Here are some common mistakes to avoid so you can make your home videos look like a pro (well.. unless you’re trying to make it look like “The Blair Witch Project”).
Shaky shots - As I mentioned, if you’re not fond of work from The Blair Witch school of film, I suggest using a tripod or, if you’re using a hand-held camcorder, try leaning your arm against something to keep your shot steady. Also, stay away from caffeine the day you have to shoot your nephew’s baptism. Your camera’s image stabilization feature can’t really help if you’ve got the jitters.
Whipping the camera - I call this the “Daddy-Cam”. Don’t swing your camera around like your garden hose or spray painter! Pick your subject and stay there, even for a few seconds.
Digital zoom - I don’t know why they have this feature. Turn it off (and keep it off) or your kids will look like pixelated video game characters.
Over-using the zoom button - Unless you’re Superman or have bionic eyeballs, it’s not natural to zoom in on objects! Stop playing with the zoom button and just move closer to your subject.
Unneccesary audio - Try not to talk or make noise while you’re videotaping… unless you want your cousin to really know how you feel about her wedding dress.

Make sure you have enough tapes and battery power to get you through the day.
Conserving tape - Tape is cheap, folks. Roll more of it so you can have plenty of footage to edit with. Record early and often.
Bad framing - When you’re looking through your viewfinder, remember it’s going to be seen on TV. Don’t “bulls-eye” your subject. It’s a camera… not a gun.
Backlight - This happens when there is excessive light behind your subject, causing them to be a dark shadowy figure. Learn to use your backlight compensation button (featured on most cameras today), light your subject, or just move and avoid it altogether.
Not paying attention to the RECORD button - Be aware of the “REC” signal or flashing circle or whatever tells you when you’re taping, otherwise you’re gonna get a lot of footage of your feet.
Not hiring a professional videographer for a really, REALLY important event - Some things are better left to the pros. ’nuff said.