Video

When it Comes to Video… Keep it Short

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I have never met a video that wouldn’t benefit from some editing. The whole purpose of video is to compress time and distill a message to its essence. It is important that you refine a project by continuing to strip away its unneeded parts. Never have I heard an audience complain that a video was too short. There is a reason to edit and it becomes increasingly clear when you actually watch people as they watch your project. Do your best to strip a project down to its essence and only add what is needed.

Be sure to join me at the TAP 2013 conference where I’ll share best strategies for keeping your videos watchable.

Preparing For Going In Front of a Video Camera

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In your quest to create digital content, video is a likely medium you’ll work with.  Going in front of a video camera can be very stressful.  Here are a few tips so you (or your subject) looks their best.

  • Bring at least one alternate set of clothing so you can change as needed if the clothes don’t look flattering on camera.
  • For those who are prone to sweat (especially under hot lights) revisit the old days and wear an undershirt
  • Herringbone, stripes, or small patterns do not look good on camera.
  • Keep your jewelry simple.
  • Do not wear bright white. Cream, eggshell, or a light gray is preferred for proper contrast on camera.
  • Consider wearing a light coat of makeup (typically a foundation or light cream). This is to help you look and feel your best. You can choose not to wear it, but all the top network folks do (even the guys).
  • Avoid enumeration or the phrase “Like I said before.” This can avoid lots of problems when the video is edited.
  • Don’t be afraid to stop and start over. If you feel uncomfortable or would like a moment to gather your thoughts, please take your time.
  • Relax. it will help you look and sound your best.


Be sure to join me at the TAP 2013 conference where I’ll share best strategies for keeping your videos watchable.

Backdrops for Chroma Keying

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AdoramaTV presents DSLR | Video Skills with Richard Harrington. Today, Rich explores different editing techniques to make realistic backdrops for chroma keying. Learn how you can adjust the focal point or the depth of field of your photo by using some of these key tools in Adobe Photoshop CS6.

When you have a photo you want to use as a background, sometimes the focal point or the depth of field isn't suitable for using behind your subject when keying a green screen. In this episode, Rich touches up four photos to use as potential backdrops for his green screen project. By using tools such as the camera lens blur effect, masking, or the blur tool you can make your own custom depth mattes that will work perfectly with your chroma key.

Adjusting Shutter Speed in a DSLR

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This digital video tutorial explains how the golden rule of shutter speed and when you might want to deviate from it. Watch more at http://www.lynda.com/video-tutorials/DSLR-Video-Tips/103707-2.html?utm_medium.... This specific tutorial is from the DSLR Video Tips series presented by lynda.com authors Rich Harrington and Robbie Carman. The complete DSLR Video Tips course is presented as a weekly lynda.com series and covers the most common questions videographers encounter when shooting and editing with DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras, from choosing a frame size and frame rate to understanding moiré.

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Better Monitoring for DSLR Video

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AdoramaTV presents DSLR | Video Skills with Richard Harrington. Join Rich as he explains the importance of properly monitoring your shot. Unlike digital photography, there are not many options available to fix a video after a field shoot. In this episode, learn different ways you can prevent focus or exposure problems by adding extra equipment to help. Items such as a camera rig, a reliable viewfinder, and a field monitor will help you to avoid problems that can not be fixed in post.

My New, Favorite Light

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This is my favorite new light… works great and I've used in for portraits, studio, and green screen work.

Adorama Photography TV presents the Lowel Prime 400 LED Light. Join Rich as he tests out all the key functions of this very popular production light. If you ever need a lightweight, all-inclusive light for either in the studio or out in the field, this is the one for you.

This quiet LED light is perfect for just about any situation.  One of the key features is that it is cool enough to touch without safety gloves.  Not only that, but your talent will remain comfortable throughout production sitting under this light either in the studio or in the field. 

A Bigger Video Network

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While major sites like YouTube and Vimeo remain important, here are a few additional sites to keep in mind as you build your video distribution network:

  • 5min (www.5min.com)—Tutorial videos shorter than five minutes in duration.
  • Bing (www.bing.com)—Microsoft’s new search engine has a video directory.
  • Brightcove (www.brightcove.com)—A paid service that lets you target many outlets including mobile phones.
  • Dailymotion (www.dailymotion.com)—A broad interest site that also has distribution to many mobile devices.
  • GrindTV (www.grindtv.com)—A site for extreme sports videos.
  • Howcast (www.howcast.com)—The site specializes in educational videos and offers applications for both the Android and
  • iFood.TV (www.ifood.tv)—A site all about food.
  • Sclipo (www.sclipo.com)—A paid site that offers e-learnin systems.
  • Streetfire (www.streetfire.com)—A site for automobile enthusiasts.
  • StupidVideos (www.stupidvideos.com)—A site for humorous videos.
  • Videojug (www.videojug.com)—The site only offers “factual” content rather than entertainment.


For more news like this, be sure to read the IAEPUB Site — You also won't want to miss the TAP!2013 conference for Digital Content Creators.

Free Color Grading Class for Video

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A free class that shows a lot of tips for color grading. Some of it is specific to Tiffen Dfx software, but a lot of the concepts work everywhere.

Learn to color grade with your video editing program and Tiffen® Dfx® version 3 film/video plug-in software for Avid Systems®; Adobe® CS4/5/6 including After Effects® and Premiere®; Apple® Final Cut Pro® 6/7/X.

Take 30% off with this unique code: RHEDDFX13
It can be redeemed here: http://tiffensoftware.com/promos