How To Record Videos For Photography Course The Complete Guide
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the process of planning and recording an online photography course videos (and by adding bonus content) with CreativeMindClass the free software that is used by the top photographers.
How to plan and film your video in 10 easy steps
Create videos, downloadable files, as well as exercises.
At this point you'll have a outline of the course. It's now time to plan how you'll describe each component of your class. Interactive, stimulating and entertaining content can create the perfect learning environment for students who study online. The most effective method to present learning outcomes is to mix diverse multimedia like videos screens, recordings on screen, presentations and audio. Handouts are also a great way to reinforce the learning as well as exercises.
In this guide, you'll learn the pragmatic approach to planning and recording video lessons making bonus material such as downloadable files, and encouraging students to engage in active learning by providing assignments. Remember, content preparation is the foundation of your class, therefore it's possible that you'll be doing the work for some time.
The steps in this guide
- Include a YouTube video to every lesson
- Select the type of video lesson
- Record videos for your online photography course
- Create a learning experience that primarily focuses on video
- Add a downloadable file
- Download the file for your lesson
- Upload high-resolution or native files into your lessons
- Include an exercise in a lesson
- Ask students share photographs and ask for comments
- Create an online community around your course
1. Include a video in every lesson
Videos are the most captivating way to present your content. A good online photography class can last between 4 and 25 hours of footage. It's hard to switch on the camera to film yourself that length of time.
Remember, videos can have diverse forms, such as presentations or screen-based recordings with audio. This does not mean you have to sit present in front of the camera every minute of the day. If you have a hard choosing the best most appropriate type of video for your program Learn more about the different types of video in the following paragraph.
How do I get it within CreativeMindClass
- Make a class new for the video lessons you have created.
- Click LESSONS tab to display it.
- Choose Videolesson kind.
- Drag a video file from your PC.
- Make sure to include a video with every class.
PRO TIP: Depending upon the software you employ to make your video and the tools you use, you'll be left with a range of formats, such as MP4, MOV, or WMV. You don't have to worry about it your videos will automatically convert to formats that students are able to view on their laptops, desktops or on mobile devices.
2. Choose the video lesson type
Review your outline of the course. What method fits best to deliver the learning outcomes of each lesson?
The content you include in your lessons is what helps to make an online class and provide students with the best learning experience. The videos you create can be created using the gear and shooting spaces at home using your existing skills in your arsenal.
Once you're finished editing and recording your videos there are a variety of short, 16:9, high-quality video files to upload. Keep in mind the high quality of the video. Resolution must be at least 1080p.
There are several types of video you could create to teach your students:
1. Videos showing your face
What does it mean:Showing your face is an ideal way to show yourself online as a real humanbeing, but within a real-world environment. This allows students familiar with you and creates trust and a personal connection. People can immediately identify you by your appearance as well as your smile and the way you present.
What to do: Record yourself sitting or standing. The footage can be shoot from one or more angles. There is a possibility of requiring a tripod for that.
Best for:Try the videos that show your face, such as intros to self-promotion or at the end of the course.
What lessons could you use this video type? What objectives for the lesson could be accomplished most effectively when creating a video showing yourself? Pick the lessons you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.
PRO Tips:For better sound quality for your videos, you should use external microphones. It is possible to start by using the microphone you already have within your headphones.
2. Documentary videos
What is it:A documentary video in an online program that shows the world around you and your surroundings.
These are great for photography studio, in which you could be the guide. Also, it's a way of showing behind the scenes of you working as photographer. The footage is fun to incorporate into different lessons between the learning parts for a more enjoyable learning experience. This helps to give a little break and feed your students with some visual stimulation while delivering your educational objectives.
How do you do it:The documentary shots are the type of footage you will capture in many recording sessions. They can be quite fun to film since they provide creative opportunities for you, as you are able to appear as if you're a professional filmmaker.
Best to use forIt's an excellent way of produce interesting video such as to talk about your backgrounds, demonstrate your images, or show the live demonstrations you've held.
PRO TIP A majority of the documentary footage is recorded by you. But for some shots, you might need some help. Ask a friend to help you or find someone to help you for a few hours.
