How to Film Yourself and Look Cinematic

Life Of Riza
23 Aug 202309:53
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script provides tips and techniques for solo videographers to improve their filming skills. It covers choosing the right basic gear like cameras and tripods, techniques for getting better lighting using available natural light, the importance of getting coverage with different shot types and perspectives to tell visual stories, using sites like Storyblocks for supplemental b-roll footage, and overall best practices that elevate production value. The key message is that through practice and an iterative process, solo creators can learn to problem-solve and even find enjoyment in the filming and editing process.

Takeaways
  • 😊 Learn to film yourself so you don't have to rely on others to create
  • 📸 Invest in basic gear like a camera, tripod, microphone and lights
  • 🌄 Pay attention to lighting and position yourself wisely
  • 🎥 Get coverage with wide, medium and close up shots
  • 🎞️ Use sites like Storyblocks for stock footage to establish scenes
  • 🎬 Make creative decisions that aid the story you want to tell
  • 🌆 Enjoy the filming process and problem solving involved
  • 😌 Find what works for you and the way you like to create
  • ⏳ Miss shots sometimes and have to redo things
  • 🎥 Become more adept at thinking filmmaking things on the fly
Q & A

  • Why did the creator prefer to learn filming solo?

    -The creator preferred to learn filming solo to avoid bothering others and to not rely on anyone else.

  • What was a major challenge the creator faced when wanting to create content?

    -A major challenge was the constant need to wait for help, which created friction and sometimes halted creativity.

  • What kind of videos does the creator primarily shoot for their channel?

    -The creator primarily shoots videos by themselves for their channel.

  • What camera did the creator recently acquire, and why is it significant to them?

    -The creator recently acquired the Sony FX3, which is significant to them because it was their dream camera.

  • What lens does the creator prefer for versatility when getting B-roll?

    -The creator prefers using the 24 to 70 lens for its versatility when getting B-roll.

  • What are some recommended equipment for solo filming according to the creator?

    -Recommended equipment includes a camera, tripod, external monitor, microphone, and possibly a motorized slider for movement in shots.

  • How does the creator suggest improving lighting for better visual storytelling?

    -The creator suggests focusing on lighting, like using natural light from a window, to transform footage and give it a cinematic quality.

  • What is the purpose of getting a variety of shots in a scene?

    -Getting a variety of shots immerses the viewer into the scene and provides different perspectives for a richer storytelling experience.

  • How does the creator use Storyblocks to enhance their video production?

    -The creator uses Storyblocks for accessing stock footage, sound effects, and motion graphic templates, saving time and resources in video production.

  • What mindset does the creator encourage towards the filmmaking process?

    -The creator encourages enjoying the filmmaking process, finding it meditative and relaxing, and viewing it as an opportunity to solve problems creatively.

Outlines
00:00
🎥 How to Film Yourself: Gear, Lighting, and Storytelling

The first paragraph introduces the video topic - how to film yourself - whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, content creator, or want to document your life. It covers why filming yourself is an important skill - not having to rely on others for help and being able to create whenever inspiration strikes. The key points are: not relying on others for help with filming, being able to create consistently whenever creativity sparks, and learning to achieve the vision in your head when shooting solo.

05:05
🌄 Use Natural Light and Camera Placement for Cinematic Looks

The second paragraph focuses on lighting and getting a cinematic look by effectively using natural light from a window. It discusses adjusting the camera placement to go from blown out light to nicely shaped light and shadows that enhance the footage. Additional tips cover adding diffusion to soften light more and paying attention to the lighting angle. It emphasizes learning to shape natural light and frame shots properly.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡solo filming
Filming by yourself without the help of a team. The video discusses techniques for solo filming including choosing equipment, lighting setups, camera angles, and coverage to create high-quality videos by yourself. As the narrator says: 'This means getting a variety of shots for the scene you are filming...get that long shot that medium long shot that Medium shot, that Medium close-up that close-up different perspectives'.
💡coverage
Getting multiple shot sizes and angles of a scene. This shows the viewer different perspectives and helps convey the story. The narrator says: 'This means getting a variety of shots for the scene you are filming...get that long shot that medium long shot that Medium shot, that Medium close-up that close-up different perspectives'.
💡natural lighting
Using available or ambient light rather than artificial lighting setups. The video shows simple techniques like positioning near a window to take advantage of natural light for a cinematic look. As the narrator says: 'I'm sitting in front of a window I'm on my 24 to 70 lens 50 millimeter focal length right now and as you can see the window is blown out, not a great image however just by changing the placement of our tripod we can go from this to this and it is already a world of a difference'.
💡storytelling
Using visuals and editing techniques to convey a compelling story. As the narrator says: 'At the end of the day filmmaking is a tool to help better convey the story you're trying to tell...make creative decisions that Aid what's already going on in the scene'.
💡external monitor
A secondary screen that attaches to the camera to allow monitoring of framing, focus, exposure etc while filming solo. Useful for one-person shoots.
💡focal length
The zoom capability of a lens, how narrow or wide the field of view is. Wider angles are used to establish a scene while longer focal lengths are used for close-ups.
💡cinematic lighting
Lighting setups that create high contrast, distinct shadows and shafts of light reminiscent of feature films. Often uses natural light or simulated natural light.
💡depth of field
The portion of a scene that is in focus. Shallow depth of field draws attention to the subject while keeping background soft and out of focus.
💡framing
How subjects and elements are composed within the camera frame to convey meaning or direct attention.
💡visual cues
Using what is shown on camera to lead the audience to understand something - could be how to feel based on lighting/color or where to look by framing.
Highlights

I didn't want to bother anybody and they didn't want to rely on anybody

It was a huge point of friction for me that I knew that I had to figure out if I not only want to keep sharing my work on a consistent basis

Most of the videos that I shoot on this channel are by myself

If I could film on this you can film on anything

Focusing on lighting is the one thing that is going to transform your footage and give it that cinematic quality

Just by moving our camera placement we can create more shadows

This means getting a variety of shots for the scene you are filming

You can start with an establishing shot. This can be a wide shot it can also be an aerial shot

Every shot should be purposeful

Learn how to enjoy the process

Find what works for you and the way you like to work

Being a filmmaker is also being a problem solver

I have found a system where I actually find it quite relaxing to film by myself

Enjoying it just makes it easy to get into flow

Sometimes you'll even capture some magic

Transcripts

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