What tools you need to take stunning video content

Ok so first steps on your content creation journey is actually learning about the tools we use to actually make the content. Have you ever really thought of HOW to make a voiceover Day-in-my-life video? What are the components of the shots? What makes great audio? 

We'll go into some more detail on how to make *specific* video recipes in later posts but the context of this blog is specifically what software and hardware (dont be spooked most of this can be done on your phone) I use to make great videos. 

It's important to remember while low-quality content *can* do well from time to time, poorly shot and edited videos will always flop in the public arena. Your content is competing with Kim Kardashian, National Geographic, McDonalds, not to mention thousands of smaller creators as well. A well lit video can make a huge difference in grabbing the attention of a new fan/follower/client!

Camera

Lets jump right into the most important hardware: The Camera!

Unless you plan on submitting your short form videos to the academy, I have great news: You almost certainly already have a high quality camera in your bag or pocket that is more than powerful enough to get the job done.

The general rule of thumb is to ALWAYS use your back camera

I like to film at 4k 60fps just in case I need HD clips after but if you want to save space you could set it to 4k 30fps in your camera settings so all your videos are super crispy

I would also advise you potentially get the apple storage plan. It's a few bucks a month and will save you a ton of hassle managing space on your phone.

Lighting

The best lighting you can get is natural light from a big window. If you cannot get natural light I'll list below a couple of options I use for lighting in when it's darker:

1. Ring light
• These guys are great for any content where there's no camera movement necessary. Maybe you're talking to the camera, or showing you sitting in front of a sewing machine in the winter when it gets dark earlier.
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• These are nice too because they also act as a stand
2. Portable light
1. Best for getting detailed shots, or for use with a moving camera. These things clip on the back of your phone and get your subjects super well lit

Microphone

Ok a quick note on sound. Generally speaking if you're only doing voiceover videos, the iPhone mic is fine as long as you're recording with no ambient noise. Maybe in an office or bedroom. However, if you want to take it to the next level there is one product I use for super crisp sound.

This is a little fluffy mic that is wireless and not too invasive

Ok stay tuned for the next blog on *how* to think about taking videos and how to frame your shots!

 Stands

I have a couple that I use and would recommend the brand Ulzani for tripods. This one here is probably a good one to start off with. Being able to position a camera and not need a human to operate is massive for solo projects. I also use a phone mount which gives me a little more control when attaching to the stand. Basically the phone mount goes on the phone stand and the mount controls direction of shot and stand controls height.

• Short stands
• Great for desks
• Portable
• Tall stands
• Bulky but robust and durable
• Airsticks
• These work great for windows, outside on poles and don't have a stick adhesive to keep the phone still
• Insanely portable
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