I have never considered vlogging before (video blogging). Well no, let's be accurate, I've considered it and immediately dismissed the thought. Me on video *shudder* not likely. But then the world is changing. It's all very visual and I'm receiving more and more requests to do video and join in with Google Hangouts.
So I took my notepad and pen and trotted off to the Mechanics of Vlogging lab which was being hosted by Greg Brand from @travizeo. I don't seem to have taken my camera however as I don't have a single shot to share with you.
The Mechanics of Vlogging
Vlogging is:
45% planning
10% shooting
45% editing
The first thing Greg installed in us was the need to organise. He said this was the most important thing. We needed to plan thoroughly and organise thoroughly. He suggested we should keep one folder for each project and in it store the footage, music, clips and even any emails relating to it.
Lighting
Lighting is so important and Greg told us we should have a three point lighting system.
- A key light (main light), this could be sunlight
- The other side should be in half the light, half the intensity
- Back lighting can be good too.
Just Start
Too many people thing about it for too long and put it off (are you looking at me?) Greg says just to get started. Show it to family and friends. Make mistakes and learn from them. Why not start with a phone (although if you are remember to shot in landscape).
Greg's Tips
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| Photo: Food Blogger Connect |
- Don't buy cheap equipment!
- A tripod is really important. You don't want to do anything the human eye doesn't do and the human eye doesn't shake!
- Shot in the morning light, it's the best light you can get.
- Buy a good tripod.
- Look at other people's videos. Go frame by frame and see how long they are.
- Have cutaways, so you can add a clip.
- Make sure you show the final dish in the intro so people know what you are going to make. Lots of people forget to do this.
- Think about how to make your video dynamic.
- Don't just talk show ow to do something.
- Have double the ingredients, so at the end you can film taking things out of the fridge or chopping things, you can cut these little shots in and make the video more interesting.
- If you are filming over more than one day, remember continuity. Mack sure you are wearing the same clothes, everything is in the same place etc.
- Have a smooth slide shot, by placing the camera on a scrunched up jacket and pull it along the surface.
Be passionate!
Don't fake it!
If you don't like something, say so!
Sound
Sound is 50% of the production. Get a mic if you can. The mic on a camera isn't great and you need to be near someone to hear them properly. If you are using the camera mic, switch it to manual. Auto will just pick up too much background sound.
You Tube is the World's second largest search engine.
- Great for SEO
- Make sure you add: a description; a title; tags
- Have regular content
- Air at a regular time
Cut!
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Veggie Recipe of the Day
Veggie Recipe of the Day
Barbecue Black-Eyed Pea Burgers
from Fat Free Vegan
from Fat Free Vegan
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| photo: Cakeyboi |
Check out these other posts from Food Blogger Connect:
- Food Blogger Connect #FBC14 - Tinned Tomatoes
- What's your Brand - Food Blogger Connect #FBC14 - Tinned Tomatoes
- Highlights from Food Blogger Connect Conference - The Travel Hack
- Food Blogger Connect 2014 - The Petit Kitchen
Thanks to Manjiri from A Slice of Me for the short video clip.
I've so often thought about it but just have never got round to doing it. I honestly think it's a younger mans game and that my current audience is not so interested. You see lots of beauty bloggers doing it but they're like 12 years old but really not that many food bloggers which is wierd as food is such a video friendly medium. Another great post. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI think like you say people just don't get around to it or and nervous of it. You should give it a go DOm, I think your readers would enjoy videos. As Greg says just start!
DeleteReally helpful information - I've often wondered about vlogging and this has confirmed that I do indeed need to be really organised. But it's food for thought (haha) and there are some great tips.
ReplyDeletehttp://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/
I'm glad you found it useful. I like to share information after conferences, but sometimes wonder if it's what people want.
DeleteHaha I feel the same as you about vlogging - 'me on camera?!' It is something I've thought about a few times but it seems like an awful lot of work!
ReplyDeleteIt does. I cheat and film Cooper, but maybe one day :)
DeleteOoooh I know everyone was saying this years ago but now I'm really starting to believe that vlogging is the way forward. Just to pluck up some courage now. Great summary.
ReplyDeleteI know, it definitely is the way forward and we do need to take the plunge at some point.
DeleteGreat post Jac. Oh vlogging scares the hell out of me, but people keep asking me to go for it too. I'm getting closer to taking the plunge so maybe one day soon.....and like you say you really should just go for it and not think about it too much. I just need another life of time to do all these things!
ReplyDeleteI know Lou, time is an issue for me to, as well as fear lol!
DeleteI really need to do some blogging, I also believe it is the way forward. Also, it helps me practice and hone my teaching skills. Still, haven't done it yet. One day though!
ReplyDeleteI wonder which of us will take the leap first Laura :)
DeleteGreat tips. Biggest barrier is the time to do all that planning and editing!
ReplyDeleteYou're right there Janice. So true!
DeleteI am hoping to buy a decent video recorder next month. I have done some vlogs in the past, but I need to get back in to it.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a plan Dannii. Good for you :)
DeleteI keep thinking I should try but then get a little bit terrified and back off. But Greg inspired me too at FBC14.
ReplyDeleteHehe, I know what you mean Bintu. His plan of just starting and not thinking about it sounds like a good one!
DeleteI went through a phase of getting into vloging and produced a flurry of videos, but quickly lost my momentum. I think it's the fact that you have to plan it, clean your kitchen and make yourself look presentable that holds me back! I definitely need to plan some more videos when I get some breathing space...
ReplyDeleteHehe, me too. My kitchen is small and packed to the gunnels, I'd have to really clear out before videoing and that's before I think about myself. Jings!
DeleteYou are doing so well writing up FBC! I have made TWO vlogs - both very silly and I've kind of decided I won't quite try doing that again
ReplyDeleteThanks. Oh well it can't be for everyone Fiona :)
DeleteI enjoyed the tip on getting a smooth shot by putting the camera on a scrunched up top and then pulling it along the surface! I do quite a bit of vlogging but have never tried that! The low tech ways are the best eh?!
ReplyDeleteIt was a good one. I would never have thought of that.
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