Photography and videography are two sides of the same creative coin, each offering unique ways to capture and tell stories. With the influences of social media and digital content, video has become an incredibly popular medium, offering a dynamic and immersive way to engage audiences. If you’re a photographer looking to expand your skills into videography, this blog will help you steer the transition smoothly.
The process
Videography, like photography, involves a multi-stage process that ensures your final product is polished and engaging.
Pre-production
This is the planning phase where you outline your video concept, script, storyboard, and shot list. Good pre-production sets the foundation for a smooth production process.
Production
This is the execution phase where you capture your footage. Attention to detail during this phase can save you a lot of time in post-production.
Post-production
This phase involves editing your footage, adding effects, colour grading, and sound design. A well-planned and executed pre-production and production phase makes post-production much easier and more efficient.
A storyboard visually represents each scene of your video project. It’s like a comic strip, outlining key moments to guide the filming process. They provide a clear guide during production, ensuring that every important shot is captured and that the final video tells a cohesive story.
Here’s a basic example of a storyboard for a short promotional video:
Summer adventure promo
- Scene 1: Opening shot
Visual: A wide shot of a beach at sunrise.
Action: Waves gently crashing on the shore.
Dialogue/audio: Soft music begins, with a voiceover saying, “Discover your next summer adventure.”
- Scene 2: Transition to hiking
Visual: Medium shot of hikers walking through a forest.
Action: Hikers moving along a trail.
Dialogue/audio: Voiceover continues, “From sunlit shores to mountain trails…”
- Scene 3: Close-up of camera gear
Visual: Close-up of a camera capturing a scenic view.
Action: Camera operator adjusting settings.
Dialogue/audio: “Capture every moment with precision.”
- Scene 4: Final scene
Visual: A group of friends gathered around a campfire at sunset.
Action: Laughter and toasting marshmallows.
Dialogue/audio: “Create memories that last a lifetime.”
A shot list is a detailed breakdown of every shot you need to capture for your video.
Here’s a shot list for the same “Summer adventure promo” video:
- Shot 1
Scene: 1
Shot type: Wide
Description: Beach at sunrise with waves crashing.
Notes: Capture golden hour lighting.
- Shot 2
Scene: 2
Shot type: Medium
Description: Hikers walking through a forest.
Notes: Use a gimbal for smooth motion.
- Shot 3
Scene: 3
Shot type: Close-up
Description: Close-up of camera gear in use.
Notes: Focus on the camera’s screen displaying a scenic view.
- Shot 4
Scene: 4
Shot type: Wide
Description: Friends gathered around a campfire.
Notes: Capture the warm, ambient lighting.
The importance of audio
Unlike photography, videography heavily relies on audio. Good sound quality can elevate your video, making it more professional and engaging. Consider investing in quality microphones and learning the basics of sound design and music incorporation.
Here are a few examples of microphones commonly used in the production process:
Technical differences and considerations
Framing and composition
Just like in photography, framing and composition are crucial in videography. However, video adds an extra dimension with movement and continuity.
- Wide (establishing shot)
Sets the scene and provides context.
- Mid (action shot)
Shows what is happening.
- Close (detail shot)
Captures details and emotions.
Changing angles and using various shot types can avoid jump cuts and keep your video visually engaging. Techniques such as the Rule of Thirds and leading lines still apply but don’t be afraid to break the rules for creative effect.
Camera movement techniques
Movement adds a dynamic element to your videos.
- Pan
Moving the camera horizontally from one side to another.
- Tilt
Moving the camera vertically up or down.
- Dolly
Moving the camera forward or backwards.
- Handheld
Adds a natural, documentary feel but can be shaky without stabilisation.
When shooting handheld, it’s often better to shoot static and add movement in post-production to maintain smoothness and control.
If you’d want to rather opt for not shooting handheld, there is a wide range of different equipment available to use, that can elevate your videography work, enabling you to produce content that stands out with its polished and cinematic quality.
- A video head is a type of tripod head specifically designed for smooth camera movements during video recording. Unlike a standard photography tripod head, a video head allows for fluid panning and tilting, which is essential for capturing professional-looking video footage.
- A slider is a piece of equipment that allows the camera to move horizontally along a rail. It’s typically used to create smooth tracking shots, adding a cinematic feel to the video.
- A jib is a boom device with a camera on one end, and a counterweight on the other. It allows for sweeping, crane-like movements, enabling the camera to move vertically, horizontally, or diagonally over a scene.
Exposure
Dynamic range is crucial in video. Shooting in Log is like shooting in RAW for photography, giving you more flexibility in post-production. If you’re starting out, using a picture profile can simplify the process.
White balance and colour temperature
Consistent white balance ensures your video looks natural and professional. Be mindful of changing lighting conditions.
Frame rate
This affects the look and feel of your video. A higher frame rate (e.g., 60fps) gives a more realistic, smooth look, while a lower frame rate (e.g., 24fps) offers a cinematic, dreamy quality.
Lenses and focal lengths
Different lenses can drastically change the look and feel of your video.
- Wide-angle lenses
Great for dramatic scenes and showing movement.
- Standard lenses
Depict scenes as the human eye would see them.
- Prime lenses
Typically offer better image quality and larger apertures.
- Zoom lenses
Provide flexibility in framing without changing your position.
Our favourite focal lengths for video are 35mm and 70-200mm, offering a balance between wide-angle and telephoto capabilities.
Editing and post-production
Editing is where your video comes to life. Software like DaVinci Resolve offers powerful tools for colour grading, transitions, and effects. Ensure your video has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and pay attention to continuity to make sure the story flows logically.
- A-roll (main coverage)
Primary footage that tells the story.
- B-roll (supplemental footage)
Adds context and detail to the A-roll.
Expanding your skill set to include videography can open new creative and professional opportunities. Video is an emotive medium that can engage audiences on multiple levels, making it a valuable addition to your repertoire. Whether you’re creating content for social media, marketing, or personal projects, mastering video can enhance your storytelling abilities and offer new ways to connect with your audience.
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