Wondering how you can get started in videography? Thanks to new innovations in technology, anyone can start filming without the need for expensive equipment, however this doesn’t mean you can just start filming as you will need some proper equipment to get started and an understanding of the basics.
This article offers some of the best tips for beginners including a good camera to get, general videography advice, and what types of videography you can do. Note: this article has a multitude of valuable insight to share for beginners however this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of everything you could do but it does provide some great starting points.
For Equipment:
– Invest in good camera gear: you can get a basic video kit for around $250-$450, this is not too much and will help you start making videos. A Canon Rebel T4i is a great entry level DSLR that comes with everything you need, or you can get an entry level dSLR for under $300 on Amazon like the Canon SX40HS.
– Invest in a Drone: if you have the money, get a drone. For photography they can be a little pricey but for videography they offer a lot. Drones get you unique angles, and allow you to create some amazing videos. The key with drones is to not break them or crash them into things whilst trying to learn how to fly it.
– Get some lights: This helps you create certain areas for your video. These can be some simple household lighting or professional lighting which is great but be careful as these are not cheap at all so consider carefully before investing in them
– Get a solid tripod: get a good tripod with extendable legs that can stand on anything. This will be your main filming tool.
– Add audio: You can record audio directly onto your computer for free, however you will need a decent mic to get started.
—– What Skills Should You Work On?
“If you dive into this world (of videography), I’d say the number one thing is just start making videos.”
It’s important for anyone thinking about becoming a videographer to keep in mind that this is not as easy as it may sound. You will have to learn many skills and skills you’ll need to master in order to become a pro, but you’ll learn quick from practice, especially if you enjoy the growing process!
Here are some tips about how to become a pro videographer:
– Understand lighting : with videography, there are no natural light sources. So you need to understand lighting and use different types of lights to help you.
– Shoot still scenes: This will help you build your videos and gain experience.
– Practice: practice makes perfect so find chances to film or get footage for videos without it costing anything and keep doing it.
– Edit videos: edit your footage after every shot take so you can make the best piece of work possible and present yourself better.
– Get your hands right: If you want to become a decent videographer, make sure your hands are steady, they should be able to shake slightly without moving the camera. You don’t need an expensive camera rig for shaky hands…your shaky hands will just make it all that more obvious.
—– FOR SUCCESSFUL VIDEO SHOOTS:
– Keep your laptop charged: anytime you are filming try and keep it fully charged so you are never caught without having a battery to record with.
– Check the weather: This is important for videography as people like to get sunlight so consider this when filming.
– Always film more footage than you think you’ll need. With videography, it’s better to have too much footage than too little and if you run out of space, you can get more storage or professional film!
– Mind your lighting! Lighting is crucial: good lighting is your best friend in videography and can add an artistic flair to your work if done correctly. Use lights on the subject or behind the subject if there is no natural light in the room, you can hold them or put them on stands if necessary. You will be surprised how much better your video looks with just a few lamps than without any.
– Keep it simple : it’s important to know what type of shots you can get and what types of shots suit your videos.
– Get some extra batteries: as mentioned above, make sure your camera is always fully charged, so it’s best to keep spare batteries around.
– Remember to record audio : adding audio isn’t too hard but can really help or ruin your videos depending on what you choose to have happen. Make sure you’re confident in what your end result will be before putting down this extra step.
—– Video Editing Basics: What Are Some Of The Most Important Considerations?
– Always stay in focus: This is the most important thing to remember while editing. If you are not in focus, your footage will look bad and can cost you a lot of time.
– Familiarise yourself with the software: Some software are better than others for editing video, so familiarize yourself with all of the best tools available and use them accordingly. –
– Use transitions between scenes: Transitions are an important part of editing. This is where you go from one scene to another. Make sure you use transitions appropriately so you don’t confuse your audience.
– Divide the video into smaller chunks: It can be overwhelming to edit a whole video in one sitting, so divide it into smaller chunks that are easier to handle and easier to complete.
– Remove any unwanted shadows: Shadows can affect an entire video or just a section of it, but every time they appear, they ruin the quality of it. It is usually easy for editors to remove them.
Remember, it’s always good to think about how you want to edit your video while you’re shooting. Being a few steps ahead will ensure that you get all the footage you need for the final product.
—– Major avenues for video careers:
Once you’ve become familiar with the equipment and video production process, one of the next big decisions you will make is where to start your career. There are a huge number of options available to you, so it’s good to be well informed before going down any specific road.
1. Freelance or Contract Work: These are a great way to get your foot in the door and begin making connections within the field. You will likely be offered lower pay but can usually negotiate better arrangements later.
2. College: If you attend college and can network with people who work in the industry, there are lots of opportunities for internships and jobs developing skills while still receiving school credit. Some colleges have video production programs that will give you an education in this field.
3. Film Camp: This is a great way for those who are interested in producing quality videos and film to get their foot in the door. You will work with other students on projects and learn about production techniques as well as the business side of filmmaking.
4. Internships: These are usually unpaid but offer invaluable experience, job training, and connections in the industry for those who get hired after the internship is over. Many internships also give you the opportunity to shoot your own videos on set or work with local filmmakers to produce your own independent project while going through school.
5. Television: This is obviously a very big road to be traveling down. Ask those you know about their experiences with television shows and which networks they work for. If possible, you can also check out the credits of the people filmmaking on your favorite shows to see if there are any opportunities at “behind the scenes” or special effects jobs.
6. Commercials: This is a great way to get started in the video production field, but it’s also quite competitive as there is a huge demand for these jobs.
7. Vlogging or creating your own YouTube or Instagram monetized channels. A couple years ago, if you wanted to become a filmmaker, the first step was to make your own “movie” from home. Now, your first step can simply be getting a small camera and posting whatever you want online. You can do this on YouTube or Facebook or any other social media outlet that allows you to create video content.
8. Live Streaming: Live streaming is growing in popularity every single day and many of these jobs are going to go unfilled because those looking for them don’t even know they exist yet!
In conclusion, you don’t have to be a film school grad to create high-quality video content. Sure, having the right training can certainly help you, but it’s not the only way to go.
There are so many different paths that you can take to create video content now that it’s accessible to nearly everyone. Thanks to the internet and technology, there is finally a place where just about anyone with a computer or smartphone can find an audience. With some starter equipment and some practice , you can start to create amazing videos from home and build a career from your personal passion, no matter where you call home.
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