Who’s to Blame—the Equipment or You?

It’s easy to blame the poor quality of a video on the production equipment. But point that finger back at yourself. According to an article in this month’s issue of Videomaker, Chuck Peters says, “Chances are, the equipment you own right now is more than capable of creating video good enough to broadcast. Producing like a professional is more about how you think than anything else.”

You can improve the quality of your production. And you don’t have to spend a dime. Here’s how:

Set high standards

Poor quality detracts from the message, and that’s the most important part of the video. Create a good storyboard, and set high standards for your production at the onset. Never compromise quality, even when you’re up against a tight deadline.

Know your audience

Always keep your audience in mind when working on a project. Consider the music, fonts, pace and formality of the production, and cater to the audience’s likes and needs—not yours.

Practice camera skills

“The best camerawork is invisible to the viewer, so be ready to shoot steady,” says Peters. Use a tripod, know your lens and learn the best way to transition between shots.

Improve your lighting

Good lighting is essential to a professional-looking video. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money on an expensive lighting kit. Just spend time experimenting with different light positions and levels of intensity.

Exercise restraint

You might be proud of all the fancy visual effects you learned or purchased, but resist the urge to use them all at once. Peters says, “While it’s good to have a variety of tricks up your sleeve, you should only pull one out if the production demands.”

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of good audio. Your message—not the background noise—should be heard loud and clear.

Spend time focusing on these simple techniques, and you’ll soon see a difference in the quality of your video productions.