Have you already decided on the theme for your videos? Want to shoot vlogs and podcasts but don’t know where to start? Then this article is exactly what you need!
Choose your equipment
- Camera: Start with what you have — a smartphone with a good camera or a photo camera that supports video. It’s better to take action than do nothing, so if you don’t have a camera yet, begin filming on your phone. Later, invest in a camera with quality optics because the real magic of great footage lies in the lens. Phones still can’t cheat the laws of physics…
- Stabilization & Mounting: A tripod or stabilizer is essential to avoid the “where do I put the camera?” dilemma. I recommend a flexible tripod that you can attach almost anywhere.
- Lighting: Natural light, ring lights, softboxes. Ideally, professional video lighting with a softbox works best, but at first, you can get by with a lamp and a budget light modifier. Personally, I don’t recommend natural light — you have to adapt to it, wait for the right time and weather, which isn’t ideal for creating consistent, quality content. A ring light is better than window light, but its shadows are harsh and don’t suit every face, plus you’re stuck with one lighting setup.
- Microphone: Good audio is crucial, especially for podcasts. Buy an external microphone.
So, you’ve got all the gear — but how do you shoot something beautiful?
- Learn exposure: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and light power. To create great content, you need to know how to adjust your camera for the best results.
- Understand composition: start with simple techniques like central framing or the rule of thirds.
- Study basic shot types (wide, medium, close-up) and how to combine them effectively during editing.
Plan the structure of your video: introduction, main part, and conclusion. You can try memorizing the text or use brief notes to glance at occasionally, but don’t read while avoiding eye contact — visual connection with the viewer is crucial. If memorizing is too difficult, consider using a teleprompter to read while looking directly at the camera.
Create a storyboard if your vlog involves multiple locations — this will help you shoot material that’s easier to edit later.
Start filming
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and don’t chase perfection — with practice, your videos will keep getting better and better.
Video editing
Use simple and user-friendly apps like CapCut — it’s available for both phone and computer.
Learn and grow
Watch tutorials and take courses to grow as a professional. Practice regularly — consistency is key to improvement. Analyze the work of professionals and get inspired by them.
Upload your videos to all platforms instead of focusing on just one. Some platforms may get blocked or lose popularity, so spreading your content ensures you don’t lose your audience.
When you make a long video, cut it into short clips with engaging moments. YouTube, you can link these short clips to the full video to boost views.
Still have questions?
Book my online consultation for $50, and I’ll show you how to create the best visuals tailored specifically for you. Click the “Order” button and choose a convenient way to contact me.
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