3. Talking head videos
What it is:You know, the talk-head videos that are found in Youtube tutorials, which is commonly used for presenting. Talking head videos are an in-depth shot of you explaining stuff in front of the camera.
How to do it: Combine the talking head video with images that are projected behind you, such as videos, slides or a photo. For this, you need a green screen behind you during recording and add visuals after the production.
The best choice forIt's perfect for presenting the program you are using to edit. Also, you can show photographs as inspiration and then make remarks on parts you like or show some commonly made mistakes by photographers.
Which lesson objectives could you deliver best in a talk head video? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.
PRO TIP: Lighting is crucial in talking head videos. Make sure to avoid shadows, excessive exposure, as well as terrible lighting. It is possible to use rings or LED lights on tripods.
4. Videos that don't show your face
If you feel that showing your face on the camera is excessive exposure, you can create videos with no face. It's important to think about the ways you can connect to your viewers without using your facial expressions. Think about ways to make your character shine through your script, your voice and video content.
If you're using an avatar or animations, think carefully on how you can make your people you're using them to appeal to and help you build a personal connection regardless of your face.
5. Presentation with a voiceover
What is it:Take a slide presentation and add a voiceover then voila! You created a slideshow video. No need to record yourself talking to a camera. This is as simple as that!
How to do it:Talk over your online photography lesson in Google Slides or PowerPoint. In order to make your course more interactive and video-like, make use of Prezi with zooming in and other fun features. After you've got the slides prepared, you describe what's in the slides. Remember the audio quality of the voiceover.
The best choice forSuch presentation can be a simple method of digesting information for people who learn by reading. A presentation with a voiceover is a great way to learn. It is especially useful when something must be viewed repeatedly or to be remembered. The most essential information with diagrams, bullet points photographs, graphs and even your own personal doodles. It's useful for showing examples, such as the setting of the camera, angles for shooting or light directions, etc.
Which lesson objectives could you deliver best in a talk head video? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
6. Screen recordings
What does it mean:Screen recording shows what you're doing on your computer screen.
How to do it:For screen recordings, you could use Quicktime (on Mac) or press Windows Key + Alt + R. After you've finished the video, you'll be able to make it faster and add your audio narration or a music track. Additionally, you could make it more interesting by including a talking head type of video to enhance the quality of the.
Ideal for:Such images are excellent for, say, the part of your course where you talk about the editing of photos with Lightroom.
Which lesson objectives could you best deliver in creating screen recording videos? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
7. Whiteboard videos
What it is:You can convey your details by using whiteboards. They're relatively easy to create. As simple as using the black marker with a white background. There is no reason to fret about your brand's color and design.
How do you do it:There are several ways to do it. The video could be of you in facing a whiteboard, or an animated clip made of images of whiteboards (so it doesn't have to display your face). Also, you can design it using a computer drawing pad (like the iPad) or software that creates whiteboards, such as Doodly.
Ideal to use forThese video clips are perfect for making dynamic portions of your content. You can use them for making a mark, circle and so on. This can be utilized to, for instance, when drawing composition lines or marking arrows with light directions.
What lesson goals can you deliver best in creating whiteboard video tutorials? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.
8. AI videos as well as voiceovers
What does it mean:AI videos are another great way of creating online course videos without showing your face. They're professional-looking videos featuring avatars, voices and avatars.
Making use of AI videos with voiceovers could make for a fast and efficient approach to creating an online photography program. Additionally, it could be your distinguished approach to teaching but keep your eyes on the difficulty to build a personal connection on AI-generated footage.
How do you get it: AI videos and voiceovers are generated from plain text using software such as Synthesia.
The best option forIt's an alternative for your photos of yourself if you're extremely uncomfortable making videos of yourself.
PRO TIP: If you don't prefer using avatars in your online course, you can generate only a voiceover on your screen recordings or slide presentations. It's a nice walk through if you design a course in English and don't feel confident about your accent.
Do you think you could benefit from using AI voiceovers or videos would be beneficial in your content delivery? Which specific lesson objectives could be achieved this way? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.
