1. Write the action in one sentence
For this exercise, use “Someone makes a cup of tea.” Keep the activity small enough to repeat. Decide whether the finished video will be vertical or horizontal before recording, then keep that orientation for all five shots.
Choose a camera position that leaves room for the action. Look at the edges of the frame for distracting objects. Apple explains how to enable Grid and Level in its iPhone camera setup guide. Use these aids as references while deciding what belongs in your picture.
2. Give each of the five shots a purpose
This is an original practice plan. The times below are suggested final-screen durations, not recording limits or app presets.
| Shot | What to show | Suggested duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Place | A wide view of the cup and tea-making space | 3 s |
| 2 · Preparation | Hands placing the tea in the cup | 3 s |
| 3 · Action | A closer view of water being poured | 4 s |
| 4 · Detail | Tea moving as a spoon stirs | 3 s |
| 5 · Ending | The finished cup being lifted away | 3 s |
The plan makes a roughly 16-second sequence. You can hold a shot longer if the action needs it. The useful constraint is that each image adds something, rather than simply repeating the same view.
3. Record enough room to edit
Start recording a little before the action and continue briefly after it finishes. Keep the phone still for this first exercise and let movement happen inside the frame. Move the camera between takes to change the shot size.
Watch continuity: the cup should not jump from full to empty between adjacent shots. Keep the handle, hands and direction of the pour reasonably consistent. If the light changes noticeably, repeat the affected shots together. Place the phone securely and keep it away from hot water.
4. Review before adding more shots
Watch the takes in your planned order. Can you understand the action with the sound off? Does any shot repeat information? Is the ending clear? Trim hesitation at the beginning and end of a take, but leave enough time to understand the gesture.
If the sequence feels confusing, replace the weakest shot first. A closer view of the hands may explain more than another wide view. Record a second version and compare the two; the aim is to practise making choices, not to collect the most footage.
Explore shot planning with Adunor
Adunor’s public beta supports shot planning and guided filming on iPhone with iOS 26 or later through TestFlight. Preview two shots, with complete plans available through Pro. The live subject-guidance features shown on its product page belong to an upcoming beta awaiting Apple review; this exercise does not depend on them.