Handheld or Tripod? When to Move Your Smartphone Camera and When to Keep It Steady cover art

Handheld or Tripod? When to Move Your Smartphone Camera and When to Keep It Steady

Handheld or Tripod? When to Move Your Smartphone Camera and When to Keep It Steady

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In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian explore one of the most common beginner questions: Should I go handheld or use a tripod? They explain why both styles work depending on purpose, energy, and audience—and they share simple, creative ways to stabilise your smartphone without expensive gear.

  • Why tripod shots create calm and credibility—and why movement needs purpose
  • Handheld tips: Using movement to add energy and immediacy
  • Gimbals explained: What they do, when you need one, and when you don’t
  • Low-cost hacks: Coffee cups, blue tack, rice bags and other DIY stabilizers
  • Walk-Talk-Twist method: A practical, versatile way to make explainer videos

In this episode, we cover:

  • 00:00 Introduction and today’s topic overview
  • 01:30 Camera movement in classic filmmaking vs modern smartphone style
  • 04:00 How movement adds story, energy, or distraction
  • 07:00 When walking and talking works—and when it doesn’t
  • 09:00 Communication tips: freeing up your hands and using gestures on camera
  • 12:00 Recommended accessories: selfie sticks, mini tripods, and flexible legs
  • 16:00 What is a gimbal? Pros, cons, and when to use one
  • 19:00 Walk-Talk-Twist technique explained
  • 21:00 DIY hacks: coffee cups, blue tack, rice bags and creative tripod replacements
  • 24:00 Final advice: think before you move your camera and experiment with both styles

Follow Tap Edit Go:
Instagram: @tapeditgo
Facebook: @tapeditgo
TikTok: @tapeditgo

Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

Visit tapeditgo.com for resources, courses, and community support.

This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.

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