3. Record videos for your online photography course
If you've selected the appropriate video types to deliver the learning objectives for each class, it's the right time to "Lights cameras, lights, and action! ".
Being a photographer, you have the advantage that it might be easy for you to get an electronic camera to begin making videos. A photographer has a lot of abilities that help in making videos. They know where to look for lighting, composition, and the other elements that are crucial in getting a great shot, moving or not.
You must be aware of is that an easy movement of your camera or of the objects you are shooting, will change the composition. But, the experience you have had will allow you to make adjustments rapidly. Here are some tips regarding how you can set your recording area, choose the gear, and finally get started with making your videos:
1. Set up your recording studio
Making sure you have a recording space is essential to ensure the students get a great education experience when they take the online photography class. They need to be able to view you and hear the sound of you.
The type of video you've selected to present your outcomes for learning There are a variety of setups:
- For videos of you teaching yourself or showing your work, you'll record yourself.
- For talking heads, you'll make use of editing software once you've completed recording to create a combination of screencasts and video of you talking.
- In order to create presentation and screen recordings videos You'll be recording your computer screen and do an audio voice-over.
- For whiteboards, you'll record yourself in front of the whiteboard, or capture your computer screen and do voiceovers.
It could be to take photos for recording your class, but it doesn't necessarily need to be an expert studio.
PRO TIP:For the video recording be sure to follow the same fundamental rules that apply when you're shooting photos; your camera remains stable on a tripod, there is enough light to frame the shot well, and the recorded space appears flawless. In terms of audio, ensure that there's not any background noise or echo. It is possible to reduce these with blankets or soundproofing acoustic panels.
2. Pick the appropriate tools to make videos.
Begin by listing the equipment or program you'd like to use to create each video. Based on the kind of video, these could be tangible equipment like cameras or tripod, lighting equipment microphone, or software to record screen as well as post-production editing. Having the latest and greatest technology is enjoyable, however, it's not essential.
Camera: you most likely have a recording option in the camera you're using to take pictures. If not, try making use of your camera on your computer or mobile phone's camera.
Microphones:built-in cameras and microphones for your mobile or computer phones have poor quality sound. Make sure you have a hands-free mic or table-top mic.
Lighting:as photographer you are familiar with good lighting. The same principles apply to recording videos. Utilize natural light, or lighting fixtures you already have at home. If you're not satisfied with the results, you can try using a ring lamp or a 3-point light kit.
Screen recordings:Quicktime Player is for it on a Mac as well as a install a no-cost app on Windows called Obsproject
Editing: it is possible that you are already working with Adobe Cloud products. For video editing, try Adobe Premiere Rush or Premiere Pro.
3. Start recording video lessons
It's been a long time since you've waited for this momentous occasion for quite a while. The moment has come to hit the "start" button of your camera.
Begin by recording a trial video to check how good your audio as well as your video.
There is no need to create your video lessons in a chronological manner. You can begin by choosing from the lessons list the one course which resonates with you or is the most straightforward to complete. This could be introduction to yourself, or begin to explore your favourite topics of the instructional lessons right away.
The recording of the lesson's summary and the conclusion until the end of recording session, just in case you'll want to add an unplanned element to your lesson plan.
PRO Tips: You can capture behind-the-scenes of a recording day. It's an excellent way to promote your online photography course.
4. Make a learning experience which is primarily focused on video
The experience of watching a video course can be distinct from reading, for example, text on a slide presentation. The video course requires certain features, navigation, and layout that is specific for video platforms. CreativeMindClass is an on-line class platform dedicated especially to video-based courses, and is focused on creating an exciting learning experience via video.
When you upload your video onto a platform, it's a good practice to add a custom thumbnail to your video. It makes it look great when you view it in the preview but it also adds a bit of effort. Therefore, we created something that looks cool without having to do any job. After you upload your video, we automatically select your highlights and the most popular times to show as a looped 3--8 seconds video. You may be familiar with from Spotify videos, which are displayed while music plays.
What is it? in CreativeMindClass
- For LESSON Select VIDEOlesson type.
- Drag a video file from your PC.
- Visit Preview and watch the automatically generated lesson cover video.
