I’ve been working on video a lot on my other site http://projectk2r4.com and my YouTube Channel. One thing I have quickly learned is that when you are both operating the camera, and starring in the video, it’s pretty hard to make sure you are in focus. I came up with a handy way to solve this problem and am now sharing it with you.
This handy focus card has a mic-stand adapter on it so I can place it where my head is going to be for the shot, focus on this card to ensure I have it razor sharp, and then move the tripod and start shooting.
Here’s how you can build your own, download a PDF of the focus card first.
Video Focus Card
Materials:
- Foamcore Board
- Electrical Tape
- 2- Printed Focus Cards
- MXL Mic Stand Adapter
- Laminant
First we need to cut out the two printed focus cards. I use two so I can have it two-sided, just in case. I bought the self laminate at Office Depot and put a piece of laminate on each one before I cut them out, that way they won’t be susceptible to moisture or fading.
They are 8” square, so you also need to cut out an 8” piece of the foam core to mount them to.
Use the electrical tape to bind them in place. The tape is just the perfect width to cover the black bar on both sides. You can see in the above photo that it’s holding both the top and bottom with one piece.
Tape all four sides this way and the card itself is pretty much done.
Step 3:
We need a way to mount the focus card to a mic stand. I found that the cheap MXL Mic adapters are easy to take apart and the resulting gap is just right for the focus card.
Slide the mic adapter base onto the focus card and mark the hole.
Use a hole punch to knock out the hole you just marked.
Put the screw back in the adapter to hold it in place and you are done!
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I will try it. I have just bought a professional canon camera. I will follow you for further clues for best photos.
very good post! it´s always difficult to keep it in focus!!!! congratulations