So, I bought a FlipHD video camera this year because they were on sale on Amazon and it’s one of those things I needed thought I should have just really wanted to play with. I’ve taken a few videos so far. They’re not very good. I looked for one to prove that, but couldn’t find anything I could really support showing you.
That brings us to today, this post, and my need for your help.
I want to learn to do this right and well and to learn to use my video programs on the Macbook, but I don’t know what to video tape (can I still say tape?). That’s where you come in.
Help me learn to shoot some halfway decent videos
What do I need from you? Ideas. People to interview. Things in my MN life I’m going to leave behind for new adventures. My friends (should they consent to being blogged). Shenanigans. Tips. How-tos. What NOT to do.
Should I interview my parents? My sister? Do you want to meet them? I’ve already warned them that they may be blog stars. They are super excited at least didn’t run for the hills. Yet.
How do we do this?
Leave a comment with one of the following:
- Ideas about WHAT* to film (interviews with people in my life, tours of something around here, etc.)
- Resources or tips to check out in terms of how to do this well
- Resources or tips to check out in terms of how to edit
For example: “interview your mom, edit it to under 45 seconds, and set it to music” – I don’t really know how to do that. Yet. So that’s a totally fine suggestion. Or… “There’s this really awesome FREE software/information/guide/etc you just can’t miss.“ That’s cool too.
How This Will Go Down
I’ll take your suggestions, make the videos, and if you want to post the video on your own site, I’ll send you the embed code (things I need to learn, for example!). If you don’t, then I’ll post it here – that simple. Just let me know in the comments what to do with your suggestions 
Timing
You have through December 13 (so like, two weeks) to leave your suggestions. I’ll work on the videos before the end of the year (that’s closer than we think it is, kids), and then by the time the New Year rolls around, I’ll hopefully know what I’m doing behind a camera and will proudly show it off.
This isn’t about putting ME on film (you won’t see me dancing to Single Ladies in a Snuggie), this is about teaching me HOW to get some good videos, so I’m open to your suggestions, ideas, and tips!
Ready, set, GO. And thank you!
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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh so jealous!! I want a flip camera so badly, I would shoot so many shenanigans!The biggest thing that I can recommend is really lame, but find the compression settings for whatever service you will be posting them to. Lots of vimeo videos from bloggers have audio out of sync with the picture because they don't check the settings when they're saving them.Show us your favourite places in minne- coffee shops & restaurants & hang outs, I'd love to see what it looks like through your eyes!
With video, like with most things, the most important thing is to DO IT. Do a video blog. This blog post should have been a vlog post
Then do another. And another and another. Everything else you'll learn along the way.
I love Kyla's suggestion: show us some places you love. For instance, I've never been to Cafe Maude, but from what you've written/Tweeted/FB'd it sounds awesome—show me! Introducing family and friends would be great, take footage during a roomie night, etc.Also, your little warning at the end was hilar!
Oh so jealous!! I want a flip camera so badly, I would shoot so many shenanigans!The biggest thing that I can recommend is really lame, but find the compression settings for whatever service you will be posting them to. Lots of vimeo videos from bloggers have audio out of sync with the picture because they don't check the settings when they're saving them.Show us your favourite places in minne- coffee shops & restaurants & hang outs, I'd love to see what it looks like through your eyes!
I would video someone you think might make a good blog post. Something your readers will want to watch. Perhaps a person with a interesting story.Make sure when you do it though its a vlog post. It's kinda annoying when its a blog and video. That's to much in one post in my opinion. Can't wait to see the video though on whatever you do.
I am just catching up on your blog today….WOW, lots of big changes going on in Doniree town! Just wanted to say how exciting and I'm looking forward to reading along on your new adventure.
With video, like with most things, the most important thing is to DO IT. Do a video blog. This blog post should have been a vlog post
Then do another. And another and another. Everything else you'll learn along the way.
I love Kyla's suggestion: show us some places you love. For instance, I've never been to Cafe Maude, but from what you've written/Tweeted/FB'd it sounds awesome—show me! Introducing family and friends would be great, take footage during a roomie night, etc.Also, your little warning at the end was hilar!
I would video someone you think might make a good blog post. Something your readers will want to watch. Perhaps a person with a interesting story.Make sure when you do it though its a vlog post. It's kinda annoying when its a blog and video. That's to much in one post in my opinion. Can't wait to see the video though on whatever you do.
I'd love a little tour of your favourite places in MN – or even make it holiday themed, show us what Minneapolis is like in the leadup to Christmas! Sorry I know zilch about the technical side of videoing things
I could send you some music to use in the background, or help design your opening/closing credits maybe!
I'd love a little tour of your favourite places in MN – or even make it holiday themed, show us what Minneapolis is like in the leadup to Christmas! Sorry I know zilch about the technical side of videoing things
I could send you some music to use in the background, or help design your opening/closing credits maybe!
Not that I know from experience, but if taking videos is anything like photography, the only way to get better is to shoot a lot of video. Maybe do some cooking videos (grain belt tortillas?) or a video tour of your favorite parts of Minneapolis?