5. Include a file that can be downloaded
Downloadable documents are an excellent addition to your lesson. They are not only an effective way to deliver your key learning outcomes and objectives, but they're also great for engaging your students to learn. What's sweet is that they might be seen by students as cute small gifts that can enhance the value of your courses.
If you add an extra document to your lesson your students are able to download it, print it, fill it in, or edit it.
Such downloadable file doesn't have to be printed. The file can be filled in digitally, such as on an iPad or even your students may work on the PSD file on their desktops. Once they do that, they give the file to you, and receive comments.
The ability to download files makes your content fun and engaging and leave your mark on their pulpits as well as desks. You can read more about downloadable files in the next section.
How to do it in CreativeMindClass
- Click to the tab titled Content
- Make sure to click DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload your file.
6. Select the file downloads for your classes
1. Printouts
What does it mean: They are images or PDFs. Are you looking for your students to be able to remember something? Or follow certain steps? The best way to convey this is using a printable PDF file. Printouts can be added to any lesson with everything you can imagine whiteboards, notes, slideshows as well as other informational materials. It is possible to create new content or reuse the content from your lessons.
What to do: You can create printouts using text editors or Canva. Students can make notes or... you could provide them with notes. Select four or five key points that you teach in a particular class.
The best for: It's a perfect method to deliver information, like lesson essential points, camera setup details, and a kick starter set. They are ideal for planners and checklists, as well as briefs, narrative boards or mood boards.
PRO TIP If you are using presentations in your classes One great idea is to distribute them to the students so they are able to take notes on the slides.
Do you think providing printouts are beneficial for the delivery of your material? What specific objectives for your lesson can you accomplish this in this manner? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
2. Worksheets and documents to fill in
What does it mean: They are PDFs and Pages/Word files. Worksheets are documents that your students can fill in. It can be plain text documents or beautiful worksheets designed in your own fashion.
How to do it:You can create it with Word or Pages, or make use of colorful templates from Canva. You can receive the filled-in worksheet from students. For that to happen it's necessary to integrate the worksheet with an activity that allows students to upload their files in a lesson, and then receive the feedback of your students. This will be discussed in depth in the next section.
The best choice for If you have in your online photography course a brainstorming exercise, you might want students to record their ideas down. They can use an outline of the mind, a table, or a storyboard to fill the gaps. They can also be useful for making notes of responses to your questions as well as other assignments, tasks, and homework.
Are you of the opinion that a worksheet would be beneficial to your content delivery? What particular lesson goals can you accomplish this in this manner? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
3. Files that can be edited natively
What it is: They're native files that software (like Photoshop, or Lightroom) produce, and that students can modify. They are also known by the names of .PSDs, .RAW, .TIFFs, .AIs, .docs, and so on.
How to do it:Create a document and export it to the native format. Upload it into a class. It is possible to combine it with an exercise, this way, your student will be able to give the file back to you for feedback. This will be covered in depth in the next section.
Best for: They are best for editing parts of your online photography course or when you want to incorporate some presets within the document. Students can then create native images using Lightroom or Photoshop.
Do you believe that providing the ability to edit natively your files would benefit your instructional delivery? Which specific lesson objectives would you be able to accomplish in this manner? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.
Pro Tip:Make certain that your pupils are able to access the software you're using, otherwise they will not be able to edit the documents.
4. An additional video
What is it: You can upload video clips to accompany any course, and your students will be able to download it. This is a great way to present complete facts. Also, you can provide more advanced educational materials to 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 content for your online photography courses.
Ideal for:You could use it to create educational videos that have to be repeated to show, for instance, the best way to alter camera settings.
Do you think adding an extra video would be beneficial to the quality of your content? Which specific lessons objectives could be achieved using this method? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes within the lesson's description.
5. Include software links in downloadable documents
What does it mean: You can add an URL inside the downloadable file so only your students can access it.
Methods to use it: Paste any link into a text document, then add it to the class.
The best choice forIt's an excellent way for giving your students other learning tools. Or when you want your students to have access to a web site where they can create something like an e-mailer or Mindmap (like Milanote). It's possible to generate a link to an online program that doesn't generate an editable file.
