Nigel Camp has spoken at many BritMum Live editions and helped numerous people on their video blogging journey. After the huge success of BritMums Live 2015 Nigel has written a great post offering his top tips and lots more resources on a clickable link below to suggested equipment and pdf guides. Find Nigel on The Video Effect and Devil Boy Productions.
Producing video is something every blogger or business can do provided enough time and resources are allocated. Gone is the expensive and cumbersome equipment of the past. Now, readily available equipment at affordable prices is allowing for higher quality video to be produced at a lower price point. However, a note of caution is needed here: bloggers and companies risk wasting time and money if they use the wrong equipment. Poor sound and lighting equipment used to produce a video can ruin a project. The problem with a poorly produced video is that it’s less likely to be viewed in its entirety. For example, if you can’t hear the speaker behind the camera you are more likely to look at another video. As a starting point you will need a relatively new smartphone or camcorder/DSLR to record great footage. Afterwards, adequate sound and lighting should be next in line for things to consider.
Sound
The sound quality on some camera models is impaired by their standard built-in microphone. If you plan on shooting outdoors as well as interviews, you may wish to double-check whether your camera can support an external microphone. Cameras that support external microphones can be fitted with a ‘lavalier’ microphone or lapel microphone, which are great for interviews. A lavalier microphone is a small microphone that can be anchored on an individual’s shirt, thereby improving the sound quality.
Adequate lighting
Shooting in well-lit conditions may seem obvious, but there are many examples of videos where the subject is not clearly visible due to inadequate lighting. If you are shooting indoors, using an appropriate light source will make a world of difference. I would recommend that you invest in a camera lighting package, especially if you plan on shooting indoors frequently. Portable lighting will also allow for footage to be recorded in the evening hours which is a huge plus.
Two point lighting demo using Rotolight RL48s from Nigel Camp on Vimeo.
This quick demo demonstrates the power of a key and fill light in a two point lighting set-up. What makes it more impressive is how lighting can illuminate a subject in complete darkness.
Essential equipment
Video is a wonderful way to capture a story, share tips, show off food recipes, etc. With practice you will be surprised what can be accomplished. If you have decided to shoot your own video, it can often be confusing in not knowing what equipment to purchase. The following page has been put together especially for BritMums with links to equipment and pdf guides.
Happy video making!
Nigel Camp is founder of DevilBoy Productions, which specialises in producing videos with animation for businesses who want a big company experience on an affordable budget. He is about to release his book entitled The Video Effect, which explains how to create quality content with professional advice on production techniques, equipment, storyboarding and content sharing. His blog www.thevideoeffect.tv contains cool video tips. When he’s not working you can find him relaxing on a beach on getting ready for his next snowboard trip. Follow Nigel on Twitter at@nigelcamp.
About
BritMums is the UK’s original collective of lifestyle bloggers and digital influencers, fueling the country’s most influential social content. We lead the online conversation with members who are parent social influencers creating content on topics ranging from food, parenting, travel, politics, style and more.
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill
Saturday 11th of July 2015
Agree you need decent equipment to shoot fantastic video and I am gradually building up my supplies of things like tripods, lighting etc as I can afford it! However I have also recently done a post showing how to shoot quick video with your phone too so don't let the lack of funds put you off from creating video! http://jugglemum.co.uk/how-to-shoot-quick-easy-video-with-a-phone/ Have a read here for some pointers...
Nigel Camp
Thursday 16th of July 2015
Hi Nadine, I really enjoyed your article. Producing a video can seem intimidating at first, but newer technology is paving the way to create really exciting content. To think everyone has a phone in their pocket they can film with. If only I had videos of when I was a child, those would be priceless.