The advent of digital technology has made video recording easier than ever before. As a beginner with limited resources, you may be wondering what you can do to make engaging videos without breaking the bank. But have no fear, because with some ingenuity and these five fundamental pointers, you can launch your videography journey without emptying your bank account.
- Work with what you have.
Don’t stress out about having top-of-the-line gear right off the bat. Instead, work with what you have. A smartphone, a cheap camera, or even an old camcorder may have more functionality than you realize. Find out how to use them to their full potential and work on honing your abilities.
Prepare Your Attacks
It’s important to plan your shots regardless of the gear you have. The best way to visualize your video and make sure you get everything you need is to make a storyboard or at least a simple shot list. Think about your shot’s composition, lighting, framing, and stability. Preparation is the key to making professional-looking videos.
Learn the fundamentals of composition
Composing well is essential, and you don’t need fancy equipment to get started. Study the depth triangle, leading lines, and the rule of thirds. You can use these guidelines to frame your shots better and tell a more engaging story. The great thing about learning composition is that it won’t break the bank.
Take Advantage of Sunlight
Lighting is crucial, and in outdoor settings, natural light can be your ally. Master the art of utilizing the slants and directions of the sun. Try shooting at different times of day and observing the difference in light quality. You don’t need any special lighting to make stunning videos.
- Use Freeware to Make Skillful Edits
While there is no free substitute for professional video editing software, there are free programs that can meet the needs of novices. DaVinci Resolve and HitFilm Express are two programs that provide powerful functionality without the correspondingly high price tag. Master the use of these programs to edit video, enhance sound, and implement simple transitions. As your editing skills improve, you can progress to more complex methods.
Extra Advice: Always Strive to Get Better
The goal is not as important as the process when it comes to videography. Always seek out new information and jump at the chance to expand your knowledge and abilities. Search for videomaking resources like how-to guides, free events, and groups of like-minded individuals online. You’ll see that even with few resources, your enthusiasm and ingenuity will get you far.
Beginning your career as a videographer does not require top-of-the-line equipment and can be just as exciting and rewarding. Make the most of what you have, learn the fundamentals of composition, shoot in natural light, and edit with open-source programs. As you learn and grow, you’ll see that you don’t need to let a lack of funds dampen your imagination. Your time as a videographer has just begun, so relax and have fun with it!