How to Record Videos for Photography Course: Full guide
Learn this step-by-step procedure to learn the process of planning and recording an online photography course's video tutorials (and by adding bonus content) with CreativeMindClass, a free tool that is used by the top photographers.
How do you plan and create your videos using 10 easy steps
Make videos, download files and exercises.
At this point, you should have a plan of your course. It's now time to consider how you will present each element of your course. Interactive, stimulating, and fun content creates a great learning experience for students online. The most effective method to present learning outcomes is to mix different multimedia: videos and screen recordings, slideshows, audio, hand-outs, and exercises.
In this guide, you'll learn the pragmatic approach to creating and recording videos for your course and preparing additional materials such as downloadable files and engaging students in active learning by providing assignments. Remember, content preparation is the foundation of your class, therefore you might find yourself working on the steps for a while.
Steps in this guide
- Include a YouTube video for each lesson
- Select the type of video lesson
- Record videos for your online photography course
- Create a educational experience that is primarily focused on video
- Create a download file
- Choose the downloadable files for your lessons
- Add high-resolution or native files to your lesson plans
- Create an activity to an existing lesson
- Students are asked to share photographs and ask for critique
- Make an online community to support your class
1. Make sure to include a video with every lesson
Videos are the most captivating method of presenting your information. A good online photography class includes between four and 25 hours of video. It's not easy to turn on the camera to film yourself for that long.
Be aware that video can take on diverse forms, such as presentations or screen recordings with audio. This does not mean you have to stand present in front of the camera all the time. If you have a hard to decide on the right kind of video you'll need for your class Learn more about the different types of video in the next section.
How to do it within CreativeMindClass
- Make a class new for your lessons on video.
- Click on the LESSONS tab to open it.
- Choose Videolesson kind.
- Download a video from your computer.
- Include a video in each lesson.
Pro Tip: Depending on the tools that you will utilize to produce your videos You will be left with a range of format options like MOV, MP4, or WMV. Don't worry about that your videos will automatically convert to formats that your students will be able to watch on their desktops or on mobile devices.
2. Select the type of video lesson you want to use.
Look at your course outline. Which method is most effective to deliver the learning outcomes from each class?
The videos you bring into your classes are the key in creating an interactive online class and provide students with an enjoyable learning experience. They can be produced by using your equipment and the shooting space right at home with your existing skills in your arsenal.
After you've finished recording and editing your videos, you have multiple small, 16:9 high-quality video files that you can upload. Be aware of the top quality of your video. Resolution must be at least 1080p.
There are many kinds of videos you can create for your lessons:
1. Videos showing your face
What does it mean:Showing your face is the perfect method to display yourself as a real humanbeing, but in a physical setting. This allows students acquainted with you, and creates trust and a personal connection. Viewers can instantly recognize you from your face as well as your smile and your style of presentation.
Methods to use it: Record yourself sitting or standing. It is possible to shoot the footage at a variety of angles. There is a possibility of requiring a tripod for that.
Ideal for:Try the videos showing your face, such as, in a self-introduction or at the end of the course.
For which lessons would you use this video type? What objectives for the lesson could be accomplished best when you create an instructional video of your own self? Pick the lessons you want to teach and then make notes in the lesson description.
PRO Tips:For better sound quality for your videos, you should use an external microphone. You can start with the microphone you already have within your headphones.
2. Documentary video
What is it:A documentary video in an online program that shows your reality and surroundings.
These are great for photography studio, in which they can serve as a reference. Also, it's a way to showcase the behind-the-scenes of your work as photographer. The footage is fun to incorporate into different lessons within the lesson for a more enjoyable learning experience. This helps to give an opportunity to take a break, and also provide your students with some eye candy in delivering educational objectives.
How to do it:The documentary shots are the type of footage you will capture in many recording sessions. They can be quite entertaining to record since they provide creative opportunities as well as allowing you to act as if you're a film maker.
Ideal in:It's an excellent way of create interesting footage such as to discuss your background, show yourself making photos, or even the live demonstrations you've held.
PRO TIP: The majority of documentary footage you can record yourself. But for some shots, you might need some help. Ask your friend for help or find someone to help you for a few hours.
