Three Tips To Make Your Videos Look Professional
Whether you're a beginner or pro, the amateur look is something that can be avoided with a little bit of effort. In this blog post, we'll go over three simple ways to make your productions look professional.
Locations
The first step in making your productions look more professional is choosing the proper location. Preferably this location will provide a variety of looks. Additionally, locations that have a lot of different textures and colors can create more depth, mimicking a professional set. If filming indoors, think about the light sources in each room and how they'll help or hurt your shots.
Finding spaces that are unique is also an easy way to boost your production value. Showing viewers something they’ve never seen before is a simple yet effective way to capture their attention. Even if filming in familiar spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms, there are ways to make these locations stand out - two of which we’ll cover in the remaining sections of this post. The more unique your space is, the better chance you'll have at creating something visually interesting on camera.
Finally, consider whether or not there are any sounds in this space (like traffic outside) and how those sounds could impact your audio recording process later on.
Set Design
The set is the stage for your film, and it’s important to make sure that everything in it works together to enhance the story. Think about how to use set design basics to convey information about characters and their relationships, show a character’s state of mind or mood, and to tell a story using props and materials.
When filming in a common location, set design is the tool you can use to make it pop. Perhaps you introduce a unique color palette, quirky furniture, or standout art pieces into the space to add more depth, detail, and information to the scene.
If you need a prop for your production but don't want to blow your budget, the thrift store can be an excellent resource for finding affordable items that work well for your film's setting and plot. If looking for an even better deal, don't be afraid to ask someone if they'll let you borrow something from them—many people are happy to help out in the creative process!
Lighting Design
Lighting is one of the most important elements of a film. Not only can it make your video look more dramatic or natural, but it can also be used to set the tone, evoke emotion, or simply tell the time of day.
Using professional lighting techniques - or simply mimicking looks from some of your favorite films - will give you an edge over other video creators who may emphasize their camera setup over their lighting design. When lighting your scene:
Use softboxes or diffusion on your key lights to soften light on your subject. If looking for a more affordable option, shining light through a white bed sheet is a good alternative for softening your key light source. This option works if you are using less professional light sources such as work lighting from your local hardware store. Softening your key light will allow it to gently wrap around your subject giving them a much more flattering look on camera.
Pay attention to how you light your background as well as your subject. Lighting your background with contrast or patterns can add depth to your scene even if you are filming in a small room. Additionally, practical lights that can be seen on camera such as lamps can be used as motivation for your background lighting setup.
Get Started
As you can see, there are many affordable and easy ways to make your productions look professional. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to create amazing videos while maximizing efficiency within your budget. So what are you waiting for? The best time to get started is today!
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