17 Jun Video, it’s not just for Television anymore!
With everyone’s attention seemingly revolving around the internet these days, videos are seemingly everywhere. Social media outlets have grasped onto most every part of our lives; video playing a big part! Snapchat holds the viewers attention for mere seconds; YouTube holding us there longer; information and commercials tend to pop up when we least want them to, but they’re there none the less.
As a photographer, it is very easy to start producing moving pictures… video. Most of our “still” cameras are capable of the video feature. SOME of our knowledge we’ve acquired shooting still photos will transfer, but it really is a whole other world filled with new techniques and gear. Here are some tips:
For social media the biggest tip is KEEP IT SHORT and to the point. Get down to it, make it as great as you can, and remember it’s the message that is the star.
Motion is important. While video might seem inherently to have motion, move the camera in appealing ways to better give motion to your production.
Lighting is as big a part of video as it is of portraits. Practice with simple, inexpensive setups and grow from there.
If lighting is so big, always remember it’s the shadows that really matter. They add drama and depth!
The BIGGEST tip I hope everyone can take away is about the sound quality. A proper microphone, external from the one built into your camera, will be a huge boost to your footage. I’ve heard it said that you can have a poor image, but everyone remembers bad audio.
Cheers and enjoy!
~Ben Nikolai