3. Videos of Talking Heads
What it is:You know, the talk-head videos that are found in Youtube tutorials are often used to present. The video that talks to you is a close-up video of you explaining things to the camera.
What you can do: Combine the talking head video and the visuals that are that are projected behind you, such as videos, slides or even a static image. For this, you need a green screen behind you while recording, and then add images after the production.
Ideal for:It's ideal for showing the program you are using for editing. Also, you can show photographs as inspiration and then make observations on those parts you enjoy or highlight commonly made mistakes by photographers.
What objectives for the lesson can you deliver best when you create a talking head video? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes in the course description.
PRO Tips: Lighting is crucial when making videos with talking heads. Make sure to avoid shadows, excessive exposure, or just poor lighting. Use rings or LED lights on tripods.
4. Videos that don't show your face
If putting your face in front of the camera causes too much it's possible to create video that don't show your face. It's important to think about the ways you can connect with your audience without using facial expressions. Think about ways to make your personality shine through in the script, your voice, and in your video material.
If you're using avatars or animations, think carefully on how you can make your characters appeal to your audience and allow you to create an emotional connection with them with them, without even showing your face.
5. A presentation with voiceover
What is it:Take a slide presentation, add a voiceover, and voilà! You created a slideshow video. No need to record your voice on a camera. That's it!
Methods to use it:Talk over your online photography lesson using Google Slides or PowerPoint. In order to make your course more interactive and more video-like, make use of Prezi using zooming-in and other exciting features. Once you have the slides prepared, you describe what's in the slides. Keep in mind the sound quality of the voiceover.
Best for:Such presentation is an easy method of digesting information for those who learn by watching. An audio-driven presentation is a great approach to learning. Especially when something needs to be looked at several times or remembered. The most essential information with diagrams, bullet points or graphs. You can also use photos, images, or your own doodles. It's helpful to display things like camera settings, shooting angles or light directions, for example.
What lesson goals can be delivered most effectively by creating a talking head video? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
6. Screen recordings
What it is:Screen recording shows what you are doing with your computer's display.
What to do:For screen recordings, it is possible to use Quicktime (on Mac) or press Windows Key + Alt + R. When you're ready with the recording, you can accelerate the dull parts and include your own audio narration or a music track. You can also top it out, including a talking head type of video to make it more engaging.
Ideal For:Such images are excellent to use, as an example, in that portion of your class that you will be discussing making edits to photos using Lightroom.
Which lesson objectives could you best deliver when you create screen recording videos? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
7. Whiteboard videos
What does it mean:You can convey your details using whiteboards. They're relatively easy to make. They are as simple as a black marker and an white background. There is no reason to be concerned about your company's colors and style.
How to do it:There are several ways to go about it. It can be a video showing you at the facing a whiteboard, or an animated version of photos taken with whiteboards (so it doesn't have to reveal your face). Also, you can create it using a digital drawing pad (like an iPad) or whiteboard animation software such as Doodly.
Ideal for:These videos work great for dynamic parts of content. They are great for marking something, circling and so on. It can be used as an example for creating composition lines, or for making arrows appear with light direction.
Which lesson objectives could be delivered most effectively when you create whiteboard videos? Choose the lessons and make notes in the course description.
8. AI videos and voiceovers
What is it:AI videos are another excellent way to create online videos for courses that don't show your face. These are professionally produced videos that include avatars and voiceovers.
Utilizing AI videos and voiceovers can make for a fast and efficient method of creating an online photography class. It can also be your distinguished teaching style but keep in mind that it's difficult to establish a connection with your students on AI-generated footage.
What is it: AI videos and voiceovers are created with plain text by using programs like Synthesia.
Best for:It's an alternative for your face shots if you feel uneasy making videos of yourself.
PRO Tip: If you don't like using an avatar in your online course, you may generate only a voiceover for your screen recordings or slide presentation. It's a nice walk around if you create a course in English but don't feel comfortable regarding your pronunciation.
Do you think using AI videos or voiceovers would benefit your instructional delivery? Which specific lesson objectives could be achieved this way? Choose the lessons and make notes within the lesson's description.
3. Record videos for your online photography course
If you've selected the appropriate video types to deliver your learning outcomes for every lesson, it's now the time to "Lights, camera, action! ".
