The first step to working on your video production project is to start the shoot with the appropriate mindset. Here are three tips to get you started:
1. Plan your lighting
Shooting outdoors gives you many interesting and visually appealing shot opportunities—from the marvelous overall scenery to the intricate details of your subjects. Regardless of your project’s specific criteria, immersing yourself in nature is bound to inspire you one way or another. However, the natural lighting it provides isn’t always ideal. Track weather reports and be wary of any shifts in the lighting. The sunrise might be a little later than usual while the sunset may come a bit earlier. It’s also more challenging to shoot in the middle of the day, as the sun is directly overhead, leaving little room for shadows and variety.
If you insist on shooting at this time, consider using the appropriate equipment (filters, reflectors, lenses, etc.) or relocating to a cloudier spot that diffuses the harsh light. As an alternative, you can make the most out of the strong light by accumulating b-rolls and silhouette shots where heavy contrast is required. When midday is over, you can proceed to take close-up shots of their profile during golden hours or backlit shots of your subject to give them that soft glow.
2. Monitor your audio
Noting weather reports isn’t just for your lighting needs. Be prepared for strong winds that might create more noise. Steer clear of busy streets, heavy machinery, and loud animals unless you want those specific noises incorporated in your video. If you’re aiming to add a voiceover to complement your visuals, it’s best to record at a later time where it’s much quieter and peaceful.
During recording, adjust your environment to the best you can. Turn off any music, have your friends stay quiet, and keep an eye on your microphone placement. When you’re vlogging and you need to change locations, remember to hold the mic 1 to 3 feet away from you to keep your voice audible and limit the background noise. Remember to check the sound levels as much as possible too.
3. Manage your spectators
Unless you’ve legally obtained permits to close down a specific location, there’s a big possibility that you’re going to garner an audience. You’ve piqued their interest and now they want to learn about your project. Unfortunately, they might also put you in a position where you need to reshoot a few scenes because they’re visible in the background or they’ve blocked the camera. On the bright side, the attention is good for keeping your video production project relevant to social media.
