Making high quality videos is a great way for tourism businesses to be creative, stay connected to people at home and showcase your product. Before you start recording, there are a few simple tricks and tips to learn that will significantly increase the production quality of your videos.

Tools you need to start shooting videos

Filming high quality video is easily achievable without a lot of previous experience. To start making your own video content, the most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a camera. There are four types of devices we recommend:

  • Smartphones and tablets - readily available, providing instant footage
  • Action camera (including GoPros) - compact, versatile, produces high quality video
  • Camcorder - specifically designed for recording videos » Compact still cameras and DSLR cameras - high quality and suitable for beginners and experienced creators.

Lighting

Lighting can have a powerful effect on the quality of your video. Remember to keep it simple and get creative by using lights and lamps.

  • For more control, shoot in shadow or shade, then use light to brighten your subject.
  • Take advantage of soft light in the early morning or late afternoon when shooting outdoors. Ensure the sun is behind your subject so their face is fully in shadow (evenly lit, no contrast). This is called backlit. This will stop your subject having to squint throughout filming.
  • Once your subject is positioned in front of the sun, tap your phone screen while framing the subject's face to adjust the exposure settings.
  • Place your subject behind and away from bright ceiling lights when shooting indoors. Overhead lights can cause harsh shadows beneath the eyebrows.
  • You can create your own lighting at home. Shine a torch through a white sheet or blanket to create a diffused lighting effect on your subject's face. The bigger and softer the light is, the better it will look.

Framing

Framing is the layout of your shot. Framing can either be landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical). Generally, it’s best to shoot in landscape, as computer screens, TV screens and cinemas play content in this format. When shooting for social media platforms such as Instagram, shooting in portrait is recommended.

The subject is the person featured in your video. Position the subject either to one side, looking off camera (news interview style), or in the middle and looking straight at the camera (social media style). It’s important your subject is clear, in focus and takes up most of the frame. Keep your camera at eye level.

Audio

Audio is the sound in your video. It plays an important role in keeping viewers engaged. Poor quality audio is more likely to lose viewers than poor quality video. Background noise can be a distraction; for example, wind and traffic noise if filming outside, or echoes from tiled or polished surfaces if filming indoors.

Microphone

If you plan to produce multiple videos, there are more advanced methods using microphones for high quality audio. Visit your local electronic retailer for options and pricing. There are two types of recommended microphones:

Lavalier (lapel) microphone

Lavalier microphones, also called lapel microphones, are small and clip on to the subject’s shirt or collar. They allow you to record with greater flexibility. This method is commonly used with DSLR cameras and smartphones. Ensure the microphone is close to the subject's mouth for good quality audio.

Directional microphone

Directional microphones pick up sound from a specific area. They are designed to minimise background noise and pick up most sound from the front. If using just the one smartphone, a directional microphone is a good solution.

A more advanced technique: consider using two smartphones to record audio

1. Connect one to the lavalier microphone, place the phone in the subject’s pocket and attach the microphone to the chest or collar.

2. Use the second smartphone to record video. The two audio tracks can then be synced using simple editing software. Recommended software includes: iMovie, Windows Movie Maker and Filmora9.

Filming products and experiences

It’s a good idea to film the experience that your subject discusses in the video if possible; this is called b-roll or cutaways. B-roll shots are great for setting the scene and providing energy to your video. Your b-roll should include good framing, audio and lighting to make your video stand out.

Quick Tips

  • Make sure your camera is steady. Make sure you use a tripod or have steady hands. Newer smartphones and GoPros have automatic stabilisation which is useful when filming a scene. Waving a phone or camera around will give your audience a sense of motion sickness. When using a tripod, be careful; videos with no movement may look like a photograph.
  • Aim for a variety of shots and use the rule of three. Similar to a movie, a good idea is to have a variety of shots to cut between your scenes. The rule of three is very handy and will increase the production value of your video tenfold: shoot each scene or action three times, with three different angles. Move around and get creative.

For example, if you are filming someone tasting a glass of wine:

  1. Shoot it wide, to showcase the surrounding environment.
  2. Shoot it again a little bit tighter so you can see the subject and the wine clearly.
  3. The third shot might be a close-up of the subject’s face enjoying the wine or tasting the wine.
  • A more advanced tip: consider shooting b-roll sequences at a higher frame rate or slow motion. This can be found in most camera settings.

Videos on social media

Bring your story and experience to life with videos on social media. Connect with your audience, share your unique stories and inspire people to dream about their next adventure.

Quick tips

  • For the best results, create a piece of content for each social media platform you wish to use.
  • Ensure your video has an engaging caption. Think about the purpose of your video and your audience. Be fun, exciting and inspiring.
  • Timing is important. Post your video at a time when the audience will most likely see and engage with your content. Consider the different time zones of your audience, time of day and how they will view your video. Each social media platform will differ slightly; the best way to find the ideal time is by testing your posts to see which one generates the most engagement.

Video format

The aspect ratio of a video is the ratio of its width to its height. Each channel has its own format. Using these ratios will result in a better connection with your viewer.

  • Facebook: Portrait 4:5
  • Instagram: Portrait 4:5 » IGTV is full screen (16:9 or 9:16 vertical or horizontal)
  • Stories: Portrait 9:16
  • Twitter: Landscape/Square (video only)
  • YouTube: Landscape 16:9

Sizing

There are limitations on file size and length for each social media platform. The higher the quality of your video, the larger the file size. Instagram: video posts must be under 59 seconds.

  • IGTV: video posts longer than 60 seconds will convert to an IGTV (long format).
  • Stories: 15 seconds per slide.