I want to start with the film industry.
Makers of renowned films grossed millions with minimal camera setup but maximising their ideas.
Shooting a video is fun. You can play with your thoughts or change the narrative. You can add cinematic elements to it or keep the video as simple as possible.
And there is more than one reason to make videos because people not only watch them but also want to watch them.
That is probably why YouTube is awarded the position of the 2nd most used website for content.
Yes, you have found the golden word: Content.
A few years ago, when we didn’t yet achieve free Internet access by phones and other lightweight computers such as laptops etc., the word ‘content creation wasn’t that popular.
Although there are content creators around the globe, who write blogs like this, record podcasts, or create amazing digital pictures, video creators dominate the definition of ‘content creation these days.
The enthusiasm of video creators is the thing that drives them. With the arrival of Vertical Videos (led by Tik Tok and other apps), this enthusiasm seemed to have reached an ‘ultra’ level.
Don’t let money issues stop you from creating awesome videos.
So, How Can I Make Videos Even If I Have Less Money?
The answer is simple: Think differently, as the directors/ filmmakers did.
Videography is an art. And you cannot define art by exaggerating it with the tag ‘expensive’. Stay focused, and you will know what you must do to make video work.
Be it a videography project like shooting a wedding or a birthday party or creating a cinematic B-roll for your business, all you have to do is to employ alternative methods to make that video rich with content.
Yes, don’t forget that. People want content and not a video made with precious objects.
These alternative methods are written down below:
- You Don’t Always Need a GimbalTry Investing in a Tripod and a Sound Recording Unit
- Lights? Choose Natural
- Select a Normal (but Aesthetic) Background
- Switch to Vertical Videos
- Just Use Your Phone
- Go for Minimal Video Editing with Free Software
- An Alternative to Audio Recording: Add Texts in Your Video
Let us know a little more about these points.
You Don’t Always Need a Gimbal
A gimbal is what you call an image stabilisation device. You use it because you want your footage not to be shaky or jerky.
But gimbals (a good one) do cost much. Yes, you can buy one later, but there are many ways to shoot steady footage just by using your hands.
Slow movements, camera angles, and brief shots are crucial to getting this effect. Some people use skateboards or roller skates to shoot videos with good stability.
Apart from that, you also get a Google App to stabilize your videos. If you record videos on your phone, phone, then it is likely that you will get image stabilization features in the native camera app of the device.
Try Investing in a Tripod and a Sound Recording Unit
The goodness of a tripod is the adjustable heights.
You don’t always get a table or a high bookshelf (with nothing on it) in places. When you are shooting outdoors or making a video in the woods or other natural areas, a tripod can help significantly with both the HEIGHT and the ANGLE.
Besides, they aren’t that costly.
For sound recording, you can go for wired devices. Choose a shotgun mic for that. The wired ones will give you the best latency. Additionally, they have fewer chances of getting damaged than the wireless ones (no offence!).
Lights? Choose Natural
I recommend you use natural light.
Of course, ring lights do good work in offering you quality videos. However, in some cases, natural light does the same (perhaps better).
So, use the lights from your windows, positioning the camera at the back of them. Try shooting in the mornings or the days, as light distribution won’t fluctuate at this time.
Select a Normal (but Aesthetic) Background
See, you do not need to buy aesthetic plants, show pieces, or other objects to make your background look good.
You might need a quick no-guarantor loan in Ireland if you don’t have a camera. It is because spending a few extra Euros to buy a camera with more facilities still counts.
But using the money for owning show-pieces and desk accessories meant to ‘look good and do nothing, is not a smart solution to make better videos.
As mentioned earlier, your videos should ‘do more than just ‘look good.
Switch to Vertical Videos
This is the reason there are so many Tik Tok enthusiasts.
Now, you have got YouTube Shorts for that, too, and plenty of other apps,
You can probably make Vertical videos on the ‘least budget’.
Just Use Your Phone
If you are using a good Android phone or one of the latest iPhones, you know that they come with more than one lens and advanced video recording features.
Android phones can give you superb camera resolution of up to 64 megapixels with 4K video recording. You get ‘cinematic mode’ in the latest iPhones too.
Go for Minimal Video Editing with Free Software
Just change the frame rate to 24 frames per second (fps); add an accent ratio.
Taking care of the white balance, the aperture while you shoot, makes your job half-done. For these minimal; editing hacks, you can get free applications.
You may use apps like:
- VSDC Free Video Editor
- Vimeo Editor
- Openshot
Try these video editors out to produce your video.
An Alternative to Audio Recording: Add Texts in Your Video
So, you are saying that you don’t want to invest in a microphone?
Well, you use subtitles or text instead of making sounds in your videos.
Or choose a free track from the royalty music stores. You may get some of them on YouTube too.
To Conclude: Don’t Overthink! Don’t Overdo it!
Before shooting the video, you must devise a script for it.
But remember that you have to start somewhere, and preparing for a long time won’t actually get the job done.
Instead, keep the recording and the video content simple. That could get you more views.
So, keep on shooting, but don’t stress yourself.