In the digital age, we know that a great video is more than just standing still and pressing a record. Through a fusion of creative abilities along with technical skills and strategic planning, you can do really good videography, much like other great artwork techniques. Whether you are new on the scene or gunning for refined craftsmanship, we present to you this easy guide on how to do better videography.
Plan Your Storyline
You see…it all begins with a plan. If you define the purpose of your video and how to tell a specific story, then each shot will contribute something to better explain whatever it is that you need to explain. It begins by putting together a storyboard/shot list to show the order of events and identify key scenes in your video. It helps to calculate changes and analyze what angles are needed for your video and the rhythm you want it to have. Having a blueprint in mind will give you direction while filming, resulting in less work on the cutting room floor because you know what to keep.
Use Quality Equipment
Good gear can make the biggest impact on your video output. Get a nice camera that has manual settings (shutter speed, ISO, and aperture). Even a good smartphone can do the job, while high-end gear is nice to have if you know how to make use of it. Educate yourself on basic camera settings, understanding how each setting impacts exposure, focus, and color. This makes creating cleaner footage possible.
For audio especially — remember that people will accept bad video but rarely bad sound. Having the right microphone — for interviews or videos that rely heavily on quality dialogue, a top-quality mic can make all of the difference. Also, have a variety of extras like a camera stand and/or gimbal and light techniques out there as well.
Pay Attention to Lighting
Your lighting will make or break your footage. The natural “golden hour ” of sunrise/sunset is wonderful. If shooting indoors, employ appropriate artificial lighting techniques to eliminate shadows and color balance. Play around with the lighting, and don’t use flat illumination or have areas blasted by light.
Take Steady Video
A video does not get bad but it only gets shaken by shaky footage. Outsource video editing to get a perfectly made video. Practice stabilization techniques to keep your arms close to your body and bend your knees if you are hand holding the camera for more control.
Wrapping Up
So to speak, the sound is fifty percent of any video. Emotions can be enhanced with some background music, ambient sounds and sound effects which will lead the audience into the video. Avoid music that will take away from what is going on in the video. Integrate sound effects to key actions or transitions for another layer of convincing realism.