I would love to see a series of 'relocating' video tips (of your trip). It's fun when it's candid and you can also talk about the struggles you've experienced. I have found that all my relocation blog posts have been the most popular, largely because everyone is looking for advice. It's so widespread, but it's also not an easy feat! Good luck, love. I love the Flip
My close friend is their VP of Sales!
You should rent This American Life's second season…Showtime produced the TV series, and on the second season Ira Glass used a flip cam to introduce the week's show. It's pretty neat the way he does it.
Oh, and let me know if you need specific editing pointers. I know Final Cut like the back of my hand.
On a tangential note, might I suggest speaking to Phampants for advice? I mean, he's a video blogger to begin with.
idon'tknow?
There are lots of free tutorials here: http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutor…... They've got tons of stuff on shooting video, editing and audio (like making your own music with Garage Band). 10,000 Words is another great resource (one of my favorite blogs) with really accessible tutorials: http://www.10000words.net/labels/video.htmlMy personal tips: 1. Watch videos from people doing the sorts of things you want to do. Think about what you like and what you could do better.2. Practice. Let yourself make some bad videos — that's how we grow. Don't let a pressure to make something excellent stop you. Just do *something* and you'll learn as you go.
LOL I love how you included that clarifying footer. DANG I was so looking forward to seeing some Doni bare calves!
I'm excited to see what you come up with for the vids. I think interviewing some peeps would be cool to see. Just make sure you think of questions before hand. And if you have a Mac, iMovie is pretty awesome. xo
I would love to see a series of 'relocating' video tips (of your trip). It's fun when it's candid and you can also talk about the struggles you've experienced. I have found that all my relocation blog posts have been the most popular, largely because everyone is looking for advice. It's so widespread, but it's also not an easy feat! Good luck, love. I love the Flip
My close friend is their VP of Sales!
You should rent This American Life's second season…Showtime produced the TV series, and on the second season Ira Glass used a flip cam to introduce the week's show. It's pretty neat the way he does it.
Oh, and let me know if you need specific editing pointers. I know Final Cut like the back of my hand.
Oh I love this. 2 minutes video of how to make chocolate chip cookies. No clip can be longer than 15 seconds. (aka, this will teach you how to use jump cuts) you must use non-copyrighted music that is not found on imovie/apple. and finally, you must eat the cookie in Cookie Monster fashion…Om Nom Nom
On a tangential note, might I suggest speaking to Phampants for advice? I mean, he's a video blogger to begin with.
Not that I know from experience, but if taking videos is anything like photography, the only way to get better is to shoot a lot of video. Maybe do some cooking videos (grain belt tortillas?) or a video tour of your favorite parts of Minneapolis?
idon'tknow?
These are some things I would love to see :a visit to the much-raved about Cafe Maude. discussion of your love for wine, your favorite kinds and (maybe?) some tips on wine pairings for wine novices (like myself!)anything involving your yoga routine.
Get shooting! There is no limit to how crazy you can get with editing, but first you need something to edit. I find that it's important to shoot some supporting shots (aka. b-roll) so you don't have long drawn out scenes. It also gives you something you can overlay if you picked your nose on camera.
There are lots of free tutorials here: http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutor…... They've got tons of stuff on shooting video, editing and audio (like making your own music with Garage Band). 10,000 Words is another great resource (one of my favorite blogs) with really accessible tutorials: http://www.10000words.net/labels/video.htmlMy personal tips: 1. Watch videos from people doing the sorts of things you want to do. Think about what you like and what you could do better.2. Practice. Let yourself make some bad videos — that's how we grow. Don't let a pressure to make something excellent stop you. Just do *something* and you'll learn as you go.
LOL I love how you included that clarifying footer. DANG I was so looking forward to seeing some Doni bare calves!
I'm excited to see what you come up with for the vids. I think interviewing some peeps would be cool to see. Just make sure you think of questions before hand. And if you have a Mac, iMovie is pretty awesome. xo
It's all in the lighting. Overlight the shit out of it and everything will look much better!
These are some things I would love to see :a visit to the much-raved about Cafe Maude. discussion of your love for wine, your favorite kinds and (maybe?) some tips on wine pairings for wine novices (like myself!)anything involving your yoga routine.
Get shooting! There is no limit to how crazy you can get with editing, but first you need something to edit. I find that it's important to shoot some supporting shots (aka. b-roll) so you don't have long drawn out scenes. It also gives you something you can overlay if you picked your nose on camera.
Oh I love this. 2 minutes video of how to make chocolate chip cookies. No clip can be longer than 15 seconds. (aka, this will teach you how to use jump cuts) you must use non-copyrighted music that is not found on imovie/apple. and finally, you must eat the cookie in Cookie Monster fashion…Om Nom Nom
100 million percent agree. Just DO it! We'll watch and follow along no matter what darlin!
100 million percent agree. Just DO it! We'll watch and follow along no matter what darlin!
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