Superior Build Quality - With a durable steel barrel design, our 58 mm lens filter kit uses multi coated anti-reflection glass. The high-grade 58mm UV filter component shields your lens against dust, scratches, and sun glare for durable usability. The close-up filters enable macro photography using a standard lens.
Selecting the right lens is key when shooting cinematic interviews outdoors. You’ll want to use a lens that has a wide aperture so you can capture as much of the scene as possible in focus. A zoom lens is also a good option so you can adjust the framing as needed.
When shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ll also want to use a lens with a shallow depth of field. This will help blur the background and make your subject stand out. A 50mm lens is a good option for this.
Conclusion
How to shoot cinematic interviews outdoors? Shooting cinematic interviews outdoors can be a lot of fun, but it takes some planning and preparation to make sure everything goes smoothly. In this article, we’ve shared our tips for how to shoot great video interviews in natural light. By following these guidelines, you should be able to capture beautiful footage that will help your videos stand out from the rest. Thanks for reading!