How to record videos for Photography Course The Complete guide

Nov 29, 2022

HOME - GUIDES - VIDEO LESSONS

Follow this step-by-step guide to understand the steps involved in planning and recording online course of photography video tutorials (and by adding bonus content) using CreativeMindClass which is a tool for free used by top creators.

 - Start planning you videos

Record video lessons guide example

 How do you plan and record your videos in 10 simple steps

Prepare videos, downloadable files, as well as exercises.

Now you'll have a outline of the course. It's now time to think about how to explain each part of your course. Interactive, engaging and entertaining content can create the perfect learning environment for online students. The most effective method to present results in learning is by mixing diverse multimedia like videos screens, recordings on screen, presentations and audio. Handouts are also a great way to reinforce the learning and even exercises.

In this guide, you'll be taught the best method for planning and recording video lessons making bonus material such as downloadable files, and engaging students in active learning by providing assignments. Be aware that content preparation is at the core of the course, and you might find yourself doing the work for a while.

  This guide will help you follow these steps.  

  1.         Video for each lesson
  2.         Choose the lesson video type    
  3.         Record videos for your online photography course
  4.         Create a learning experience that primarily focuses on videos
  5.         Add a downloadable file
  6.         Choose the downloadable file for your lesson
  7.         Add high-resolution or native files to your lessons
  8.         Add an exercise to an existing lesson
  9.         Ask students share their photographies and get your critique
  10.         Make an online community to support your class

 1. Include a video in each lesson

Videos are the best way to present your content. A good online photography class can last between 4 and 25 hours of video. It's hard to switch on the camera and film yourself for that lengthy.

Be aware that video can take on various forms like presentation or screen recordings with audio. This isn't necessary to stand present in front of the camera every minute of the day. If you have a hard choosing the best kind of video you'll need for your class Learn more about the different types of video in the following paragraph.

Add a video to each lesson

 How do I get it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Create a new class for your video lessons.
  2. Click the on the LESSONS tab to open it.
  3. Select Videolesson type.
  4. Download a video from your computer.
  5. Add a video to every lesson.

PRO TIP: Depending upon the tools that you will utilize to produce your videos, you will have a variety of video format options like MP4, MOV, or WMV. Don't worry about that your videos will be automatically converted to formats that your students can view on their laptops, desktops or smartphones.

 2. Select the type of video lesson you want to use.

Review your outline of the course. Which method is most effective for delivering the outcomes of each lesson?

The videos you bring into your classes are the key in creating an interactive online class and provide students with a great learning experience. The videos you create can be created using the gear and shooting in your home, using the skills you already have available.

Once you're finished making and editing your video, you have multiple low-length, 16:9-quality video files that you can upload. Be aware of the top quality of your video. The resolution must be 1080p.

There are many kinds of instructional videos that you can make to help your classes:

   1. Videos showing your face

What is it:Showing your face is an ideal way to show yourself online as a real person, within a real-world setting. This allows students acquainted with you, and helps establish trust and a personal connection. People can immediately recognize you from your face, your smile, and your presentation style.

How to do it: Record yourself sitting or standing. The footage can be shoot at a variety of angles. You might need a tripod for that.

Best for:Try the video clips that feature your face, such as an introduction to yourself or in the conclusion of your course.

For which lessons would you utilize this kind of video? What objectives for the lesson could you deliver most effectively when creating an instructional video of yourself? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.

PRO Tips:For better sound quality when you record your videos, make use of external microphones. It is possible to start by using your existing microphone within your headphones.

   2. Documentary video

What does it mean:A documentary video in an online program that shows the world around you and your surroundings.

They work great for your studio shots, where they can serve as a reference. Additionally, it's a means to showcase the behind-the-scenes of working as photographer. The footage is fun to incorporate into different lessons between the learning parts to make them more fun. This can give you an opportunity to take a break, and also provide your students with eye candy in delivering learning objectives.

How do you do it:The documentary shots are something that you most likely will collect in several recording sessions. These can be a lot of fun to film as they open creative opportunities for you, as you are able to appear as if you're a film maker.

The best in:It's a nice way to produce interesting video like to share your personal background, or show you making photographs, or your live workshop.

PRO TIP The majority of documentary footage you can record yourself. But for some shots, you might need some help. It is possible to ask your friend for help or employ someone for several hours.

