The more digital the world becomes, the more digital skills become highly sought after by prospective employers. When it comes to content creation in the modern world, video is king, which is why video production skills might be the most sought after of the lot. Traditional media has made way for social media and marketing to an online audience means quality, snappy video productions produced on a budget. Employers are acutely aware of the potential of video content which makes now a great time to upskill in video production.

While putting together short, snappy social media videos might seem like a snap, the reality is much different. The best videos have been created by people with hundreds of hours of experience, up-to-date training and an intimate knowledge of what works with their target audience.

Learning Videography

There is a sea of tools out there to help you to develop your skills in videography, but it is easy to get marooned because of the sheer weight of choice. Even picking the right online video cutter can be a challenge, so it is important to understand which tools, methods and skills are going to help accelerate your learning in the field of video production.

1. Understand the Basics

First things first: videography is an art that requires a solid understanding of some key concepts. Here are three key basics to engage with that virtually all videographers adopt in their own careers:

• Choose the Right Background

  The right backdrop can truly make or break your video content, so it definitely pays to consider where you’d like to set your film creations. Ideally, your backdrop should complement your video’s wider aesthetics and presented narrative without distracting from the actual substance behind your concept.

  The best backdrops are typically also uncluttered, providing your video with a clean canvas upon which you can be more expressive with accompanying graphics, imagery, or even animations.

• Master Lighting Techniques

  Using lighting effectively can greatly enhance the quality of your video content. Not only will effective lighting ensure that your video footage maintains a consistent level of light and shadow, but effective lighting will also help ensure that your footage is comfortable for audiences to watch.

  Of course, lighting for video production is a subtle art all on its own, so videography students should feel encouraged to experiment with a variety of different types of video lighting. A key light serves as the primary source of illumination, while a fill light helps soften shadows created by the key light. Backlighting helps separate your subject from the background, adding depth to your scene. Side lighting can introduce texture, and practical lighting – using everyday light sources like lamps or screens within the scene – can add realism to your shots.

• Implement the Rule of Thirds

  When framing any shot, you should always resist the urge to place your subject in the centre. Instead, employ the rule of thirds which has been a staple in visual arts since 1797. Imagine dividing your frame into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Position your subject at one of the intersections of these lines. This in a nutshell, is how you can practice the rule of thirds for your next video project.

  This technique can help create a more balanced, visually interesting shot. Many cameras even offer grid overlays in their viewfinders to assist with this.

2. Invest in Good Equipment

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need professional-level videography equipment to make good quality videos. What truly matters is the quality of your gear – not its cost. A great tip here is to purchase good equipment second-hand wherever you can, ideally from a reputable second-hand reseller. This can be a lot cheaper than buying the most up-to-date Sony Alpha series camera. Rest assured, the resale value of your second-hand camera may decline dramatically, but its quality will not.

A high-quality camera captures sharper, more detailed images, and a good microphone guarantees clear audio. Adding a tripod brings stability to your shots, eradicating pesky shakes, and a well-thought-out lighting arrangement significantly enhances the visual allure of your scenes.

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3. Master the Art of Storytelling

There is the mechanical art of video production, which we have already touched on. Having the right software, the right hardware and knowing how to use them is also important. But the best videos involve creative flare and the ancient art of storytelling to be successful. One minute of video is worth 1.8 million words, highlighting just how much impact you can deliver with quality storytelling.

Even the most slick video production is going to fail to land if the audience is not engaged and left wanting to know more. This is the art that many would-be video producers do not have and the reason why they fall behind the pack. Working on your creativity, unlocking your imagination and really getting to know your target audience and their pain points are critical parts of the video production process.

4. Learn to Edit Videos

Video editing is a meticulous process that can transform raw footage into a captivating narrative. There are several key elements to consider when editing videos, each contributing to the final product's overall quality and impact.

Here are the main skills you should hone when learning to be a video editor:

• Trimming video footage – you’re going to have hours of raw footage that need to be condensed into short snappy videos. Choosing what hits the cutting room floor takes some getting used to, especially when you’re slicing out content that you thought was awesome.

• Rearranging and sequencing – time for your storytelling skills to kick in. You’re going to need to place snippets of video in sequential order, married up to the story you’re looking to tell with your finished video. Storyboarding is an excellent way to connect your video slices with the relevant content and create a sequence that flows and helps tell that story.

• Adding visual effects – ready to have fun? Hollywood effects are literally available in modern video editing software and opens the door for big-scale productions on a shoestring budget. But be careful, you don't want to go over the top and have a Bruce Willis action movie or an eye-melting mashup of too many effects.

• Sound editing – choosing the background music and editing in the dialogue can be considered an afterthought, but it is just as important as your video editing. Removing background noise, ensuring all levels are correct and that the tone and execution matches your message are all crucial here.

• Colour correction and grading – lastly, consider colour correction and grading to establish a uniform appearance throughout your video. These techniques play a role in creating a consistent look and feel, ensuring a cohesive visual experience for your audience.

5. Practice Regularly and Seek Feedback

These two bits of advice should be your mantra. Video editing and production is not a skill that can be learned overnight, and you are going to make tons of mistakes along the journey.

Many of these mistakes will evade your editing as well, so asking the experts for assistance is critical.

Try not to lock yourself down to one specific style or genre either, as each type of video production has its own unique challenges. Pieces to camera will really test your sound editing skills along with working with live actors. Sport will teach you just how hard it is to get that perfect visual out of hundreds of hours of recording.

But most importantly, have fun. Collaborate with others and refine your storytelling skills along with the practical elements. Video production training is a journey, but a fulfilling one that can lead to a career of wonderful opportunities around the world.

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