Top Videography Tips

The popularity of video has grown enormously in recent years. Consider the fact that YouTube now has two billion monthly users and TikTok over one billion monthly users. People simply consume so much video content these days. There has never been so much demand for videography.

But videography covers a wide spectrum of the creative and the commercial from indie films to live events to social media ads, and more. It’s vital you have an understanding of the basic principles of videography along with some more advanced filming techniques to become a better content creator or filmmaker overall.

Take a look at our expert videography tips:

1. Plan and Prepare With the Utmost Care

First and foremost, planning helps you to clarify your vision for your video project and ultimately create a better quality video. On the logistics side, it’s necessary to ensure you have the right technical set-up, permissions, videography equipment, budget, collaborators, and similar in place for a successful shoot.

In the planning phase, it helps to start with a clearly defined goal. Say you’re filming a video in the commercial space, your goal might be to grab the attention of potential customers or teach existing customers how to use a product successfully. Each of these goals requires a different approach.

2. Lighting & Background: Keep It Simple Stupid

Beginner videographers are better sticking to the K.I.S.S principle. This way you’ll be able to create a clean, crisp video that looks professional. Only once you have the basics established, can you begin to experiment with more creative effects and produce exciting, unique videos.

The background of your shots should not distract from the subjects in focus. Think minimalistic, uncluttered spaces and simple colouring. 

Lighting is a little more complex but there are basic principles to adhere to. Use a key light as your brightest, main light source, highlighting the subject of your video plus a fill light to diffuse shadows.

3. Get Your Angles Right

Your choice of angles affects the tone and visual impact of a video project. Angles ultimately guide the perspective of a viewer. When choosing angles, keep your initial goals in mind to steer you. 

If you want to capture and keep the viewer’s attention, you should use multiple angles. You may wish to use angles to tell a story, for example, shooting a product or person from a low angle makes the subject appear more grandiose or powerful.

Just make sure you use angles in a consistent and logical way. This helps the viewer to easily follow, understand, and remain immersed in your video.

4. Framing, Focus, and Composition Are Key

Framing, focus, and composition are crucial visual elements that impact the quality of your video and the story it tells. Getting the right arrangement directs attention in the way you wish, affects the mood of a video, adds depth, and more.

Video display monitors allow you to work on these elements as you’re filming. On the display, you’ll clearly see the framing and be able to analyse scenes in precise detail. You can also use a monitor to study the composition and make sure all desired elements are in frame. The device further helps you to ensure the subject is in focus and to adjust the exposure levels for better quality imagery.

[H3] Recommended Video Monitors

Feelworld 

Feelworld video monitors are an excellent choice for those starting out in the videography industry as they offer high quality on a budget. You can use it to manage focus, colour, exposure, and framing with high precision.

SmallHD 

Video monitors from SmallHD are great for speeding up processes. They’re super intuitive allowing you to set up and customise your workflow using function buttons. So they’re a great choice for videographers with a busy workload.

Atomos

Atomos monitors have some of the most cutting-edge technology on the market with software that is consistently updated to add new tools. It’s a smart choice if you wish to purchase a monitor that will grow with you as you progress on your videography journey.

5.Stay Super Organised in the Edit Phase

Editing videos can be incredibly time-consuming. It’s easy to get distracted from your goal and go down rabbit holes trying to source the perfect clip or soundbite, for example. That’s why you need to stay organised to keep your project running smoothly and on-time.

Keep your files organised in folders with consistent names so it’s easy to locate footage. Use file naming conventions if you’re working with a production team or editors so that everybody can work with your raw footage.

Videography Equipment at Digitech

Videography consistently grows in popularity. We’ve been providing our customers with a vast range of video equipment for almost a decade as the equipment you use is vital to the overall quality of your video project. Take video monitors, for example, that help you achieve framing and composition perfection.

Find your videography essentials at DIGI TECH. Explore our catalogue of high-performance video equipment from the most respected brands or contact us on WhatsApp to learn more.