Being a photographer, you benefit from the fact that it is possible for you to get a video camera and start making videos. A photographer has a lot of expertise that can be useful in making videos. You know how to look at lighting, composition and the other elements that are crucial in getting a great image, whether it's moving or not.
The thing you must be aware of is how an easy movement of your camera, or the things that you're photographing, can change the composition. However, your past experience can help you adjust rapidly. Here are some guidelines for setting up your recording studio and select the equipment, before you begin the recording of your video lessons
1. Create your recording area
The setup of your recording area is crucial to make sure your learners have a good experience learning from the online photography class. It is essential for them to be able see and hear the sound of you.
Depending on the video type you've chosen to deliver your learning outcomes You'll be able to choose different configurations:
- If you teach yourself or showing your work, you'll record yourself.
- For talking heads, you'll use editing software after you've completed recording to create screencasts as well as recordings of your speaking.
- In order to create presentation or screen recordings You'll be recording the computer's screen, and then record a voice-over for audio.
- In the case of whiteboards, you'll take a recording of yourself standing before the whiteboard or record the computer's screen, then record voiceovers.
You might use the studio your use for taking photos to record your course and it does not have to be a professional studio.
PRO Tip:For the video recording, keep in mind the same fundamental rules that apply when you're shooting photos; your camera remains stable on a tripod, there's enough light available and you can frame your shoot properly, and the captured area appears clean. In terms of audio, ensure there is no background and echo. It is possible to reduce these with blankets or soundproof acoustic panels.
2. Choose the right tools for video creation
Make a list of the gear or program you'd like to use to create each video. Depending on the type of video, it could involve the physical equipment such as a camera or tripod, lighting equipment and microphone or even programs for recording screen footage as well as post-production editing. Today's most modern and advanced equipment is great, but it's not essential.
Cameras: you most likely already have the option to record in your camera that you are using for pictures. If not, try recording using the camera of your computer or your mobile phone's camera.
Microphone:built-in cameras and microphones in your laptop or mobile phone have low quality audio. Make sure you have a hands-free mic or a tabletop mic.
Lighting:as photographer you're familiar with the importance of excellent lighting. Similar practices work for video recording. Use natural light or the lighting fixtures you already have at home. If you're unhappy with the results, you can try an ring light or 3-point light kit.
Screen record:Quicktime Player is for it on a Mac, or a install a no-cost app for Windows Obsproject
Editing you might be already using some Adobe Cloud products. For video editing, try Adobe Premiere Rush or Premiere Pro.
3. Start recording video lessons
You've been waiting for this thrilling moment for some time. Now, it's finally time to push the button on your camera.
Make a sample video in order to determine whether your sound as well as your video.
There is no need to record your video lessons chronologically. You can begin by choosing from the lessons list the one instruction that resonates with you or is the most straightforward to do. It can be a self-introductionor start to dive into your most-loved areas of your instructional lessons right away.
Leave out the recording of the lesson overview and conclusion to the final recording time, in the event that you'll add something unplanned to your lesson content.
PRO Tip: You can capture scenes from a day of recording. It's a great footage to advertise your photography course.
4. Create a learning experience with a focus on videos
The experience of watching a video course can be distinct from reading the text in a slide. There are certain features, navigation, and layout that is specific to video platforms. CreativeMindClass is an online course platform dedicated especially to videos and focuses in delivering an enjoyable learning experience by using video.
Usually, when you upload your video on an online platform, it's recommended practice to create a custom thumbnail to your uploaded video. This makes your video look stunning on the screen, however it also adds a bit of work. Therefore, we created something cool that doesn't need you doing the task. Once you upload your clip, we automatically select the highlights and best moments to display as a looped 3-8 seconds video. It's something like you might recognize from Spotify videos shown while music plays.
How to do it in CreativeMindClass
- For LESSON, select VIDEOlesson kind.
- Download a video from your PC.
- Visit Preview and enjoy the automatically produced lesson cover video.
5. Include a file that can be downloaded
Downloadable files are a great addition to your lesson. They're not just an efficient method of delivering the key learning outcomes you want to achieve and objectives, but they're also great for engaging your students to learn. What's sweet is that they might be seen by your students as charming small gifts that can improve the quality of your class.
