Video Blogging, or Vlogging, is growing in popularity. You don’t have to be beautiful, tall, or thin to make a vlog. Just be yourself and talk to the camera as if it were your friend. There are lots of different cameras you can use: a point & shoot with video clip, a webcam, a pocket video, an expensive Panasonic, etc. Whatever kind of camera you use, here are some questions to ask yourself while you are in the video making process.
When does it have to be done?
It very likely will take a couple days to film the video, edit if necessary, and upload it to a site online. Make sure you start before the day you need the video to be done.
What will I talk about?
Take a minute and think about what you will say. It helps to have an outline to keep you on track and remind you of what you wanted to say.
What’s behind me?
Whatever is behind you will also be online for the whole world to see. Clutter is distracting, and probably not what you want to show. Don’t worry – you don’t have to clean the whole house. Just a little bit that will be around you in the video.
Where can I set the camera?
If you remember nothing else from this post please remember this point. Find a place to set your camera down!!! If you don’t have a tripod use a stack of something, a windowsill, a shelf, something! If there is absolutely nothing to set the camera on brace your hand against something solid. It will make it much nicer to watch your video.
Is it light enough or too light?
Dark videos or washed out videos are hard to watch. Light is tricky so do the best you can. Try to use natural light if possible.
How do I look?
Some people want to go for the natural, just got out of bed look. If you’re comfortable with that, go for it. I prefer to have my hair and face fixed a bit.
Is it quiet around me?
Make sure the TV and radio are turned off. Occupy your children elsewhere if you’re not planning on having them in the video. Listen for a minute to check if you have a fan or something running that will compete with your voice.
How should I Edit?
It’s good to at least edit the beginning and end when you turned the camera on and off. Usually a program will come with your camera or computer. The amount of editing is totally up to you and there are many different opinions of this as well. Whatever style you pick try to stay consistent. If you want to do just a plain video through your webcam then keep all your videos simple. If you are going to add titles and transitions then add them every time. Otherwise you will confuse your watchers.
What can I cut out?
Cut out anything that is not necessary and a little bit of the necessary. I like to try to keep my videos 3 minutes or shorter so I often edit out sections. Videos are not scannable. People will just turn it off if they get bored.
How do I get it on to my blog?
You will need to create an account at a video hosting site. Upload your video to that site then embed it in your blog post. There are many places to post your vlog.
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Jendi is a wife and SAHM of 3 who enjoys blogging, reading, music, sewing, and Twitter when she’s not busy writing for her internship at Profitable Mommy Blogging. You can see her vlogs and these tips in video form on Jendi’s video page.
