For the past ten years, MO Studios have specialised in producing professional videography for e-commerce, including jewellery, clothing, accessories, skincare, cosmetics, and more. From that time, we have learnt a few essential tips along the way that we want to share with everyone.

Preparing Your Camera Kit Beforehand

It is best to pack all needed gear for filming the day before any filming day if you’re filming outside the studio. Dedicating time packing your filming gear also lets you check and test everything is in total working order. In addition, cleaning, packing and suitably protecting your camera lenses and making sure your camera sensors are clean is essential. As a result, this helps ensure you are fully prepared and you and your team are ready to set up quickly when you arrive at the filming location.

The Correct Professional Videography Kit

When filming with a DSLR type camera, consider packing alternative power options for any kit you are bringing that may need it (including your phone), a pack of data cards and a selection of lenses and audio equipment. 

Each different project and its filming environment will, more often than not, require a different set of professional videography equipment. By planning your filming project, you will be able to order or hire additional equipment that may be necessary for addition to your kit. 

Consider your client’s needs

Do you understand how much technical knowledge your client has about videography? Your client may be new to film or video production and would need you to explain any questions they have. Consider asking your client about their technical video knowledge or researching their career background. If you understand their experience level before the project starts, you can make changes based on their experience levels during the production and filming process. 

Consider potential challenges

Taking the time to think about the project in advance of the shoot day is an excellent way to formulate ideas and potential challenges you may face. Consider what information you know about the location, such as the location and who and what you’re filming. Whether you are filming the project indoors or outdoors, always check weather forecasts beforehand. Having this knowledge may affect your decision on what kit you need for your filming session.

While planning safe working methods with your kit and all involved, you should also consider what problems occur. For example, when filming in a public area such as a busy street, you need to manage the security for yourself, your team and your equipment. In addition, you may sometimes come across people in public places that present challenges to your project.

Good Lighting For Professional Videography

One of the crucial aspects of achieving professional-looking videos is having sufficient lighting for your project. So, while planning your shoot, consider checking how much light will be available and plan what lighting you need to achieve the desired effect. However, if you’re on a budget and work with existing lights like lamps and natural lighting. Then, consider how you can make it work for your particular scene.

For example, if you want a dramatic-looking scene, you’ll want shadows in the right places. On the contrary, having plenty of light can add cheer and create an ethereal feel, depending on your light placement.

Plan your travel To The Shoot Location

It is best to arrive early to where a project will be filmed. This allows more time to set up the equipment and helps remove the potential stress of rushing to set up. 

It is always helpful to check the expected travel time on Google Maps for the method of travel and time of day. This is also good in case there is a disruption or roadworks on the way to the shoot location.

Protect Your Files

It is recommended to use a reliable brand of the fastest SD cards available for camera recordings. An excellent example of an SD card brand is SanDisk cards, as they come with a lifetime guarantee. Another advantage of purchasing the fastest cards available is that they have remained useable over a longer timeframe. With different camera upgrades and filming with higher data rates.

I hope you have found this list of videography tips for filming helpful. Do get in touch if you would like any help or advice with your project. Also, if you have any videography tips of your own, do let me know.

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