What is Videography

What is Videography: Definition and Basics with Practical Tips

Are you new to videography? Discover what videography is by reading our guide. Filming basics and tips are covered.

Video will be a powerful medium in 2024.

Video is optimized on every platform, from social media to YouTube to streaming media. 82% predicted that video would be responsible for the majority of internet traffic in the last year.

It’s only natural that if you are a podcaster or vlogger (or other creator of digital content), you would be interested in learning more about videography.

It is highly valuable to be able to create high-quality videos. This can include creating videos for YouTube, wedding videos, or corporate branding videos. Here’s a guide to videography. It includes its purpose, different forms, and tips on how to become one yourself. If you would rather hire than film it yourself, here is how to choose the best videographer near you.

What is Videography?

Videography is the art of recording video digitally and then editing it. Videographers record videos using digital cameras or streaming devices. They can do things like documenting a concert or the news or stream a podcast.

Videography and cinematography are similar in sound, but they differ on a number of levels. Videography is the art of recording live events in a more spontaneous and guerilla style. Cinematography refers to projects that are highly produced with a crew and script. Cinematography, on the other hand, is usually recorded using film rather than digital devices.

What Is the Purpose of Videography?

Videography, unlike cinematography which is a highly-planned and complex project, is used to capture events in real time. Videographers capture the live event, and not only fix the lighting but also add music and sound effects as needed.

Videography is a way to capture a live event with a small (or solo) crew.

Does Videography Include Editing?

Video editors and videographers may sound the same, but they are different.

Video editors are solely responsible for compiling and editing raw footage to create a final product. They may also edit (depending upon the team size and scope of the project) but they are still responsible for the whole process of video production.

What Are the Types of Videography?

The “types” that videography can take are only limited by your imagination. There are some common categories and styles that are used today. We’ll look at some of these, and provide examples.

Videos in Time Lapse

These videos speed up footage to create the illusion that time is moving faster than usual.

Interviews

This style involves the videographer interviewing their subject in front of a camera. These videos are very popular when live-streamed on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.

Product Reviews

Video reviews on YouTube are very popular because consumers rely on real user reviews before purchasing a product.

Video Tutorials

These short videos are designed to demonstrate a particular skill or knowledge. Many companies hire videographers in order to show the uses and benefits of their products. If that is what your business needs, take a look at our video production services.

Video Promotion

Video is used to show a service or product in this more advanced type of videography. These videos can be used to tell a story and create excitement for a product or brand.

Event Videography

These videos are a combination of weddings, parties, music videos, press releases, and ceremonies.

Documentaries

These non-fiction movies turn the real world into a story. Documentary videographers have a knack for finding the truth behind seemingly insignificant events.

Filmmaking Process

Each filmmaker has a unique style and process, but the fundamental steps are the same. Start with this process if you want to learn videography or become a better one.

Pre-Production Planning

Start by creating a concept. Answer questions like:

What is the content you would like to display?
Who is your target audience?
What is the message you wish to send?
What are your goals and actions that you would like to see from your audience?

Plan your strategy once you have established your goals and vision.

You can plan your videography shoot even if you don’t have the same pre-production budget as cinematography. This step will vary depending on what type of videography is being done. It may involve writing a script or scouting locations. You’ll also need to prepare all the necessary camera equipment, lighting equipment, and lenses.

You may also want to create a list ahead of time. Make a list of important moments, such as the first dance, the cake cutting, and the couple’s departure, if you are preparing for wedding videography.

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Filming Basics

It’s now time to film the video.

To become a great videographer, you must learn to notice the small details. It’s important to practice and learn how to spot the details.

Let’s take a look at some practical tips to make your video look more professional.

1. Use a Simple Background

Backgrounds should not distract from the subject. You can use a background paper, plain wall, or solid sheet.

2. Use Lighting Intentionally

Use best practices for lighting to give your video a professional flare. You may want a combination of:

The main light
Fill Light (more diffused lighting used to fill any shadows created by the main light).
Backlighting
Side Lighting (lights up the scene from the sides, adding texture)
Practical Lighting (regular lighting sources, such as lamps and electronic screens, that are part of the scene)

3. Use the Rule of Thirds

Avoid the temptation to center your subject.

The camera operator can divide the shot vertically and then horizontally into thirds, and place the subject at the intersection of these lines. Grids are available on many cameras to help you better visualize the shot.

The Editing Process

Hiring a professional to edit your video can be a good idea if you’re looking for the best results.

If you’re looking to build up your editing skills and experiment, follow these phases for video editing.

Organize your footage–Post-production will be much easier to manage once you’ve organized your media into folders for ready access.
Sync audio — Some video-editing software like 8 Limbs Creative automatically stitches the audio and video for you. If not, then you will need to sync your audio.
Re-watch the footage — Make sure you know every shot you have. Review any notes that you or others may have made regarding which shots should be used in the final edit.
Create a rough cut–Piece material together that tells you the story. It may be necessary to use placeholders when adding graphics or text.
Fine-cut — Next, fine-tune each shot. Crop the shots to the correct length, edit the videos, and add any visual elements such as text, animations, and graphics.
Final Edits — This last pass-through should include viewing the project using different devices (like a TV and mobile phone). It is now time to check your audio and color levels.

Best Cameras for Videography

Videographers often need to be able to capture the action in a flash, without compromising on video quality. You should choose a powerful video camera that is lightweight.

The Panasonic Lumix G6 is our current pick for the best videography camera. Mirrorless cameras are very versatile and offer a variety of video features, such as unlimited recording time, 5.7K/60fps, and more.

The Panasonic Lumix s1h is another excellent option. It is the smallest and cheapest camera that is approved for Netflix projects. It is capable of shooting in 6K and 24fps, performs well under all lighting conditions, and has an excellent built-in stabilizer.

Additional Videography Equipment That You Will Need

You’ll need much more than just a camera for any videography project. Regardless of your style, or niche, certain hardware and software are essential.

Good lighting equipment
Tripod
Camera lenses
Microphone
boom pole
Headphones
Memory Cards
Software
Editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro

Videography Resources

There are many free and paid resources that you can use to develop your skills as a videographer.

You should immerse yourself in the words of the best artists. Start by checking out these sites:

Blog of 8 Limbs Creative‘s Video Production
Feedspod’s top 15 YouTube channels for Videographers
Skillshare’s Videography Basics Course
Digital Camera World’s Top 10 list of the best camera for beginners

If you don’t know how to use your camera, it’s time to start. Attend free workshops, or take classes in filmmaking, photography, and broadcast journalism. Join the audio-visual club at your school to learn videography basics.

If you are serious about pursuing videography as a career, you might also consider pursuing a degree related to videography such as in communications, cinematography, or broadcasting.

Consider looking for an internship within the film industry. Ask local news agencies or film agencies about assistant or internship opportunities.

You’ll be better prepared to become a videographer if you learn more about the way a film crew works.

Videography is the Future of Content Creation

Content creators of today, from podcasters to web hosts to documentary makers, need to know how they can make high-quality videos. Professional-level videography is now more affordable than ever.

Practice and observation are all it takes to learn some of the techniques that professional videographers use. There are a variety of workshops, classes, and internships available to improve your skills.

Even for those with limited budgets, there are many high-quality options available. Many lightweight video cameras that are affordable still deliver high-quality video.

When it comes to recording, 8 Limbs Creative offers studio-quality recording at a very affordable price.