June 24, 2019 Dreamcraft

4 Tips to Help You Make Your Videography Look More Professional

Creating a professional and polished-looking video doesn’t mean having to break the bank. What needs refinement isn’t your expensive set of tools, but your technique and skill. That means that if you want to produce videos that are engaging and visually impressive, the only fortune you’ll be dropping is the time you need to invest on to practice your craft. Whether you’re setting up for a high-end production or shooting a simple vlog for your viewers, standing behind the lens may be easier than you think with these tips and key details in mind. Hit it with your best shot!
Plan Your Shoot: Visualize it with a Storyboard
Whether you’re shooting a music video, commercial, or short film, pre-production is the core of every visually stimulating video. Filming on the spot can be frustrating for the team, so plan everything to avoid having to wing it. For instance, a storyboard acts as the backbone to many professional videographers as it helps them visualize the sequences and their desired outcome. Doing so also helps them see what can be improved, as well as determine the ideal time of day to shoot, the best venue to match, and which camera best fits the style.
What if it’s an SDE (Same Day Edit) video for events?
Covering events may require a different approach, considering that such projects are mostly same-day-edit jobs. In such cases, having a desired outline or shot list should give you a good idea about how and when to capture moments that matter to the groom and bride, from the ceremony up to the end of the reception program.
Work on Your Composition
There’s a clear distinction between a professionally-made video and that of an amateur, and the dead giveaway is its unparalleled skill in proper framing and composition. These elements are an essential aspect of videography as it reflects the mood and the general direction of your video. In that regard, understanding the Rule of Thirds is rudimentary when it comes to learning compositions. Placing an imaginary 3-by-3 grid on the image you see is the best way to know where to arrange your subject. For instance, the points where the lines intersect are strong areas of focus, which can result in more powerful imagery. As beneficial as it may be, following the Rule of Thirds isn’t a requirement. To that end, you must first understand how it works to get a better instinct for when to stick with the rule and when to break it.
Observe Proper Camera Placement
Knowing where to stand and shoot allows you to play around with your depth of field, which is another essential element you need to consider. Each distance, along with your use of your camera’s lens, results in different styles for your photos. Placing your camera on a high angle, for instance, allows you to capture further into the background. Eye-level positions capture what you can see, while low-angled shots result in impactful images. On the other hand, when doing close-ups, place your camera a couple of feet away and optically zoom using your lens. This removes facial distortions as well as makes your subject pop against a blurred background.
Time Your Shots
Here’s a tip on the secret to shooting dynamic videos: perfect timing. In keeping your audiences’ attention, keep the shots longer than 5 seconds but not over 10 seconds. Also, maintaining a steady shot for at least 10 seconds is an excellent way to balance your video. Similar to point #2, you need to get a right instinct on what makes an effective shot – be it stabilized, panned out, zoomed in, or even shaky. The timing of cuts matters the most in post-production, as this gives the editor some feel on what kind of pacing your video should have.
If you’re looking for a professional videographer in Melbourne, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!

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