LightWork

How to Improve TikTok Dance Videos

Propping a phone against a wall can get the job done for making dance videos, but if you put some extra effort into improving your production quality, it can truly help you get noticed.

Main Concept: Creativity is Key

1) Opening Shot - Movement

The video opens with a follow shot, illustrating how camera movement can bring a scene to life. You gotta love the tight choreography between the two people, even though only one is on camera.

They're using a piece of equipment called a “gimbal” to hold the phone, which mechanically stabilizes the footage and creates a floating effect. They also jerk the camera around quickly to the beat, creating a stark yet effective visual contrast.

The subject and camera dancing in sync gives the video its dynamism, and the use of battery-powered lights allows it to shine in a dark, urban setting.

The camera operator is holding a Nanlite wand LED light and using the included diffusor to soften the light. The wand acts as the "key light," meaning it lights the main subject's face and body, but other lights are in use.

Behind the subject you can see a light on a stand. This is called a "backlight," and it helps the dancer stand out from the background. It also lights nearby surfaces so you see a cityscape instead of darkness.

2) Main Shot: Dancing in Place

When they reach the point where they stop moving forward, a more powerful light is positioned off camera, as evidenced by the hard shadows on the brick wall.

This ensures that during the main dancing portion of the video, the subject will be brightly lit. Also, moving from the darker area at the start and into a darker area at the end adds dynamics.

The takeaway is to always try to think of ways to bring your videos to life. Camera movement, location, and light are just three ways to open up a world of creativity.

🎥 Video by @kiona_produce