How I film and edit my videos
Five years ago, I decided to make the leap to start my YouTube channel, in the hopes that someone would hear my perspective. Though I was hesitant to create a channel and get in front of a camera, filming and editing video has become one of my favorite things to do.
Whether you're sharing a story or documenting a time in your life, video is one of the few ways we can travel back in time and look back at all that has happened. As requested, this is the second video where I share how I create content - if you’re interested in photography, check this post on how I take and edit my minimalist photos.
Click to watch the video above and find a summary below with links and details. Thank you to Grammarly for also sponsoring this video - you can find more information and a discount link at the bottom of this post.
How I film my videos
From brainstorming ideas for content to how I plan my shots, it takes some legwork to create a quality video. Find tips on my video process below if you’re new to video creation.
Planning your video
It starts with an idea
What type of videos are you looking to make - do you simply want to document life, or are you looking to share information with others on the internet?
Keep any and every idea on a list so you can always revisit ideas when you’d like to create something new
Create a voiceover
Some videos may require a voiceover if you want to overlay your voice on video clips
Structure your video like an essay, story, or blog post - write out what you’d like to convey before recording
You don’t need much to record - I use the voice recorder app from my iPhone and record it on my comforter to keep the sound clear
Develop a filming plan
Unless you’re filming what happens on a trip or a day in the life, it’s best to create a list of specific video shots I'd like to get to illustrate your ideas
If you aren't sure how you want to film videos, continue to seek inspiration - the way you move in front of a camera, how you shoot objects or frame a setting can alter the overall mood
Filming video
Camera equipment
Any DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even cell phone will work - I currently use a Canon 5D Mark II with the 24-105mm lens
Other great camera options that I’ve heard great things about - Sony A7 models, Canon 5D Mark IV, and Canon EOS R - consider renting or borrowing to try cameras out, and buying used for a good deal
A tripod will help with keeping a steady position as you take videos - here is a newer model of the tripod I currently use
Lighting and composition
Shoot your video similarly to taking a picture - I love to do so in natural light, with negative space or minimal settings to create a calming mood
For more composition and lighting tips, check out my photo post here
How I edit my videos
Below are some details regarding software and what I typically look for when post-processing my videos.
Software
I currently use Final Cut Pro to edit my photos on an older MacBook Pro - you can also use iMovie which comes free on any Apple computer
There are quite a few additional software options, but some recommendations are Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve (used by professionals)
If creating videos for YouTube, you can use their royalty-free music library - for a more extensive range of music, I use Artlist
Editing
Bring in all your files - video clips, music, voiceover, etc. - and drag and drop them into your video software to start editing
For color correction, compare your video clip with another picture or video that is graded in a style that you like - I personally don’t too much from the raw video files besides bumping up midtones and highlights for exposure and making the overall color temperature warmer
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