   3. Talking head videos

What does it mean:You know, the talking head videos from Youtube tutorials as it's commonly used for presenting. The talking head video is an in-depth shot of you explaining stuff for the camera.

How to do it: Combine the talking head video with images that are projected behind you, such as presentations slides, videos or a still image. For this it is necessary to have the green screen to your side during recording and add visuals after the production.

Best for:It's perfect for presenting the program you are using to edit. You can also show some images as examples and leave remarks on parts you love or showcase some frequently made errors by photographers.

What lesson goals can be most effective in a talk head video? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.

PRO Tips: Lighting is crucial for talking heads videos. Make sure to avoid shadows, excessive exposure, and just plain bad lighting. Use a ring light or LED lighting on tripods.

   4. Videos that don't show your face

If you feel that showing your face on the camera is too much it's possible to create video that don't show your face. It's important to think about how you'll create a connection to your viewers without using the facial expressions you use. Find ways to let your character shine through the script, your voice and videos.

If you're using an avatar or animations, think carefully on how you can make your characters appeal to your audience and help you build an emotional connection with them, even without showing your face.

   5. Presentation with a voiceover

What does it mean:Take a slide presentation and add a voiceover then voila! You created a slideshow video. You don't need to film you talking to the camera. It's that easy!

How to do it:Talk over your online photography course using Google Slides or PowerPoint. To make it more dynamic and video-like, you can make use of Prezi with zooming in and other exciting features. After you've got your slides ready, you will explain the content of the slides. Keep in mind the sound quality of the voiceover.

Best for:Such presentation is an easy way of digesting content for people who learn by looking. The use of a voiceover in a presentation is a great method of learning. Especially when something needs to be reviewed several times or remembered. The most essential information with bullet points, illustrations or graphs. You can also use photos, images or even your own sketches. It's useful for showing examples, such as the setting of the camera, angles for shooting or directions for light, etc.

Which lesson objectives could be delivered most effectively when you create 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 do on your computer screen.

Methods to use it:For screen recordings, you could use Quicktime (on Mac) or hit Windows Key + Alt + R. When you're ready with your recording, make it faster and then add your narration or a music track. Additionally, you could make it more interesting by including the talking head style of video to enhance the quality of the.

Ideal for:Such photos are fantastic for, say, the part of your course that you will be discussing the editing of photos with Lightroom.

What objectives for your lesson could be delivered most effectively by creating screen-recording videos? Pick the appropriate lessons, and then make notes in the lesson description.

   7. Whiteboard videos

What it is:You can convey your data by using whiteboards. They're fairly easy to create. It's as easy as using the black marker with an white background. There is no reason to worry about your brand colors and style.

How to do it:There are several ways to do it. It can be a video of you in an open whiteboard space or an animated video of photos taken with whiteboards (so it doesn't have to reveal you face). Also, you can create it using a digital drawing pad (like the iPad) or whiteboard animation software like Doodly.

Ideal to use forThese videos work great for dynamic parts of your content, marking something, circling, etc. This can be utilized to, for instance, when drawing composition lines or drawing arrows using light directions.

What lesson goals can you deliver best using whiteboards when creating videos? Select the lesson and take notes in the course description.

   8. AI videos as well as voiceovers

What is it:AI videos are another fantastic way of making online course videos without showing your face. These are professionally produced videos that include avatars, voices and avatars.

Utilizing AI videos and voiceovers can be a quick and effective method of creating an online photography program. It can also help you to differentiate your method of teaching, but bear your eyes on the difficulty to establish a connection with your students on AI-generated footage.

How to do it: AI videos and voiceovers are created by converting plain text into audio using software like Synthesia.

Ideal for:It's an alternative for your face shots if you feel uneasy filming yourself.

PRO TIP: If you don't want to use an avatar for your online course, you may make a voiceover just to accompany your screen recordings, or slide presentation. You can enjoy a stroll around if you create a course that's in English but don't feel comfortable regarding your pronunciation.

Do you believe that the use of AI voiceovers or videos would benefit your instructional delivery? What particular lesson goals could you be achieved this way? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.  

 3. Record videos for your online photography course

If you've selected the appropriate videos that will be used to convey your learning outcomes in each class, it's the time to "Lights Camera, Action! ".

