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Creating an Instagram story
As part of a social media campaign to encourage entries for my video contest (Research Reels), I created an Instagram Story. As this is new territory for me, I consulted with UVic's social media wiz, Jes Scott, who gave me a tonne of advice on how students use...
Gear recommendations
Advice from a professional videographer on the best equipment from beginner to advanced. Beginner If you've never shot video before and want a good still camera to boot with lots of zoom flexibility, try the Sony RX100. $450 US Intermediate A lightweight but mighty...
73 places to get free photos
No budget for photos? The list below provides the gamut of royalty-free image websites for both personal and commercial use.
How-to
Gear recommendations 2022
Beginner / budget For those who just want to point and shoot: I always recommend your smart phone as a first choice. New models are better since the technology and cameras are always improving. GoPro Hero Black 9 or 10. Yes, it's a sports camera, but you can adjust...
COVID-19 guidelines for video shoots
If you are directing or filming a shoot on / off campus, please follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Prepping for a shoot (students)
If you have been asked to be on camera, whether that’s an interview or photo shoot, read these tips on what to expect, what to wear and other topics.
Creating an Instagram story
As part of a social media campaign to encourage entries for my video contest (Research Reels), I created an Instagram Story. As this is new territory for me, I consulted with UVic's social media wiz, Jes Scott, who gave me a tonne of advice on how students use...
Gear recommendations
Advice from a professional videographer on the best equipment from beginner to advanced. Beginner If you've never shot video before and want a good still camera to boot with lots of zoom flexibility, try the Sony RX100. $450 US Intermediate A lightweight but mighty...
73 places to get free photos
No budget for photos? The list below provides the gamut of royalty-free image websites for both personal and commercial use.
50+ statistics on the power of video
To help you – or your boss – understand the power of video, Vidyard collected over 50 video marketing stats spanning everything from why video is effective at driving customer intent all the way through to what videos you should be posting to your social channels.
Communicating your research
This 5-minute TED talk “Talk Nerdy to Me” provides a simple formula for successful science communication>>
Basics of B-roll
In depth article describing what b-roll is, and how to plan and shoot. Read full article by Vimeo here>
Top tips for making a “viral” video
Yes, everyone wants to make a viral video. While there’s no guarantee your video will take off, here are some tips to give it a try!
Everything you need to know about putting your videos online
Useful article outlining technical specifications and ideal content for Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo.
Find the perfect microphone
In order to choose the right microphone, you first need to know what kind of sound you’ll be recording, in what environment, and from what distance.
Shoot better mobile video
Cameras in mobile devices have significantly improved over the past few years: now you can shoot 4k video and timelapses, apply filter presets, and even edit video right within the phone itself. But just because these cameras can capture high-resolution imagery doesn’t mean that you’ll always come back with awesome-looking video. Below are some simple tips to improve the quality of your mobile shoots, and help make sure they match your personal vision.
Six ways to raise the bar on higher ed videos
Today’s higher education marketing is increasingly strategic. We have data-driven decision making, sophisticated branding campaigns and advanced social media analytics. Then why are higher education videos still so achingly dull? Can we blame people for not watching them?
How to keep your audience’s attention with your video
People are going to decide in only a handful of seconds whether your content is worth consuming and they will continue making that evaluation throughout. Just because you can hook them earlier, does not mean that they’ll commit to staying with you no matter what.
How to increase viewership
Some of the loneliest inhabitants on the Internet tend to be higher education videos. Not all is lost. It’s never too late to resurrect your languishing videos. Here are a few ways you can let them know that you still love them.
7 tips on social video
Check out these seven things not to do when creating your videos, and get a head start on your social video success.
Mobile shooting DIY series
Great, fun series on how to make the most of shooting with your mobile phone.
Entertain before you educate
A business is always dealing with humans, and by extension, human nature. And humans are selfish, you have to give them something before they’ll reward you with their attention. Before you can expect a potential customer to listen to you, you must attract their attention, make them feel something – whether it’s excited, interested, safe or happy.
Google Creator Academy
Google Creator Academy has some online lessons to help you improve your shooting and editing skills.
Ideal length of videos
I often recommend no longer than 90 seconds for a video to keep the viewer engaged and prevent them from checking out mentally.
Best products of 2015
Videomaker's list of best products of 2015.
Copyright and how it affects your UVic video
The Canadian Copyright Act provides legal protection to original works of authorship, which includes literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, as well as, performer’s performance, communication signals and sound recordings.
How to Shoot, Edit, and Upload 360-Degree Videos
360-degree videos have now been released to the masses via YouTube and Facebook. Prior to that, you had to have a VR developers kit and share your work with other developers.
Master your iPhone settings for great video
You know what the best kind of iPhone video is? The kind that doesn’t looks like it was shot on an iPhone. You don’t need all sorts of fancy apps and expensive peripherals to get great mobile videos — follow these 11 simple tips for mind-burstingly gorgeous snaps.