Here’s today’s Blogger in the Spotlight, JD Andrews, with his terrific tips on video making.
Making a good video is harder than some people think. You may put up a video.. but it doesn’t mean that everyone might want to watch it. By just following the 10 practical steps below, you may just be on the right path to making a solid video that people will appreciate and enjoy watching. Here’s how..
1. Get a tripod. Now a days they are small and inexpensive and a great way to make your videos look more professional.
2. Get a mic. Some people don’t realize how IMPORTANT audio is. They buy an expensive camera, which looks great but rely on the onboard mic. If you’re doing interviews or on-camera narration, invest in a decent mic.
3. Get and use headphones. Don’t rely on meters, listen to what ‘s going into the camera and adjust accordingly.
GoingSocialTV ~ Iceland ~ Sneak-Peek from JD Andrews on Vimeo.
4. Get a light. Nothing makes your shot look better if you are shooting in low light or dark situations.
5. Get a Case or Backpack. Now that you’ve invested in all this great equipment, protect it!
6. Shoot many options. It’s easier to edit a good video when you have a lot of options. Try to always get the ‘big 3’ – Wide, Close up and Extreme close up.
7. Shoot Cutaways. Also know as B-roll, while shooting; get multiple shots of things that are around you, the sky, tree, people etc. It’s great way to cover up long interviews or better yet, mistakes.
8. Music. A great way to portray the mood of your video but DO NOT use copyrighted music if you want to sell or post the video on-line. Authenticity is key in making a great video.
9. Graphics. They make your video look more professional and now a days you can find really nice graphics for just a few bucks.
10. Shoot all the time. Insert old saying here.. practice, practice and more practice. The more you shoot and become familiar with your equipment, the more you’ll start seeing a dramatic improvement in all your videos.
JD has spent 19 years traveling around the globe (79 countries across 6 continents), creating, shooting, & editing travel/tourism videos for various cruise lines, airlines, destinations, tourist boards & television networks. He has produced & created numerous award winning videos including 3 Emmys for excellent television programming.Travel is his passion; creating inspiring and evocative videos and photographs is his profession. Social media is the way he connects with the world and shares both of these things.
Follow JD on twitter – @EarthXplorer or visit his website.
Watch JD’s videos.
We are looking at buying a mic any recommendations?
Hi James! Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, I’m waiting to hear from JD too! 🙂
Hi James,
For interviews, I recommend the Sennheiser lav mic. for an ‘on camera mic’ The RØDE Stereo VideoMic. If you are on a budget, take a look at the Azden mics.
Great tips! Btw, any recommendations on video editing software? Thanks! 🙂
Kenny, make sure your video doesn’t turn out better than mine!! Grrrrr ! haha
iMovie (free) or Final Cut pro if you are on a MAC or For Windows: Sony Vegas or Adobe Premiere.
I’m interested in making a better video, so great tips. I’m not so much professional yet but I’ll remember these. Thanks!
Hi Juno! I agree JDs tips are practical and useful. Can’t wait to go mic and light shopping! haha
Thanks for the awesome tips! One of my goals for 2012 is to up my video skills 🙂
Me too Les.. me too!
People not using a tripod is my pet hate! Also when people get their interviewees to look down the camera and they stand directly behind the camera asking questions. I think that looks so weird. Only the video presenter should look down the camera!
For the microphone, if you’re going to be shooting mostly interviews you’d benefit from a lapel mic (like the ones TV presenters wear) as they’re tiny so perfect for travelling. They just don’t pick up ambient noise so well.
I’ve been making videos for you tube for a while now. Thanks for the prompt to think about what I’m doing. A tripod eh? A microphone you say… It might be time to revisit our gear. Thanks 🙂
I admit that I also don’t have so much skill in video shooting however by using iPhone now, notice that my skill getting improve.