If you add an extra document to your lesson, your students can download it, print it out and fill it in or alter it.
This downloadable file does not need to be literally printed out. The file can be downloaded and filled in digitally. For instance, on an iPad or students may work on in a PSD document on their computers. After they've completed their work, they give the file back to you and get comments.
The ability to download files makes your content enjoyable and entertaining and can leave your impression on the students' desks and desks. You can read more about downloadable files in the next paragraph.
How do I get it in CreativeMindClass
- Click to the tab titled Content
- Make sure to click DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload the file.
6. Select the file downloads for your lessons
1. Printouts
What it is: They are images or PDFs. Do you want your students to be able to remember something? Or follow the steps in a specific order? You can deliver it by distributing a PDF document. It is possible to add a printed copy to every lesson, with all the information you could imagine whiteboards notes, slideshows, etc. It is possible to create new information or reuse content of your lesson.
Methods to use it: You can create printed documents using text editors or Canva. The students are able to take notes or... they can give notes to them. Pick four or five major points that you discuss in your particular course.
Best to use for This is a great method to deliver information, like lesson key points, camera setting specifics, as well as a kick starter set. These are great for planning, checklists, briefs, narrative boards or mood boards.
PRO TIP If you are using slide slides for your lesson A great trick is to give them to students in order that they are able to take notes on them.
Do you think providing printouts could be helpful to the delivery of your material? What specific objectives for your lesson can you accomplish this in this manner? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.
2. Worksheets and documents to complete
What it is: They are PDFs and Pages/Word files. Worksheets are documents that your students can fill in. It can be plain texts or gorgeous sheets designed with your personal fashion.
Methods to create it:You can create it with Word or Pages, or make use of colorful templates from Canva. You can receive the filled-in worksheet back from your students. In order to do this it's necessary to integrate the worksheet with an activity that allows students to submit their worksheets to a lesson and get your feedback. We'll discuss it in detail below.
Best for: If you have in your photography online course an exercise for brainstorming it might be beneficial for students to note their thoughts down. You can add notes, a table, or an outline of the storyboard for filling the gaps. They are also great for recording answers to queries and for different tasks, assignments, and assignments.
Do you think giving an exercise would add value for your teaching? What specific objectives for your lesson can you accomplish this in this manner? Pick the lessons you want to teach and then make notes within the lesson's description.
3. Editable native files
The definition of HTML0 is They are native files created by programs (like Photoshop, or Lightroom) produce, and that students can modify. They are also known as .PSDs, .RAW, .TIFFs, .AIs, .docs, etc.
How to do it:Create a document and export it in a native format and upload it into a class. The student can use it in conjunction with exercise, this way, your student will be able to give your file back to get feedback. This will be covered in depth below.
The best choice for These files are ideal to edit parts of your online photography class or when you want to incorporate some presets within the document. Students can then edit native photos using Lightroom or Photoshop.
Do you believe that providing an editable native file would benefit your instructional delivery? What specific objectives for your lesson could you deliver this way? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
Pro-TipMake you sure that the students are able to access the program you're using otherwise they will not be able to edit the documents.
4. An additional video
What does it mean: You can upload video clips to accompany any class, and pupils can download the file. This is a great way to present complete information. It is also possible to provide advanced learning materials for the students willing to do some extra tasks.
How do you do it:You can record an additional video during or it after you have recorded the video content of your online photography course.
The best choice forYou are able to use it in educational videos that have to be watched multiple times to show, for instance, the best way to alter the settings of a camera.
Do you think the addition of a video could be beneficial to the quality of your content? What lessons specific objectives might you deliver in this manner? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
5. Include links to software in download documents
What does it mean: You can add an URL inside the downloadable file to ensure that only your students can access it.
How to do it: Paste any link into a text document, then upload it to a class.
The best choice forIt's an excellent way to provide your students with additional learning materials. If you'd like your students to have access to a web site where they can create something like the mood board or mental map (like Milanote). This way, you can make a hyperlink to an online tool which does not create an editable file.
PRO Tips:If the software you employ to edit images produces editable native images (like Lightroom or Photoshop), it's best to provide it as a downloadable file.