As a photographer, you benefit from the fact that it might be easy to grab a video camera and start shooting. The photographer is equipped with a wide range of abilities that help in making videos. They know where to look at lighting, composition and other key elements involved when capturing a stunning photo, regardless of whether you are moving.

What you do need to know is the way a simple movement of the camera, or the things you're shooting will affect the way you shoot. However, your past experience can help you adjust rapidly. Here are some suggestions regarding how you can set up the recording space make the right choice of equipment then begin making your videos:

   1. Create your recording space

Setting up your recording space is crucial to make sure your learners have a good learning experience with your photography online course. It is essential for them to be able to view you and hear the sound of you.

Depending on the video type you've chosen to deliver your outcomes for learning There are a variety of setups:

  • For videos of you teaching in person or showing your working, you'll take a video of yourself.
  • If you're a talker, you'll edit your video after having finished recording in order to make screencasts as well as recordings of your speaking.
  • In order to create presentation as well as screen recording videos, you'll record your computer screen and do voice-overs for the audio.
  • In the case of whiteboards, you'll record yourself on the whiteboard, or capture the computer's screen, then record voiceovers.

It could be to take photos for recording your class however, it doesn't require an expert studio.

PRO Tip:For the video recording, keep in mind the same basic rules as when you're shooting photos; the camera stays stable on a tripod, you have enough light and you can frame your shoot carefully, and your recorded space looks spotless. For audio, make sure that there's no background noise or echo. It is possible to reduce these with blankets or soundproof acoustic panels.

   2. Select the tools you need to create videos.

Begin by listing the equipment or software you want to make each video. Based on the kind of video, these could be physical gear like a camera, lighting, tripod and microphone or even software for screen recording and post-production editing. Today's most modern and advanced technology is enjoyable, however, it's not essential.

Cameras: you most likely are able to record using the camera you're using to take photographs. If not, start by using your computer's camera or your mobile phone's camera.

Microphones:built-in cameras and microphones in your laptop or mobile phone have low quality audio. Choose a microphone that is hands-free or a tabletop mic.

Lightingas photographer you are familiar with excellent lighting. Similar techniques work with recording videos. Make use of natural light or lighting fixtures you already have at home. If you're not satisfied with the result, try a ring light or a 3-point light kit.

Screen recordings:Quicktime Player is for use on Mac, or a download a free app on Windows called Obsproject

Editing: You may already have Adobe Cloud products. For video editing, try Adobe Premiere Rush or Premiere Pro.

   3. Start recording video lessons

You've been waiting for this momentous occasion for quite several years. It's time to hit the "start" button of your camera.

Begin by recording a trial video to check the quality of your recording as well as your video.

It is not necessary to keep your videos in chronological order. You can begin by choosing from the lists of lessons the lesson which resonates with you or is the most straightforward to do. It can be a self-introductionor start to dive into your most-loved topics of the instructional lessons immediately.

The recording of the overview and conclusion to the very end of the recording session, just in case you'll add something unplanned to your lesson plan.

PRO TIP: You can capture behind-the-scenes of a recording day. It's an excellent way to advertise your photography course.

 4. Make a learning experience which is primarily focused on video

A video-based course offers a different learning experience than reading, for example, the text in a slide. It requires some characteristics, features, navigation and layouts that are specific to video platforms. CreativeMindClass can be described as an online class platform dedicated especially to videos and focuses in delivering an enjoyable learning experience by using video.

Usually, when you upload your video to an online platform, it's recommended practice to create an individual thumbnail image to the video. This makes your video look stunning when you view it in the preview but it also adds a bit of work. So we came up with something cool that doesn't need you doing the task. After you upload your video We automatically pick the best and most memorable times to show as a looped 3-8 seconds video. It's something like you might recognize from Spotify videos that are shown when the song is playing.

 How do I get it within CreativeMindClass

  1. For LESSON, select in the LESSON, select a VIDEOlesson kind.
  2. Drag a video file from your computer.
  3. Go to View and play the auto generated lesson cover video.

 5. Include a file that can be downloaded

Downloadable files are a great supplement to your class. They are not only an efficient method of delivering the key learning outcomes you want to achieve, but also they're an excellent way of engaging your students to learn. It's also nice that they could be viewed by students as cute little gifts that improve the quality of your class.

When you upload an additional file to your lessons Students can download it, print it out or fill it out, or alter it.

