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Everybody can do videography? The question is, can they do it well?

Video Production in London

Videography, like its cousin, photography, is not an exact science.  It isn’t an exact art form either.

Good videography comes from a multitude of disciplines including technical knowledge, aesthetic sensitivity, sharpness of eye and various other ‘transferable’ skills.Although it isn’t essential, it helps to have a background in photography before attempting videography as many of the skills are interrelated.

Knowledge of lenses will certainly help both the videographer and the photographer in equal measures.  videography

But videography also has its own individual skillset.  For example, shutter speed is a consideration akin to both activities. However, the use of the time you expose the sensor to the light can be completely differently in each.  Time-lapse is a classic example of this. In photography, this is often used to create a blended effect on the part of the subject that is in motion. One must handle this more carefully in videography in order to achieve the desired result. Too long an exposure and the video will lose detail but too short and it will appear too jittery.

There’s an expression often attributed to the halcyon days of photo-journalism – “f/8 and be there” – which still sums up the ethos best applied to certain kinds of videography. It epitomises the need for immediacy and a sense of spontaneity that resulted in some of the most iconic photos in history and, of late, some of the most impressive videos too.

Static Shooting

Of course, videography isn’t always about amazing shots. Sometimes, you just need a good PTC (piece to camera). A talking head, a testimony a presentation. This doesn’t mean you can relax, though.

F-stop, framing and ensuring the correct exposure are still very important factors in achieving good results. Do you want the subject locked into a 3-d space with the background blurred out? If they are prone to moving about, that may present problems in focusing. Or perhaps the opposite. Getting all in the shot pin-sharp, foreground and background and all in between?

Gimbals, tripods and other grip equipment has developed a great deal over the past few years making experimental video shooting much more interesting. Today drone videography seems omnipresent. This opens up a new world of videography.

videography

Videography is more than just pointing a camera and pressing record. To be a good videographer, you need to have an eye for composition and framing, as well as a steady hand and an understanding of the mechanics of your camera. You also need to be able to edit footage together in a way that is both visually appealing and tells a story. While it takes time and practice to develop these skills, there are a few things you can do to start improving your videography today.

videography

First, take the time to learn about the different features of your camera and how they can be used to create different effects. Experiment with different settings and see how they affect your shots. Second, pay attention to the composition of your shots and try to frame them in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Third, practice editing your footage until you are able to put together a video that flows smoothly and tells a cohesive story. By following these tips, you can start down the path to becoming a great videographer.

 

There is so much to discuss in modern videography, perhaps we should start a series.

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