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Learn How To Edit It Yourself! | Tips To Taking Better Home Video

Learn How To Edit It Yourself!

As much as we'd like your business, we know that there are a lot of people out there with all the technology already in their homes to do their own digital video projects. Maybe a zealous salesperson made it sound easier than you found it to be. Maybe you just haven't had the time to sit down and get started. We're here to help! Below you'll find a set of short instructional videos designed to get you started doing it yourself! These videos should get you well on your way to capturing video and using your computer to create your own video projects that you can share on DVD or publish to a website! Just click on the link and learn. If you already know that you don't want to edit the video yourself but still want tips how to take better video in general, you can study our list of Tips to Taking Better Home Video.

Also, please feel free to visit our Digital Video Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more, and even submit new questions!

If you're still having trouble (and in our geographic area) contact us and we'll be glad to provide in-home or in-office consulting.

A broadband connection is required to view these videos.
Although most of what is presented here is relevant to the Mac environment, these videos are aimed at Windows users.

Lesson #1

Basic Hardware & Software Requirements

Windows Media version iPod version

Lesson #2

The Work Flow

Windows Media version iPod version

Lesson #3

An Introduction to Windows Movie Maker

Windows Media version iPod version

Lesson #4

An Introduction to Adobe® Premiere® Elements

Windows Media version iPod version

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Tips To Taking Better Home Video

Tip #1: Use a tripod.

The quickest way to improve your videos is to use something to support your camcorder. The most common way to do this is by using a tripod. This isn't a large investment and it can make a world of difference. There are even special tripod heads (the head is what attaches to the camcorder) just for video that make it easier to create smooth motion. These are nice, but not required. There are options other than tripods. You can use a mono-pod or just brace your body against an object when shooting. Almost all camcorders today have some sort of image stabilization - use it.

Tip #2: Do not rotate the camera.

We see this more than you might think. Video cameras are not still cameras. Video is always oriented horizontally (landscape mode).

Tip #3: Be judicious.

Unless you plan to edit your video or create a lot of very boring footage, try to keep scenes short and sweet. Capture the basic moment and move on.

Tip #4: Don't use digital zoom.

Most camcorders today have a combination of optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom will maintain image quality and, if not used too much, adds value to your video. Digital zoom might seem enticing but you will always lose image quality when using it. If you can, disable the feature using a menu item or switch.

Tip #5: Get to the kid's level.

When shooting children, get the camera down to their level. Who wants video of the tops of the kid's heads?

Tip #6: Keep the light in front of the subject.

If you shoot footage with the primary lighting behind the subject you create a situation called "Backlighting". This will cause your subjects to be dark and under-exposed.

Tip #7: Make camera movements slow and easy.

Unless you really want that NYPD Blue look (and you probably don't) be sure you pan and zoom nice and slow. This will also help your viewers keep their lunches down.

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