Guidelines for Capturing Pictures and Videos for Team Use
We encourage students and mentors to capture pictures and videos throughout the off-season, build season, and during competitions. These media can be valuable for team awards, marketing purposes, robot reveal, and just for fun!
Here’s what we’re looking for and how to make the most of your contributions:
1. All Events – Team Participation
- Capture pictures and videos of our team at every event we participate in.
- We want to showcase team spirit and participation, so feel free to capture anything that reflects our involvement.
2. During Build Season
- What to capture:
- Students working on the robot, coding, designing, etc.
- Group collaboration and teamwork.
- Important note: Photos or videos of the robot before competitions are for team use only. These should not be shared on social media.
3. Photo and Video Permissions
- Registered Students: If a student is registered with FIRST, they have already given permission for their photos to be used.
- Visitors: If a non-registered student or guest is visiting, do not use their photos or videos in any promotional material without explicit consent.
4. At Competitions – What to Capture
- Pictures and videos taken during competitions are critical for awards and marketing.
- Staged photos are fine, but the best shots are often natural, in-the-moment images.
Focus on:
- Our team helping other teams – captures our collaborative spirit.
- Cheering and supporting in the stands.
- Talking and engaging – try to get shots where faces are visible.
- Random dancing or having fun – show our team’s personality!
- The robot in action – clear shots of our robot performing.
Final Notes:
- High-quality, clear, and engaging media will be the most useful for future awards and marketing efforts.
- Don’t hesitate to be creative and have fun while capturing the essence of our team!
Your contributions are appreciated, and they help tell the story of our team!
Videos
How to Make a Great Robot Reveal Video
A well-made robot reveal video is a great way to showcase your team’s hard work and creativity. Here are some key instructions to help you create an impressive and engaging reveal video:
1. Choose the Right Background
- The background of your video is crucial! Make sure it’s clean and uncluttered so that the focus remains on the robot.
- Consider using a neutral or visually appealing location. Avoid distracting elements like people walking by or messy areas.
- A well-lit environment is key to highlighting the robot’s details, so make sure there’s enough light.
2. Use Copyright-Free Music
- To avoid copyright issues, use royalty-free music in your video. You can find great free music from platforms like YouTube’s Audio Library, Free Music Archive, or other royalty-free music sources.
- Pick music that complements the mood of the video – something that matches the excitement or intensity of the robot’s reveal.
3. Plan Your Video (Build a Storyboard)
- Pre-plan the shots you want to include by creating a storyboard. A storyboard helps you map out the flow of the video, ensuring you capture all the necessary angles and sequences.
- Key shots to consider:
- Close-up details of your robot’s key features.
- Action shots of the robot performing its tasks.
- Wide shots to show the robot in full operation.
- Team members working on the robot or celebrating.
- Think about the story you want to tell with your video. Do you want to highlight a specific feature of the robot, or build excitement toward a big reveal?
4. Capture High-Quality Footage
- Use a steady camera or a tripod to avoid shaky footage.
- Shoot in high definition so that all details of the robot are clear.
- Take multiple shots from different angles, such as:
- Low-angle shots to make the robot look powerful.
- Dynamic shots during key movements or tasks.
- Slow-motion footage of impressive features in action.
5. Keep It Engaging
- The video should be concise and to the point. Keep your audience interested by avoiding overly long scenes or repetition.
- Try to keep the video around 1-2 minutes long. This is typically the ideal length to capture interest without losing attention.
6. Editing for Impact
- After filming, spend time on editing. Make sure the transitions between scenes are smooth and the music matches the rhythm of the video.
- Add in captions or text overlays to highlight important features of the robot.
By following these steps and paying attention to detail, you’ll create a high-quality, exciting robot reveal video that showcases your team’s achievements in the best possible light!