Start Making Great Videos

Whether you’re a novice trying to learn the basics or an experienced videographer looking for new techniques, making a better video can be challenging. It requires a lot of practice and knowledge of different technical aspects, along with being willing to try new things and look at things differently. But don’t worry, with the right guidance, anyone can learn the tips and tricks necessary to make great videos.

Start with What You Know When Making Videos

When I was learning how to make great drone videos, I knew what I wanted my final product to look like, but didn’t know how to get there. So I started by familiarizing myself with different things that make great looking videos.  That gave me new things to learn about like frame rates, shutter speeds, apertures and other technical aspects that could help me achieve the look I wanted. This was so helpful in getting me started on my video-making journey. The journey seems daunting, but just learn one new thing at a time. Try not to over complicated it.

Tap into Your Video Network

I leaned heavily on Amy’s vast knowledge as a photographer when starting out with my first camera. Her advice proved invaluable in helping me understand basics of lighting, composition and white balance. The most important thing to remember is to ask questions. There are now so many resources. YouTube is great place to learn! Whenever you don’t understand something or need help troubleshooting an issue, look it up. more than likely there is a YouTube video that will save you hours of time!

Receive Feedback on Your Videos

Getting feedback on you work is really helpful, if you want to progress faster. Find someone who you look up to in the video world and ask them to give you some feedback on some of your videos. Sometimes hearing something negative about a video that you spent a lot of time and effort on can be disheartening. If you can use that information to better yourself, instead of taking it to heart in a negative way, you will progress so much faster! As a side note, I don’t take advice from people who’s work I don’t like.

Learn Videography by Doing (and Watching)

Practice is key when it comes to video creation – so just keep shooting! Try different angles, lighting setups, and settings until you find something that works for your particular project. Additionally, watch videos from other experts in this field whose work inspires you. Analyze their technique and try out at least one thing from their style in your own project – whether it’s their color grading or framing technique – so that you continually challenge yourself to become better at what you do. I love doing this. I’ll find one or two new things to add into a video; Maybe it’s a filming technique, or some new editing idea. It’s amazing how the little things really elevate the production value of your project.

With dedication and practice, you can make better and better videos. Take time to not only educate yourself on all aspects of video production, but also experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for your projects. Learning by doing is key – so take time each day to create something new! And don’t forget to always be asking questions! With these tips in mind, go forth and make great videos!