Hi Amber,
Thanks for your prompt reply with answers to several of the points raised. During the day I followed leads to your YT site and from there to other social media sites that I know nothing about (My age of course). Naturally, I eventually came across a few more of your videos all being in the same style. Needless to say I have learned quite a lot about you. Student – artist etc. and the fact that I am more than 60 years older than you.
I did try to view your Facebook site but for some reason, it wasn’t available? I know little about Facebook, but I do know it’s possible to send a private message which I would like to have done along with a link to a small clip of video I’ve already created but prefer not to put on an open forum. However, I think I have found on one of your other sites a spot to send a private message. Unless you can tell me another way to send you a clip?
I didn’t view all the way through each video but generally, I was able to understand what you were talking about. All in all, I’m quite impressed. I returned to the video posted here and viewed again and by concentrating was able to understand a lot more of what you are saying. I noticed you used changes of location for recording other videos. All interesting of course.
"I'll do my best to slow down a little!" It’s appreciated that consciously trying to slow down when you are speaking for video, might result in sounding a little stilted and unnatural. It will need some practice. Even after all my years of making videos, I still find I have a great deal more to learn both at the taking and editing stage. Keep up the good work.
"I do use a smaller tripod to record the close-ups, I think my hands might have been a little shaky in these clips, but again, I'll try to slow down!"
Ah, tripods! You mention using a smaller tripod for your close-ups and panning. Over time I have found that the smaller (and cheaper) tripods are not equipped with substantial – and adequate - pan/tilt head suitable for video. Sadly this can result in quite wobbly pans/tilts unless the greatest care is taken. I have now again studied your video and think that for your pan on the first strip of artwork, you
didn’t pan the camera but held the strip between your hands and moved the actual artwork??? I don’t think that is an ideal way to get a very smooth result!!! I do have a superb BIG tripod to use with my main camera but sadly it’s now too heavy for me to carry around these days. My next smaller tripod is adequate but still suffers from problems occasionally, especially outdoors in a strong breeze.
"It's quite a tricky setup as a have to reach around my camera to film these close-ups.. I might need to find a better way to film these clips!" I fully understand what you mean. I’m fortunate in that my main (BIG) camera has a remote control that enables stop/start and zoom from my position in front of the camera. However, my small camcorder doesn’t have this facility so when using this camera this is the way I do it. I will do all the framing up etc. then get up from my position (usually at a table) walk around to the camera and start it then return and sit again. After the take, I walk to camera to switch off. Admittedly it’s a bit long-winded. The excess footage at the beginning and end is easily cropped at the editing stage. Have you tried this way? I mention two of my cameras that are camcorders. I don’t have one of the modern DSLR types. Do you use a DSLR type or a camcorder?
"It might be showing my attention span, but I personally find intro's to distract a little from the video itself, but I'll see if I can add something." Ah yes – your active mind is anxious to get to the meat of the video. I appreciate and understand your point but a quite short intro would be suitable. As mentioned I have actually made a 30-second test clip to show you. See my earlier comment about sending you a small private message.
"A gachapon/Gashapon (often spelt either way) is a Japanese toy that comes in little round capsules, that you get from machines (usually cheaper items)"
I’ve now Googled GACHAPON and understand what you mean and what the product is. You didn’t answer my query about what you do with these items?
What is the purpose of your videos? Are you selling the displayed items? Who are the videos directed at? The answers to these questions would give a guide to the way you present your work. Don’t forget I came across your video not knowing anything at all about the subject matter and thus had to do some research.
"I have actually been working on a transition screen to change from one view to another, to avoid the sudden jump cuts!" I’ve no idea what editing programme you use but that really isn’t important as most programmes do have a section for creating transitions. You can tell me what programme you use if you wish! As already mentioned, I have already made a very short sample clip that covers a couple of transitions and other points.
"I mean over the video while editing, I basically increase the exposure, gamma and contrast slightly and add a 'peach' colour over the top, I've found that is the most flattering to myself, and I just like the look of it! I might change the settings a little for the up-close shots, to make sure all of the detail is shown!" Thanks for explaining about your ‘custom’ filter. It shows your artistic creative side again. What is important is that YOU have created it yourself and YOU like the result – that’s all that matters and that it suits your projects.
Do let me know your suggestion for sending you this short demo clip in a private way.
Happy videoing.
Pete.