How to Shoot & Edit SMOOTH Slow Motion in Premiere Pro (Cinematic & Clean 120fps!)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to shoot and edit smooth slow motion footage using Adobe Premiere Pro, specifically at 120 frames per second (fps). This technique is essential for creating cinematic and visually appealing videos that captivate your audience. We'll cover the fundamentals of frame rate, how to capture smooth slow motion footage, and the editing process in Premiere Pro.

Step 1: Understand Frame Rate

• Frame rate refers to the number of frames displayed per second in a video.
• For smooth slow motion, shooting at a higher frame rate, like 120fps, is crucial.
• Higher frame rates allow for more frames to be captured, resulting in smoother playback when the footage is slowed down.

Step 2: Capture Smooth Slow Motion Footage

• Choose the Right Settings:
  • Set your camera to shoot at 120fps.
  • Ensure your shutter speed is at least double your frame rate (e.g., 1/240 for 120fps) for optimal motion blur.
• Stabilize Your Shot:
  • Use a tripod or gimbal to minimize camera shake.
  • If handheld, practice steady breathing and body control to reduce movement.
• Select Your Subject:
  • Choose dynamic subjects that will benefit from slow motion, such as athletes, dancers, or moving objects.

Step 3: Import Your Footage into Premiere Pro

• Open Adobe Premiere Pro and create a new project.
• Import your 120fps footage by going to File > Import or dragging the clips into the project panel.

Step 4: Create a New Sequence

• Right-click in the project panel and select New Sequence.
• Choose a sequence setting that matches your project’s frame rate (e.g., 24fps or 30fps for final output).

Step 5: Add Footage to the Timeline

• Drag your 120fps footage onto the timeline.
• Premiere Pro will automatically interpret the footage at its original frame rate.

Step 6: Slow Down the Footage

• Right-click on the video clip in the timeline.
• Select Speed/Duration from the context menu.
• Change the speed to 20% (or adjust as needed) to achieve the desired slow motion effect.
• Ensure "Ripple Edit, Shifting Trailing Clips" is checked to maintain timeline integrity.

Step 7: Fine-Tune Your Slow Motion

• Use the Rate Stretch Tool to adjust the speed visually.
• Preview your slow-motion footage and make any necessary adjustments to speed or timing.
• Consider using keyframes for more dynamic speed changes if needed.

Step 8: Add Effects and Color Grading

• Enhance your footage with color grading to achieve a cinematic look:
  • Use Lumetri Color for color correction and grading.
• Add any necessary effects (e.g., motion blur) for a more fluid appearance.

Step 9: Export Your Project

• Go to File > Export > Media.
• Choose your desired format and settings (H.264 is recommended for web).
• Click Export to render your finished slow-motion video.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively shoot and edit smooth slow-motion footage in Adobe Premiere Pro. Remember to practice shooting at higher frame rates and mastering the editing tools to enhance your videos. Experiment with different subjects and styles to find what works best for your projects, and don't hesitate to dive deeper into Premiere Pro's capabilities for even more creative options. Happy filming!