Have you been thinking about adding video to your portrait sessions, doing sale videos or just want to add reels to your feed on social media? Add Video to your Workflow with these Must-Hear Podcast Edpisodes!
Our recent Cowgirls with Cameras Episodes 73 and 74 will give you inspiration and motivation to do just that!
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Simple Ways to Start Adding Video to Your Photography Sessions
In this episode, Cara will explore why photographers might want to start capturing a bit of video during their sessions, and Kim will break down some of the technical side—without making it overwhelming. We’re keeping it fun, practical, and packed with insight!
The benefits of outsourcing your video editing:
Outsourcing video production was a strategic move that allowed me to focus my time and energy on still image art sales and client work—my primary sources of revenue. I realized that the steep learning curve of video editing software, combined with the time required to edit footage, wasn’t the best use of my resources.
What began as a way to create simple video content for social media has since evolved into incorporating video into some of my paid projects. Even so, I continue to rely on a professional editor to bring the final product together—ensuring high-quality results while allowing me to stay focused on what I do best.
Pros of Outsourcing Video Production:
- Outsourcing allows you to tap into the expertise of professionals who specialize in these areas.
- Outsourcing can free up your time and resources, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
- External video production teams can bring fresh perspectives and creative ideas to your projects.
Things to keep in mind if you do choose to outsource your video production:
- Careful Selection, research the person or company you’d like to hire, look for reviews or referrals from other clients.
- Clear Communication with your video editor.
- Have a Contract that clearly defines the project, deliverables and payment terms.
- Provide regular feedback throughout the production process to ensure that the final product meets your expectations.
Check out https://www.fiverr.com/ to look for video editors and so much more!
Inspiration and Ideas for Your First Video Project as a Photographer
With the next episode, Kim will focus on planning and concept development—what’s the purpose behind what you’re shooting? What story are you trying to tell? Cara covers potential B-roll ideas. B-roll refers to supplemental footage that enhances the main storyline. It’s used to provide context, reinforce key points, and add visual interest. The main footage that carries the core narrative is called A-roll. B-roll supports and enriches that primary content.
Let’s walk you through the basic process of capturing raw footage to the completed video:
Making a finished video from your raw clips is a step-by-step process. You organize, choose the best parts, put them together roughly, then fine-tune everything, making the sound and picture better until you have a final, engaging video.
The first step is getting your footage off your recording media and onto a reliable storage system. Make sure all files are copied without errors, create a filing system for each project based on shoot dates and locations. Rename clips with descriptive names. Be sure to have a backup!
Once your footage is safely stored, you’ll bring it into your chosen software (like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci, Final Cut Pro, etc.). The next step is to watch through all your raw footage. This helps you understand what you’ve captured, note the good takes and any interesting b-roll, then do a rough organization of these. Know what you have as available footage before you make the first cut, know all the gold first.
This is where the actual editing begins. You start assembling the main message of your video by selecting the best takes. Be sure to pay attention to how each shot flows into the next. This stage is where the storytelling really starts to take shape.Â
Good audio is crucial, if you recorded separate audio, you’ll need to synch it with your video. Add music and/or sound effects that enhance the mood and add impact. Always ensure you have the necessary permission or licenses before using any music in your video projects.Â
This final stage is uploading your video for its intended audience and platform.
Some common mistakes to avoid when editing raw footage include:
- Failing to organize your raw footage and project files can lead to confusion and inefficiency.
- Failture to create a backup can result in the loss of valuable work in case of technical issues or accidents.
- Working without a clear workflow can lead to disorganization and inefficiency in the editing process.
- Using editing tools that are not suitable for your skill level can hinder the editing process.
My friend Mark Smith has a fantastic course to help you learn all about video editing, it’s geared to Wildlife Videographers but will totally work for Equine as well.
Mark Smith’s Wildlife Video Editing Master Class with Adobe Premiere.
This is just an overview to help you get started with video.
If you’re interested in learning more, I hope you’ll give us a listen!
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