If you are like most people, you will definitely keep your smartphone by your side. From checking e-mails to tweets, and making social updates, it’s hard not to be tethered to your device.
Mobile devices are great for taking photos and videos, but have you ever thought about creating a vlog with your smartphone or even your tablet, especially in this age of entrepreneurship or techpreneurship?
“A vlog?” you ask. But of course! Your mobile device probably captures high quality High Definition video, so why are you using it to capture family moments alone?
More and more people are interested in using their smartphones to create quality content that can be shared socially, and it’s a more affordable and accessible video production solution and it’s always with you.
What is a vlog?
A vlog simply is a blog with video, and you can easily turn your blog into a vlog by embedding a video within a post.
All you need is an account on a video streaming site like YouTube and you’re good to go. Video is one of the most compelling and engaging types of media. It can help you establish authority, build your influence, and raise the engagement level on your site.
Types of vlogs
- Talking Head: A talking head vlog is just that: you sit in front of the camera and talk about a certain topic or share some information.
- How-To: A how-to vlog teaches the audience how to do something by demonstrating the action or activity.
- Adventure/Reality: You go on an adventure or activity outside of the studio and take the camera along to record what you see and hear.
The equipment
To create a high quality vlog, you should use the same equipment that is used with professional video productions. You will need: a camera or your mobile device, a tripod, lights, a microphone, and a cable or two. Let’s assume that you have a mobile device that captures video, so the camera is covered.
Tripod
A tripod is a three-legged stabilisation mount that ensures the shot is still and steady. Entry-level tripods cost around N15,000, and most electronic stores that sell cameras also sell tripods.
To create smooth movements, a fluid tripod is needed. But wait! You probably noticed that there’s no way to connect a tripod to a smartphone.
You’ll also need a tripod adaptor like the Glif (iPhone only) or this universal tripod adaptor that works with both Android devices and iPhones.
If you have an iPhone and want the flexibility of adding additional lenses, there is a device called the Phocus, which in addition to having a tripod attachment, it has a wide angle, macro and telephoto lens that can give you some creative flexibility while shooting.
Light
If you’re just starting with video, light can be more challenging especially if you’re indoors, but you should always use some kind of light source because it will improve the quality of the image. Use lamps or lights that you already have.
Consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. The CFLs are either balanced for daylight (5000K) which will be a whiter or bluer light, or will be orange-ish which is a characteristic of artificial light (3200K).
You’ll probably need a minimum of at least two lights if you’re lighting a person. The main light will create general illumination and the second light should be placed opposite the main light to fill in the shadows.
Microphones/Audio
Audio is very important, which is why you should connect a microphone to your mobile device.
If you’re shooting a talking head vlog, a lavaliere or clip on lapel mic will work just fine. But, be sure to use a TRRS (4-pin) cable to connect the mic to your device’s headphone/mic jack.
A great site for TRRS cables is KVConnection.com, and many TRRS cables allow you to connect headphones so that you can monitor the audio after it has been recorded.
Many pros also recommend the iRig Pre to connect a mic to an iOS or Android. There are also a number of mics that are designed for mobile devices like the iRig, smartLav, and iXY.
#Takeaway
Source: Punch
