How to Make a Great Home Movie

Home movies are a great way to preserve cherished memories for yourself and future generations. Recordings of your past are fun to look back on and help you remember details that you have forgotten. Milestones such as weddings, birthdays and graduations are all events that you can capture and save forever with home movies.

1. First: Make sure your camera works properly

   Check that whatever recording device you plan to use is in good working order. Charge your batteries at least 24 hours ahead of time to prevent them from dying in the middle of use. Depending on the type of camera, make sure a blank VHS or CD is inserted. If the camcorder requires a memory card, make sure there is enough room on the card for the video. Test out the equipment before hand. Try shooting some miscellaneous shots and play them back to see if everything is working.

2. Second: Make sure the camera lens cover is off

   Some of those precious memories are missed on tape when the camera lens cover is left in place, yielding an empty, black screen where your memories should go. Remove the lens right before using the camcorder to prevent this from happening. Also make sure that nothing is dangling right in front of the lens. Some lens covers are attached by a cord so they do not get lost. Remove the cord to prevent the cover from swinging in front of the lens and ruining the shot. Store it in your pocket for safe keeping.