The downloadable files don't need to be literally printed. The file can be filled out and downloaded digitally, such as with an iPad or even your students can work inside the PSD image on their desktops. Once they do that they can give the document back to you and get the feedback.

Downloadable content makes your material exciting and enjoyable, and will leave your marks on students' pulpits and desks. Learn more about the downloadable file in the next section.

Add a downloadable file

 What is it? within CreativeMindClass

  1. Go to the tab titled Content
  2. Select DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload the file.

 6. Download the files to your classes

   1. Printouts

What does it mean: They are images or PDFs. Do you need your pupils to be able to remember something? Or follow certain steps? It is possible to do this by distributing a PDF document. It is possible to add a printed copy to every lesson, with all the information you could imagine whiteboards slideshows, notes, infographics, etc. You can create additional information or reuse content of your lesson.

What to do: You can create prints using text editors, or Canva. Your students can take notes or... they can provide them with notes. Pick four or five major areas that you'll teach in a particular course.

Best for: This is a great way of delivering lessons, such as essential points, camera setup details, and the kick-starter set. They work great for planners and checklists, as well as briefs, narrative boards or mood boards.

PRO TIP: If you are using presentation slides in your lessons One great idea is to distribute them to the students so they can make notes on them.

Do you think providing printouts could be helpful to your teaching methods? Which specific lesson objectives could you deliver this way? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.

   2. Forms, worksheets, and other documents that you need to fill in

What it is: They are PDFs, Pages/Word documents. Worksheets are documents that your pupils can fill in. They can be plain text documents or beautiful worksheets designed in your own design.

How to do it:You can create it using Pages or Word, or you can use the attractive templates made by Canva. It is possible to receive your completed worksheets back from your students. For that to happen it's necessary to integrate it with an activity which allows students to submit their worksheets for a class and receive your feedback. The details will be covered in the next section.

The best choice for If you include in your photography online course brainstorming exercises, you might want students to record their thoughts down. It is possible to include notes, a table, or even a storyboard, to help fill in. They also work well for writing down answers to questions and different tasks, assignments, and assignments.

Are you of the opinion that an exercise would add value in your delivery of content? What particular lesson goals can you accomplish this in this manner? Select the lesson and take notes within the lesson's description.

   3. Files that can be edited natively

The definition of HTML0 is These are files native to the computer created by software (like Photoshop, or Lightroom) produce, and that a student can edit. They are also known by the names of .PSDs, .RAW, .TIFFs, .AIs, .docs, and so on.

How to do it:Create a document and convert it into the native format. Upload it to a lesson. It is possible to combine it with an exercise, this way, students can hand the document back to you for feedback. We'll discuss it in detail in the next section.

The best choice for They are best to edit parts of your online photography class or to add some presets into the file. Then your students to create native images in Lightroom or Photoshop.

Do you think providing an editable native file would help your delivery? What lesson goals would you be able to accomplish in this manner? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.

Pro Tip:Make certain that your pupils have access to the software you're using, otherwise, they can't work on the file.

   4. A second video

What is it: You can upload video clips to accompany any class, and students will be able to download the video. This is a great way to present detailed details. Also, you can provide more advanced educational materials to students who are willing to complete additional work.

How do you do it:You can record an additional video while or following the recording of the primary material for your online photography courses.

Best for:You are able to use it in instructional videos that need to be repeated such as how to adjust the settings of a camera.

Are you of the opinion that the addition of a video could be beneficial to your content delivery? Which specific lessons objectives could you deliver using this method? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.

What is it: You can add an URL inside the downloadable file to ensure that only your students are able to access it.

How to do it: Paste any link into a text document, then add it to the lesson.

Ideal for:It's a great solution to give your students some additional learning materials. Or when you want students to be able to visit a site that allows them to create something like a mood board or a Mindmap (like Milanote). This way, you can make a hyperlink to an online tool which doesn't create the editable files.

PRO TIP:If the software you use to edit photos generates editable native images (like Lightroom or Photoshop) you should offer the files as downloadable.

Do you think giving links would add value in the delivery of your content? Which lesson goals would you be able to accomplish in this way? Choose the lessons and make notes within the lesson's description.

