I have often carried out investigations second time around after another agency has had the first shot. Alarmingly, some of the tapes I have witnessed have been shocking to the point where I have felt embarrassed that a member of our profession has actually sent these in to a solicitor. A recent tape that was reviewed, opened up with a superb animated introduction to the ‘Agency’ that warranted an Oscar. It was followed by 12 seconds of terrible film showing a female putting her handbag into a car, getting into it herself and driving away. This shot involved ‘violent’ zooming in and out, it was mostly out of focus, the camera shake was of earthquake proportions and added to the video was the investigators voice exclaiming, - ‘Yes, Yes, get in that ******* car…!’ Not very good really, especially when the agency concerned charged $80.00 per hour.

To this end, if you are watching an individual or premises for a long period of time to obtain video evidence, it is imperative that you know your photographic equipment, its abilities and limitations. A professional photographer once told me that to use an SLR (stills) camera takes skill and experience. To use a video camera you only have to know how to read – the first five pages of the instruction book! This is true to some extent but I would like to discuss a number of topics that should enhance your video technique.

Camera shake is very noticeable when using video, especially when filming at the top end of your zoom. The way you hold your camera will greatly affect your picture taking and make all the difference. The following should assist in taking a steady film:

Grip the camera firmly with the right hand, thumb positioned on the button with your forefinger on the zoom control. The left hand should be placed under the body to steady it. Held like this, you should be able to remove either hand and still have a tight grip of the camera.

Stand or sit in a position where you will not sway about, use a support to lean against, keep your elbows tucked into your body for support. A monopod or tripod is a good investment.

Hold your breath or use shallow breathing.

If filming from a vehicle, turn the engine off.

Ensure that your camera has an ‘Anti Shake’ feature.

I would suggest that you use manual focus for the majority of your filming as you are in total control. An example:- Quite often you would be filming your subject who is walking down a street or getting in or out of a vehicle. You lift your camera up and start recording. A pedestrian or vehicle passes between you and the subject and what happens? – the lens now auto focuses on the ‘passer by’ whilst turning your subject into a fuzzy blob. Once the obstruction has passed, the camera starts to refocus on the subject but then locks onto the dead fly or dirty windscreen and remains there until the subject has disappeared out of shot forever!

If you are concerned that you will knock the camera out of focus whilst in manual mode, then place a piece of sticky tape against the lens focusing ring in order to stop it from moving. Alternatively, put the camera onto ‘infinity focus’. This should keep the whole picture in focus provided that you are not using the top end of the zoom.

Some camcorders have a magnification of up to x72 in order to bring the picture closer. This zoom control is often x20 optical (the lens actually moves) and then from x20 up to x72 the picture is enhanced ‘digitally’. Be aware that when the ‘top end’ of this zoom is used, it can cause the picture to become very fuzzy and again can look unprofessional. Think to yourself, - ‘Do I really have to zoom in that close?

Much video evidence does not require sound on the tape unless voices or certain sounds need to be heard as part of that evidence. As a rule, I always have a dummy plug (2.5mm jack plug) pushed into the external microphone socket. This disables the built in microphone and avoids recording any unwanted sounds whilst you are filming such as radio voice procedure, background noises/voices and even the odd piece of bad language etc. Remember – your original tape may be played back in open Court.

I have seen tapes in the past where the investigator actually adds a running commentary on to the tape whilst filming. This is a personal preference but be careful if you are not very fluent and articulate. You can also trip yourself up if you’re not careful. On one film, I saw a taxi drive past with only the driver in it (the subject in his vehicle) only to be told by the added commentary that ‘the subject driver is now leaving Cherry Close having picked up another fare..’ Again, something that a smart barrister could use to discredit you.

Spielbergs abound - happy filming!