Schools are settling into their new routines and preparing for an exciting time of year – fall! With the color-changing leaves and dropping temperatures, it’s not only the perfect weather for football games and leaf peeping, but it’s also the ideal time to film content and get the best shots of your school possible.
With the breathtaking midwestern scenery and the exciting activities schools have planned for students to enjoy the autumn weather, let’s dive into how you can make the most of your footage leveraging the fall semester.
Utilize Golden Hour: The Perfect Time for Aerial Shots
During fall, the sun rises a bit later and sets a bit earlier compared to the summer months. This sunrise and sunset shift is an ideal schedule for videographers who want to shoot during golden hour. Golden hour is more popularly known as the last hour before sunset, but it also occurs the first hour before sunrise. One of the best ways to take advantage of golden hour is to film your aerial shots. Nothing beats the warm, sunny light reflecting off the vivid tree lines during a cozy fall morning or evening.
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Brighten Up Your Shots
The fall foliage is undeniably striking, blending hues of bright orange, deep red, and gold to create a vibrant scene. If you need some fresh shots of campus, now is the time to film. The warm colors of the leaves will instantly brighten up the shot and make it more visually appealing. Aside from the beauty in these shots, fall is associated with returning to school, so filming September through November will accurately depict your campus during that first quarter or semester of the school year.
Ideal Weather
While many dread overcast days, it’s actually the perfect time for capturing video in terms of lighting. An overcast sky creates diffused light that is nice and soft. This makes it easier for the videographer because they don’t have to adjust their light settings as often as they would if it was a bright sunny day. After all, nobody wants an overexposed shot!
The transitional weeks of fall weather are absolutely ideal for filming because the temperature is just right—not too hot, but not too cold. If you can find a day to film that’s anywhere between 65 and 75 degrees, you’ll be golden. It’s a given that pleasant weather makes the filming process enjoyable for everyone involved (from the media team to the staff and students that are featured).
Fall weather allows participants to dress as they please (because neither short sleeves nor long sleeves are out of the norm during this season). Not to mention, when you’re filming faculty, staff, and students, you want to minimize any squinting or unnatural expressions from bright, direct light. Making sure the subjects in your video are as comfortable as possible is key when it comes to filming individuals.
Fun-Filled Fall Events
Fall is a busy time of year for students, so use that to your advantage! The school year has just begun, so there’s excitement in the air as everyone settles into their new grade level. Taking advantage of live event coverage, such as extracurriculars or in-school activities participation, will allow you to use that footage for the rest of the year. Fall is also a popular season for sports. It’s no secret football games are a great way to show school spirit. With the ideal weather for filming and the majority of the student body gathered for a football game, there’s nothing in the way of getting optimal shots that reflect comradery and a sense of community within your school.
Media Services is Here To Help You!
The fall season is short and sweet, which is why we encourage you to take full advantage of the cinematic potential the season brings! If you’re seeking optimal video production, leave it to the experts at CIESC Media Services.
Check out our FAQ series to learn more about how we can help you with your next production. To learn more about our services and studio, contact us directly at (317) 759-5555.
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