Other downloadable resources the students bring into their lessons can help in delivering effective learning outcomes. Downloadable files are created using software like Pages/Word, Google Slides, Prezi, Photoshop, or Canva. Many are available for free and be included with your laptop, others will need to be purchased.

Be aware that some educational materials (presentation slides, organizers) designed for videos you can reuse as downloadable documents. It is possible to export them as PDFs and upload them onto your website. Some of them are ready while others require some tweaking.

You can create assignments with other files, such as worksheets or native documents. Combining it with an exercise lets students upload worksheets to their lesson, and then get responses.

Once you've finished creating your downloadable files You now have professional image files , or editable native files that you can upload.

 7. Add native or high-resolution images to your lessons

If you upload files on the internet be aware of compressing the size of your images. They lose quality. In CreativeMindClass, your students will get exactly the same image that you uploaded, without losing crispiness, and we accept native formats for files (.TIFFs, .PSDs etc.) to allow photography students to learn by making.

Within CreativeMindClass, each lesson in your program can include an extra document. So, pupils can view the video and download the lesson precisely when they require the file. If you're looking to take back the document that was completed by your students All you need to do is to add an exercise, it unlocks this option. We'll discuss the exercises in the following section.

Formats for downloadable files that are supported: We support most well-known file formats. You can upload .PDFs, .JPGs, .PNGs, .MP4, .doc and editable native files like .RAWs, .TIFFs, or an .PSDs  Pages/Words The list of supported formats grows.

File size: Remember to keep the size of your file small (less than 1MB) while keeping the crispiness of images and PDFs so students can enjoy quality visuals and download them quickly. Workable files like Pages/Word or native ones are larger in weight, and the larger they become, the more time it takes to download them, yet they're an engaging way to learn that it's worthwhile.

Upload high-resolution or native files to your lessons

 How do I get it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Click DOWNLOADABLE FILE to transfer your high-resolution file.

 8. Add an exercise to a lesson

Exercises are an effective way of delivering learning outcomes. It engages students in learning through doing. Such active learning typically consists of an activity that is measurable and instructor feedback.

Consider the experience that you'll provide to students to achieve their goals. Look at your Lessons list. Are there lessons that could be exciting and enjoyable activities for learning? Are there lessons that could include homework tasks? Which brainstorming exercises can be considered? What will be the assignment in your class?

Add an exercise to a lesson

 What is it? in CreativeMindClass

  1. Navigate to the tab for Content of the lesson
  2. Click the EXERCISE button to create exercises for your students.

 9. Have students share photographies and get your feedback

The online photography class asks for a final project that involves an image shoot. In the event that you incorporate such exercises, your students can take photographs using the techniques they learn during the course and upload them onto CreativeMindClass which allows you to provide the feedback.

PRO TIP: The students' end-of-course results of your photography online course may be posted as exercise files. They'll to be posted to the Activity Feed together with your feedback. It creates wonderful testimonials as well as social proof for your website.

Students can share their photographies and get your feedback

 How to do it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Go to LESSON - Content tab
  2. Click EXERCISE to make an exercise.
  3. Type your TITLE. For example "Share your final portrait photos".
  4. Write a DESCRIPTION. Example "Develop and then share your personal photos. After you're finished, you can upload them under the lesson and get my feedback ".
  5. Once your student has uploaded their task, you can go to the student's workto give your feedback.

 10. Make an online community to promote your program

Your feedback and learning activities are the first steps toward creating a community that is engaged around the online course. It is possible to stop there or take your students learning experience to the next step. This can help you grow your business and boost the visibility of your brand.

Activity Feed is an opportunity to create an online community. It drives visitors to your course's website, aids in keeping customers, and increases the revenue you make.

If you add some motivational articles to your online course website, you'll get yourself the perfect foundation to build a highly engaged community around your company and your brand.

What can you do to keep students engaged? What are you posting on social media? What advice would you like to share about gear, composition, or software? One way to keep your students engaged and motivated to finish your course is posting daily with inspirations in the final work.

Build an online community around your course

 How do I get it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Click My Postsin the main menu, to launch it.
  2. Click the ADD POST button to start a new post.

 And you're done!

Congratulations! Once your content is ready, you have the heart of your photography online course prepared. If you are starting an online photography class today, you can use the template provided below to plan and record an entirely new video as well as our full guide to how to create an online photography class.

  Make your own photography instructional videos. Today.

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