Want to start shooting videos without breaking the bank? Alfonso Calero has some useful tips to help you on your way.
Lately, I have been making videos using my DSLR, an EOS 5D Mark III. While I strive for the best results, I didn't want to spend thousands of dollars on new gear. In this article I look at a simple kit you can use to get started shooting and editing your first videos and a few tips to help you shoot better videos. And if you scroll down to the bottom of the page you'll see a couple of the videos that I've shot recently.
01 VIDEO HEAD MOUNT
A tripod is one tool you shouldn't be without when shooting videos. A tripod head like the one pictured below offers fluid control of shots. I usually screw off my photography head and replace it with a video head when I'm making videos.
Video head mount for tripods.
02 MICROPHONE
Separating the sound from the video offers higher sound quality. You need a mic for a hot-shoe mount or a mike recorder if you choose an "off hot-shoe" mount. But if you are looking to save a few dollars, having a mike directly attached with a pin to your camera is the cheaper option.
Handheld mic recorder.
Hot-shoe mounted mic.
03 LIGHTING
If you can't afford lights to use on location such as these battery operated LED lights, the next best option is a simple reflector to hold and bounce back natural light. Make sure when you have tungsten/incandescent lights you do a white or grey card reading to render the video properly for colour grading later.
LED lights.
04 EDITING SOFTWARE
I use Adobe Premier but any video editing software you have on your computer will be good to start with. There are usually three main components when editing a video which are best to separate and splice together: the video itself with or without sound; the sound separated from the video; and music to overlay between the video and sound.
Adobe Premier video editing software.
05 STORYBOARDING
I usually have a brief and a shot list when I'm shooting stills. For video, I produce a storyboard which is a kind of cartoon strip of all the shots I want and how I want them to flow together. If you don't plan a rough or clear schedule, the editing may lack certain elements to bring the story together.
06 SHOOTING AND EDITING SCHEDULE
Most of my videos are up to four minutes long but take about half a day to shoot and plan. The more you know about your location the easier it is to organise your subject and manage their time effectively. Sound and lighting can be a problem in some locations but the basic kit listed above should get you out of trouble in most situations.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Alfonso Calero moved to Australia at the age of 15. He graduated from the Sydney Institute of Technology with an Associate Diploma in Photography in 2001 and has been professionally photographing fine art, food, portraits, landscapes and travel subjects ever since. He is the owner of a travel education and tours company that delivers workshops every Saturday morning in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Fremantle. One on one or in small group sessions also available. He also takes groups to Japan, Philippines, Spain and Tasmania once a year for 5, 10 and 14-day photography workshops.