Although I know people who can make anything complicated, getting decent video clips at your speaking gigs or workshops can be pretty simple these days. Getting a catalog of clips is one of the first steps to producing good demo videos. With a today’s technology, a little forethought and a little know-how, you’ll be able to market yourself a little better with each gig… even the ones you do for free. Some of these things may sound like no-brainers, but let’s go over them anyway.
1. Digital camera (video and/or photo) – Keep It simple Sweetheart! Your camera can be the same one you use for vacation photos or the piano recital. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money or go to photography school to learn to operate it. Today’s cameras are high-tech, but pretty much idiot-proof. However, you might want to consider investing a few minutes on actually READING the operations guide. Starting at about $120 up to about $250 should be more than enough! (Wal-Mart. There’s one on every corner. No excuses.)
2. Memory stick/card - Most camera’s require a memory stick or storage unit of some kind to store the photos and videos. A 1GB stick holds about 300 photos or 130 minutes of video. The larger the stick the more stuff you get on it and they are priced accordingly. Your card should also fit in the card reader on your laptop. Adapters are available.
3. Camera battery – Make sure it FULLY charged. Get a spare on eBay, they’re way cheaper.
4. Battery charger - Like I said, your battery should be fully charged, but just in case – especially if you’re traveling out of town for your gig. Get one for your car and one that charges through your computer USB port, too. Never let technology be the obstacle. Cameras will usually come with a charger that plugs into the wall, but you’ll seldom want to lug that anywhere. It’s best used at home.
5. A tripod – No matter how steady you think your hands are GET A TRIPOD. If you don’t have a shooter (industry jargon for photographer or videographer), then a tripod is the next best thing for hands-free shooting. Even if you do have a shooter, don’t trust them for a steady hand – don’t trust yourself either! ALWAYS shoot with a tripod if possible. (The pros do it for a reason.) I have 2 tripods… a small one that folds up and fits in my briefcase or computer bag and a larger one that provides less portability, but more stability. Shop around and you’ll spend less than $50 for the two of them.
If you have these five simple things at your fingertips – at every opportunity – the only other things you’ll need to get good video and or photos is a little know-how…
1. LIGHT, LIGHT, and MORE LIGHT! – If you get the room (the set) as well lit as possible you’re almost GUARANTEED to get good video! Today’s idiot-proof camera’s will do it all – but they need light to survive! Turn on every light you can – TV and movie sets are lit that way for a reason.
2. A plan to operate the camera(s) – Whether you sit your camera on your tripod and press record yourself – or you hire an experienced crew – things go better with a plan. Your cousin or the volunteer from the audience who you talked into operating the camera needs specific instructions about what to shoot and how. Please give them some direction. (Yes. That does make you the director.)
3. A knockout performance by you - After all, the client is hiring you – not your cameraman, editor or producer. (unless they’re making their own video, that is.) It’s the one thing that will save the day!
THAT’S A WRAP!
PEACE.
Comments