Does your video shoot call for exterior shots? Filming outdoors has many benefits to take advantage of, such as the location and lighting. However, filming outdoors requires certain elements to fulfill before filming your video. Reviewing the location, the time of day, and the types of camera equipment you may need are some factors into preparing for your outside shoot, so you will know if you need permits, an external power source, lens, or other equipment, for example. Don’t let the birds chirping, the cars driving past you, or the endless amount of rules and regulations you have to follow deter you from filming outside. In this clip from our video content course, view what gear and documents you need to secure a proper shoot outdoors.
How to Setup A Studio At Home To Shoot Videos
Are you creating videos consistently and need to use a studio on a budget? Decide which types of videos you plan to make so that you can set up the room in your house or office accordingly. After you’ve established the videos you’re making, use lighting, backgrounds, camera gear, electricity, ventilation, and soundproofing that is suitable for the video type and time of day you are shooting. Learn what you need to create an in-house studio to house all your production equipment and produce the videos you want in this clip from our video content course.
Best Lights For Video Content
Which type of lights is best for your video production? Tungsten, fluorescent, or LED lights? Choosing the lighting in your video production is a crucial task as it sets the tone and mood for the scene you’re shooting. Become acquainted with the lights available and how their use might benefit your needs. In this clip from our video content course, we break down the advantages and disadvantages of using tungsten, fluorescent, and LED lights.
Nike Stadium Lights Edit
Watch this impressive edit showcasing a massive lighting display at a stadium by Matt Ardine below.
3-Point Lighting
How does 3-point light work to elevate the lighting of your subject? 3-point lighting works as a guide to light up your subject and scene using three lights called the key light, fill light, and hair or backlight. Each light is positioned at an angle that compliments the mood and style you want to portray. In this clip from our video content course, we explain the functions of each light in the 3-light kit.
Filming Outside
Are you planning on shooting outdoors? Be prepared with what and how you want to shoot before you film anything outdoors as the location, time of day you plan to shoot, and legal documents all play a role in choosing the site. As shooting in exterior surroundings can be unpredictable, carry tools such as a windsock, ND filters, LED lights, and other essential camera sound and lighting equipment with you. In this clip from our video content course, we go over tips and advice to make filming outdoors a breeze.
Understanding Lighting
How is the lighting on your videos? Do you need more information on which type of lighting is efficient for your production? Understand which lighting is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and flexible for your video creation needs. In this clip from our video content course, we dive deep into the uses of these types of lighting: Tungsten, HMI, Fluorescent, and our recommended LED lights.
Elevate Your Videos Professionally Following This Beginner Guide
How do you make your videos stand out? Are you new to creating videos and are thinking about retreating to when you never had videos in your content strategy? Don’t give up hope yet! Our guide goes through all the components necessary to make professional videos without needing professional equipment.
No need to purchase a new camera! Use your cellphone or borrow/rent a camera as you get used to creating videos. Before you pick up a camera and start recording, know that the content in your video matters more than the video itself. Plan out your script and include your target audience’s persona in your plan and how you want to edit the video. What do you want to convey to your audience? Have these in mind before hitting record.
Now that you know the target of your video, it’s time to pick your video's location: indoors or outdoors. If you choose to film indoors, you have the option to film behind a real background, such as an office space or behind a solid background, like a green screen. If you choose to film outdoors, film in an area that does not have a lot of noise. Either way, film in lighting that is natural, soft, and not harsh on you or your subject. Choose the background that is consistent and suits your type of video best.
It may take you more time in post-production to edit out what you don’t want in the video. To save you time, film in short segments. Make a note in your planning stage of these segments, that way you’ll know when to start and stop your video. While you’re experimenting with video cuts, experiment with how you film; which can ease the transition to the next segment and change the emotion! Now you’re ready to upload your professional video to various social media sites and your website following the specific video specifications! For more tips on how to create professional videos, click the link below!
Credit: Written by Peri Elmokadem 8 Beginner Tips for Making Professional-Looking Videos
Free Webinar - How To Shoot Awesome Videos With Your Phone
You have the ability to make better videos on your phone than most amateur videographers with cameras.
I'm hosting a free webinar this Saturday, May 23rd at 11 AM PST on How to Shoot Awesome Videos With Your Phone. Made for beginners and people who don't have a camera, I'll teach you basic video fundamentals (framing, lighting, sound) and ways to optimize your phone so you can get the best footage and sound possible.
Sign up at the link below. Thanks and see you there!
How To Delegate Roles To Create Better Quality Videos
Video creators of today can accomplish more than massive film crews of yesterday.
The videographer or “one man band” can do more than most film crews could do 10+ years ago. Lighting, sound, producing, directing, editing, and camera operating - it’s just part of the package these days. Technology has made it easier for people to create awesome videos without having to hire a massive crew. From cameras to editing software, one person can create a beautiful video from beginning to end.
It shouldn't always be like this because delegating certain tasks and roles is the best way to enhance quality, productivity, and mental health - trust me, doing everything by yourself is exhausting.
Videos don’t have to be expensive and most videographers can handle it on their own, making it easier for some companies to work with. Just because there’s a small crew, it doesn’t mean the quality is worse than a bigger one - it’s all in the people.
Basic Lighting Equipment in 2019
Imagine that you have your equipment set up, your subject and crew are ready for shooting, but a shadow casts on your subject. You constantly try to fix the lighting but nothing seems to work out. Getting the right lighting shouldn’t cause you any stress. Let your videos shine with our basic lighting options!
Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of film. Getting just the right lighting for your production is imperative, as too much or too little of it makes it nearly unwatchable. Looking at all the options can be overwhelming, and we’re here to help you make your production perfectly lit.
Types of lights:
Before you buy equipment, first consider the types of lights on the market. Incandescent lights are generally the least expensive and provide the most focused light, but also suffer from a short life span due to releasing large amounts of heat. Fluorescent lights last longer, but are also more expensive and give off softer light. LEDs give off more directional light, and also have a longer life span, but give off a softer light, and become less effective over time. Tungsten lights are industry standard and bright, but get hot over time and have short lifespans. Lastly, HMI lights have long lifespans and are more compact, but also are more expensive and have longer warm up times.
Softboxes VS Umbrellas:
2 of the main types of lights used in video productions are softbox and umbrella lights. Softboxes provide more controlled lights that also reduces shadows, but is generally more expensive. Umbrellas are generally less expensive, and lights a wider area, but this also means there is little to no control over the light.
Other Options:
Camera Mounted: Mounted lights are pretty self-explanatory: it's a light mounted to the top of your camera. While this does have limited options as the light source is always coming from the camera, it’s great for beginners and POV shots.
Barn Doors: Barn doors are the things you often see on theatre lights. Resembling, well, barn doors, these give the ability to shape light, giving much more options to filmmakers.
Stands/Mounts: These are pretty simple in that they give more options when it comes to lighting. You can get high and low angles, making your lights much more versatile.
Key Lighting Equipment to Invest in Your Business
Are you producing videos and taking photos with inconsistent lighting? Having a good source of light is crucial to producing a video for your business. Investing in valuable lighting equipment will help aspiring creators and business owners create the content they desire. The types of lighting equipment discussed in this article will lead you to the kit you need based on how you intend to use the lighting for your videos and photography. The article also mentions the activities and main uses each lightning kit has which can help you make your buying decision easier.
Credit: Written by Pixelz Lighting Equipment 101: Why to Invest and What to Buy