Keep the Camera Still

When photographing your invention prototype or model, it's important to keep the camera still. The best option is to use a tripod, but if that's not possible, follow these guidelies to get a clear, sharp picture.

Stand with your feet apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the camera with both hands and your elbows against your body. Exhale. Press the button. If necessary, you can lean against a wall, chair or railing for further support.

If your invention prototype or model is low to the ground or if you need to take a picture from a low angle, keep your elbows in to your sides while you get down on one knee.

Features and Benefits of Your Invention Prototype

When filming invention prototypes, point out its main features and benefits. Describe how the invention functions as a whole and how the parts work together.

However, keep in mind that while you want to explain the most important aspects of your invention prototype, you also must be succinct enough to retain your audience's attention.

Final check before you photograph your invention prototype

The last thing you need to do before you press that button is to look at anything that might be obstructing the camera lens. Be careful that your finger or the camera strap doesn't slip in front of the lens. Check the lens periodically to make sure it's free of dust.

Also, if you're shooting outside on a breezy day, wait until the breeze dies down before you take the picture of your invention.

Digital or Film for Your Invention Prototype?

To create an image of your invention prototype or model, you can use either a digital or a film camera. What it really comes down to is personal preference and what you can afford.

A digital image may be more convenient because digital images can more easily be uploaded to the computer and sent via email. Printed film photos take an extra step to upload. Either scan the photo into a computer or request a high-resolution photo CD when you drop off your film.

If you're using film, use 400-speed negative film. It's the most flexible consumer-level film and works best in a variety of lighting conditions. If you're using a digital camera, set it at its highest resolution for the best quality image.

Before You Start Filming

Read your video camera and video editing software manuals to create the best invention prototype videos. Plan your shots before you start filming. Determine the best place to shoot your invention prototype video, who might act in it and ways to demonstrate what you want. Also, gather everything you'll need beforehand so it's ready and available.

Make Sure Your Invention Prototype Fills the Frame

Get as close as you can to the subject you're shooting by filling the viewfinder with your invention prototype or model. This helps eliminate background clutter and draws further attention to the invention prototype by making it the only item in the photo.

Be careful if your invention is small. Cameras have a minimum focal distance meaning you can only get so close to your subject before you lose focus. Most auto focus cameras have an indicator light that lets you know if the subject is in focus. If not, consult the manual for the camera or lens to find the minimum focal distance.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Both the spokesperson and the cameraperson should rehearse before filming the invention prototype. The spokesperson should be familiar with the lines and the cameraperson should be familiar with the camera and any movements he or she will have to make while filming. Then the spokesperson and cameraperson should practice together.

Take lots of pictures of your invention prototype or model

Take as many photos of your invention prototype or model as you can so that you will have plenty of great shots to choose from. Photograph your invention prototype or model at different angles and different distances. Use different backdrops. Study advertising and product shots in your favorite magazines to get ideas of how the pros do it. If you see something that catches your eye, try to immitate it. If your invention is a working model, get a friend to take pictures of you demonstrating the invention in its natural environment. Be creative and have fun with the project.

Using Your Prototype to Test the Market

Now that you have a working prototype of your invention, why not use it to test your market?

Reaching out to potential customers during the product development stage is considered to be a major factor in the successful development of any new invention. The feedback of people who would use your product can help you shape it into one that will fly off the shelves.

Field work, using your prototype, is one of the best ways to get customer feedback. Gather small groups of people together who are willing to give you their opinions. Have them sign non-disclosures, of course. And, use the opportunity well, by thinking through the questions and issues you want to solve.

Choose Inexpensive Materials

Manufacturers who review your invention prototype want to know more than if it works. They'll also be interested in how much it costs to make and if it is possible to mass produce cheaply. Even if your invention is stronger and faster than any other product available, if it costs more to build than people will pay for it, it will be impossible to sell to a manufacturer.

Keep Your Invention Prototype Video Brief

Keep the length of your videos of invention prototypes should at around a minute or less. The shorter the better. Because most most attention spans are short, you have a brief period of time to get your core message across.

If your invention is extremely complicated or requires a lengthy demonstration, you can make a longer video, but it should never eclipse 5 to 10 minutes in length.

Do a Background Check Before Filming Invention Prototypes

Eliminate background distractions in your invention videos. In video, there are two types of background: audio and visual. Be aware of background noises that may distract your audience from the invention. Visually, pay attention to everything in your shot with your invention prototype. Check the foreground and background to make sure there aren't any distractions and remove excess clutter.

Videotaping Invention Prototypes: Before and After

Run the video camera for an extra second or two before and after each shot in your invention prototype video. You can edit out what you don't want later, but this ensures that you will get the entire shot you do want.

Tapes, Video CDs and DVDs

If you don't have access to a computer with video editing software and a disc burner, use a VHS tape. DVDs and VCDs are the wave of the future, but not everyone is comfortable using them or set up to use them on their computer.

If you are able to burn video CDs or DVDs, offer this as another option for people who are interested in viewing your invention prototype video.

If you are sending a VCD or DVD to a different country, be sure to use the standard format for the region that country resides.

Do a Background Check

To take the best photograph of your invention prototype, eliminate background clutter from your photograph with a backdrop. An easy backdrop to use would be a plain, solid, neutral-colored sheet or tablecloth.

For best results set up your invention some distance (at least a foot) from the backdrop and make sure the backdrop doesn't block the light source. Your backdrop should complement or contrast with your subject.

More adventurous photographers may try photographing the invention in its natural environment or while it is in use. Even if you try one of these options, do a quick check of the background to ensure the proper setup for photographing your invention model or prototype.

Invention Prototype Videos and the Zoom Feature

Don't overuse the zoom feature in your invention prototype video. Overuse of the zoom is a sure sign of an amateur. Zooms are usually too fast, cause unwanted camera movement and are not pleasant to watch.

In a movie, television show or commercial, if you see the subject of the shot getting closer, it's probably the camera getting closer to it (a move called a “Dolly Shot”), not the operator using a zoom lens.

The zoom button is best used to frame shots of invention prototypes while the camcorder is paused. If you must move closer to the invention while recording, carefully move the whole camera. The effect is much different and more inviting to watch.

Use a Tripod to Film Invention Prototypes

If you can get your hands on a tripod for your invention video, use it. Unnecessary motion in the camera frame distracts the viewer and may cause motion sickness. If viewers are distracted oby camera movement, they are not paying attention to your invention prototype.

If no tripod is available, the cameraperson should brace themselves against another stable surface like a wall or a chair. If the cameraperson must move while recording the invention, movements should be as slow and smooth as possible. Practice the movements ahead of time for best results.