PRO TIP:If the software you employ to edit images produces editable native files (like Lightroom or Photoshop) you should offer the files as downloadable.
Do you think giving a link would be beneficial in the delivery of your content? Which lesson goals could you deliver this way? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
Other downloadable resources that you use in your classes will help you deliver your learning outcomes effectively. The downloadable documents can be developed using programs such as Pages/Word, Google Slides, Prezi, Photoshop, or Canva. Some are free and may come with your computer Some will have to be purchased.
Keep in mind that some learning materials (presentation slides, organizers) that you have created for video could be reused as download files. It is possible to export them as PDFs and upload them. A few are already ready others will need some tweaking.
Assignments can be created using extra files such as worksheets, or native files. Incorporating it into an exercise lets students upload worksheets to their lesson, and receive responses.
After you've completed the files for download, you have high-quality image files , or editable native files to upload.
7. Send high-resolution native or HD files to your lessons
When uploading files online be aware of compressing the size of your images. It makes them lose their quality. In CreativeMindClass the students get exactly the same image that you uploaded, without losing clarity, and we also allow native file formats (.TIFFs, .PSDs etc.) which means that photography students be taught by doing.
Within CreativeMindClass every lesson within your program can include an additional file. This way, your students can watch the course and download the files at the exact time they'll need it. If you'd like to download back the file filled in by your students All you need to do is add the exercise to unlock the option. This is the subject of the next part.
Formats for downloadable files that are supported: We support most commonly used file formats. You can upload .PDFs, .JPGs, .PNGs, .MP4, .doc and editable native formats including .RAWs, .TIFFs, or a .PSDs Pages/Words and more. The list is endless.
File size: Remember to keep the file size small (
How to do it in CreativeMindClass
- Select DOWNLOADABLE FILE to download your native or high-resolution document.
8. Include an exercise in the lesson
Exercises can be a powerful method to help students achieve their learning goals. They engage students to learn through performing. This type of active learning usually consists of an actionable task and instructor feedback.
Consider the experience you'll create to help students succeed in their pursuit of 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 activities could be included? What's the end-of-course task in your course?
How do I get it within CreativeMindClass
- Go to the tab for Content of the lesson
- Click EXERCISE to design an exercise to teach your pupils.
9. Ask students to share their photographs and receive feedback
The online photography class asks for a final assignment that involves an image shoot. If you include such an exercise for your students, they can snap pictures using the methods they learn during the course and upload them to CreativeMindClass which allows you to give critique.
PRO TIP: The students' final outcomes of your online photography course can be posted as exercise files. The results will be uploaded to the Activity Feed together with your feedback. This creates fantastic testimonials and social proof for your course site.
How to do it within CreativeMindClass
- Go to the tab titled Content
- Click the word "EXERCISE" to create an exercise.
- Type TITLE. For example "Share your final portrait photos".
- Description of the type. In this case, for example "Develop and then share your personal images. Once you're done, to upload them, you can do so under the lesson and get my comments ".
- If your student has uploaded the task, you can go to students' workto provide your feedback.
10. Make an online community around your program
Your feedback and learning activities is the first step towards creating a community that is engaged around your online course. It is possible to stop there, or you can take your students learning experience up a notch. This will help expand your company and increase your visibility as a brand.
Activity Feed is an opportunity to establish an online network. It increases visitors to your course's website, helps you retain customers, and increases your revenue.
If you post some motivating posts to your online course site, you'll have a great base for building an extremely engaged and enthusiastic community for your business and brand.
What can you do to engage your students? What do you usually post via social networks? Do you have any tips you can give about composition, gear or software? A good idea to keep your students engaged and motivated to complete the class is to post daily updates with inspirations in the final work.
What is it? within CreativeMindClass
- Click My Postsin main menu to open it.
- Click on the ADD POST button to create a new post.
And you're done!
Congratulations! Once your content is prepared, you've got the heart of your online photography course prepared. If you're starting a new online photography course right now, use the free template below for preparing and recording a new video lesson and read our complete guide to the best way to build your own online photography courses.
Design your course's photography videos. Today.
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