Would you consider putting up a link would be beneficial for your delivery of content? Which lesson goals would you be able to accomplish in this way? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
The additional downloadable materials the students bring into their lessons is what helps to deliver the learning objectives effectively. The downloadable documents can be developed using programs such as Pages/Word Google Slides, Prezi, Photoshop or Canva. Certain are completely free and be installed on your PC Some will have purchase.
Keep in mind that some educational material (presentation slides, plans) you created for videos are downloadable files. It is possible to export them in PDFs, and then upload them to your computer. A few are already ready others will need some tweaking.
It is possible to create assignments using additional files like worksheets or native files. The combination of the exercise with it allows students to upload worksheets to their lesson, and then get feedback.
When you're done creating your files that you can download You now have professional image files , or editable native files to upload.
7. Upload high-resolution or native files to your lessons
When you upload your files online, watch out for compressing image sizes. They lose quality. Through CreativeMindClass the students receive exactly the same file you uploaded without losing the crispiness, and we accept native formats for files (.TIFFs, .PSDs etc.) so photography students can learn by practicing.
Within CreativeMindClass every lesson within your program can include an extra download. This way, your students will be able to watch your video and download the lesson at the exact time they'll need the file. If you'd like to download back the file filled in by your students, all you need to do is to add the exercise to unlock this option. This is the subject of the following section.
Formats for downloadable files that are supported: We support most popular file formats. Upload .PDFs, .JPGs, .PNGs, .MP4, .doc and editable native files such as .RAWs, .TIFFs, or an .PSDs Page/Word and more. The list is endless.
File size: Remember to keep the size of your file small (
How to do it in CreativeMindClass
- Select DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload your high-resolution or native document.
8. Incorporate an exercise into an existing lesson
Exercises are a great way of delivering learning outcomes. It engages students in learning through engaging in. Such active learning typically consists of an actionable task and feedback from the instructor.
Imagine the learning environment that you'll design to assist students achieve their goals. Look at your Lessons list. Which lessons could have an engaging and fun activity to help students learn? Are there lessons that could include homework tasks? What brainstorming exercises could you include? What's the end-of-course assignment in your class?
How to do it in CreativeMindClass
- Click to the tab titled Content
- Click on EXERCISE to create an exercise to teach your class.
9. Have students share photographies and get your feedback
The online photography class asks for a final project such as a photoshoot. In the event that you incorporate such exercises the students will be able to take pictures using the methods they've learned during the class and upload them onto CreativeMindClass which allows you to offer feedback.
PRO TIP: The students' results from your online photography course can be uploaded in the form of exercises. The results will be uploaded on the Activity Feed together with your feedback. This creates fantastic testimonials and social proof for your course web site.
What is it? in CreativeMindClass
- Click to the tab for Content of the lesson
- Click EXERCISE to make an exercise.
- Enter the your TITLE. For example "Share your final portrait photos".
- Description of the type. Example "Develop and share your portrait images. After you're finished, you can to upload them, you can do so under the lesson and get my feedback ".
- Once your student has uploaded their task, you can go to Students' worksto provide your feedback.
10. Make an online community to promote your course
Your feedback and learning activities are the initial steps towards building an engaged community around the online course. You can stop at that but you could also enhance the learning experience of your students to the next level. This can help you improve your business's performance and expand your visibility as a brand.
Activity Feed can be a great way to create an online community. It helps drive visitors to your course's website, aids in keeping customers, and increases your revenue.
If you include some inspirational posts to your online course website, you'll get yourself an excellent foundation for creating a highly engaged community around your brand and business.
How can you keep your students interested? What kind of content do you typically share via social networks? What tips could you give about composition, gear, or software? An excellent way to keep your students engaged and motivated to complete the course are daily posts with inspirations to help them complete their final assignment.
How to do it within CreativeMindClass
- Simply click My Postsin the main menu, to launch it.
- Click the Add Post button to create an entirely new blog post.
And you're done!
Congratulations! If your material is prepared, you've got the foundation of your photography online course in place. If you're starting a new online photography course immediately, make use of this free template for preparing and recording the next video course as well as our entire tutorial for how to design your own online photography courses.
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