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The problem: Most home videographers swing their cameras from subject to subject, creating the unwanted effect of constant, uncontrolled motion. Others focus for too long on a series of stationary subjects. Viewers feel either seasick or bored.

The solution: Take a series of shots that establish the scene and the subjects you're interested in. Concentrate on each shot individually, and pause the camera before moving to the next shot. A good video mimics the movement of your own eyes, which focus on one image at a time, rather than jumping from point to point.

The technique: Whenever possible, start with a "long shot" that makes it clear where the scene is taking place. Then move to a "medium shot" that homes in on the action. Now you're ready for your close-up. Focus the camera on a distinct point of interest, such as your subject's face, and hold the camera steady on the subject for a count of 10. That's just enough time to capture someone's expression, depict facial features clearly, and provide enough of a clip to leave room for editing later. (Auteur hint: Try pointing the camera at people's hands, too.) Once you've got these shots, the scene is complete, and you're ready to shoot the next one. When you're editing later on, you'll have distinct shots and scenes to choose from, rather than a jumble of continuous, bouncy video. With drag-and-drop scene editing, you'll be able to create a sequence that is interesting to watch and recaps the event with some elegance.

The environment: Take special care with lighting and sound. To convey the details of the scene to your viewer, including the nuances in your subjects' voices and the expressions on their faces, minimize extraneous sounds and make sure there's plenty of light. In practice, this means turning off music or TVs in the background, keeping the camera away from humming appliances, and moving an extra desk lamp or two into the room where you expect to be shooting.