How to Record Videos for Photography Course A Complete Guide

Nov 29, 2022

HOME - GUIDES - VIDEO LESSONS

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the process of planning and recording online course of photography video tutorials (and including bonus material) using CreativeMindClass which is a tool for free employed by some of the most renowned creators.

 - Start planning you videos

Record video lessons guide example

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

Make videos, download files as well as exercises.

In this stage it is time to have your outline of the course. It's now time to think about how to describe each component of your curriculum. Interactive, stimulating and enjoyable content provides a great learning experience for online students. The best way to deliver the learning objectives is to mix different multimedia: videos screens, recordings on screen, presentations, audio, hand-outs, and exercises.

In this article, you'll be taught the best method for planning and recording video lessons, preparing bonus materials like downloadable files and making students active learners with assignments. Be aware that content preparation is at the core of your class, therefore you may find yourself working on the steps for quite a long time.

  This guide will help you follow these steps.  

  1.         Add a video to each lesson
  2.         Select the type of video lesson    
  3.         Record videos for your online photography course
  4.         Develop a learning experience that primarily focuses on videos
  5.         Include a downloadable file
  6.         Choose the downloadable file for your lesson
  7.         High-resolution native files to your lessons
  8.         Add an exercise to a lesson
  9.         Ask students share photographs and ask for critique
  10.         Build an online community to support your course

 1. Make sure to include a video with every lesson

Videos are the best method of presenting your information. An online course in photography that is successful includes between four and 25 hours of video footage. It's difficult to switch on the camera and film your self for this length of time.

Remember, videos can have various forms like presentation or screen recordings that include audio. It isn't necessary to sit on camera every minute of the day. If you have a hard choosing the best most appropriate type of video for your program, you can read more about various types of videos in the following section.

Add a video to each lesson

 What is it? in CreativeMindClass

  1. Design a new class to go with the video lessons you have created.
  2. Click the on the LESSONS tab to open it.
  3. Choose the VIDEOlesson kind.
  4. Drag a video file from your PC.
  5. Include a video in every lesson.

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 format options like MP4, MOV, or WMV. You don't have to worry about it because the video files will be automatically converted to formats that students are able to watch on their desktops or mobiles.

 2. Choose the video lesson type

Review your outline of the course. What method fits best to deliver the learning outcomes from each class?

Videos you incorporate into your classes are the key to create an engaging online course that gives students an enjoyable learning experience. The videos you create can be created using the gear and shooting in your home, using your existing skills in your arsenal.

When you're done recording and editing your videos You'll have a number of low-length, 16:9-quality video files that you can upload. Be aware of the top quality of your video. It must have a resolution of 1080p.

There are a variety of instructional videos that you can make to teach your students:

   1. Videos showing your face

What does it mean:Showing your face is the perfect method to display your online self as a genuine person, within a real-world setting. This helps students to get familiar with you and creates the trust of others and establishes a relationship with them. People can immediately be able to recognize your face or smile. They can also recognize the way you present.

How to do it: Record yourself sitting or standing. The video can be shot from one or more angles. It is possible that you will require an appropriate tripod.

Best for:Try the videos showing your face, for example, in a self-introduction or in the conclusion of your course.

In which classes would you use this video type? What objectives for the lesson could be achieved the most efficiently when you make videos of your own self? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.

PRO Tips:For better sound quality in your videos, use external microphones. You can start with your existing microphone on your headphone.

   2. Documentary video

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

They are perfect for photos in the studio where you can be a guide. Additionally, it's a means of showing behind the scenes of working as an artist. It gives you cool video to incorporate into different lessons within the lesson in order to make them more entertaining. This can give you some time to relax and provide your pupils with a bit of fun while teaching learning objectives.

How do you do it:The documentary shots are something that you most likely will record in several sessions. They can be quite enjoyable to shoot because they can open up creative possibilities, and you can act as if you're a professional filmmaker.

The best in:It's an ideal way for you to produce interesting video such as to talk about your backgrounds, demonstrate your photographs, or your live workshops.

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. Videos of Talking Heads

What does it mean:You know, the talk-head videos that are found in Youtube tutorials, which is commonly used for presenting. The video that talks to you is an intimate image of you explaining something to the camera.

How to do it: Combine the talking head video with images shown behind, for example, presentations slides, videos or even a static image. For this it is necessary to have a green screen behind you when recording. You can also add visuals during post-production.

The best choice forIt's ideal for showing your software to edit. It is also possible to show images as examples and leave observations on those parts you like or show some common mistakes made by photographers.

What lesson goals can be delivered most effectively in a talk head video? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.

PRO Tips: Lighting is crucial in talking head videos. Beware of shadows, overexposure and just plain bad lighting. Use a ring light or LED lighting on tripods.

   4. Videos with no face showing

If showing your face on the camera creates too much and you want to make 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 personal style shine through your script, your voice and video content.

If you're using an avatar or animated images, think about ways to make the people you're using them to appeal to and aid in creating a personal connection, even without showing your face.

   5. Presentation with a voiceover

What is it:Take a slide presentation with a voiceover and voilà! You created a slideshow video. You don't need to film you talking to the camera. This is as simple as that!

What you can do:Talk over your online photography lesson in Google Slides or PowerPoint. For a more lively and more video-like, use Prezi using zooming-in and additional fun options. Once you have your slides ready, you describe what's in the slides. Be aware of the audio quality of the voiceover.

The best choice forSuch presentation provides a quick way of digesting content for those who learn by looking. The use of a voiceover in a presentation can be a fun way to learn. It is especially useful when something must be looked at repeatedly or to be remembered. It is important to present the most crucial facts using diagrams, bullet points or graphs. You can also use photos, images, or your own doodles. It's useful for showing, for example, the cameras settings, the shooting angles or light directions, etc.

Which objectives for the lesson could be delivered most effectively in a talk head video? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.

   6. Screen recordings

What it is:Screen recording shows what you're doing in your laptop's screen.

How to do it:For screen recordings, you could use Quicktime (on Mac) or hit Windows Key + Alt + R. Once you're done with the recording, you can accelerate the dull parts and then add your narration or a music track. Additionally, you could make it more interesting by including an animated type of video to enhance the quality of the.

The best for:Such images are excellent for, say, the part of your course where you talk about making edits to photos using Lightroom.

Which lesson objectives could be delivered most effectively in creating screen recording videos? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.

   7. Whiteboard videos

What it is:You can convey your information through whiteboards. They're relatively easy to create. It's as easy as using an eraser in black and white backgrounds. There is no reason to worry about your brand colors and style.

How do you do it:There are several ways to do it. It can be a video that shows you standing in front of a whiteboard or an animated video of whiteboard photos (so you don't need to reveal your face). Also, you can design it using a computer drawing pad (like the iPad) or whiteboard animation software such as Doodly.

Ideal for:These videos work great for dynamic parts of your content, drawing something out, or circling it, etc. This can be utilized as an example for drawing composition lines or drawing arrows using light directions.

What lesson goals can you deliver best when you create whiteboard videos? Select the lesson and take notes in the course description.

   8. AI videos and voiceovers

What it is:AI videos are another great way of creating online course videos without showing your face. They are professional videos with avatars and voices.

Making use of AI videos with voiceovers could make for a fast and efficient way of creating your online photography course. It can also create your unique approach to teaching but keep your eyes on the difficulty to build a personal connection using AI-generated video.

What is it: AI videos and voiceovers are created with plain text by using programs like Synthesia.

The best option forIt's an alternative to face shots if you feel extremely uncomfortable filming yourself.

PRO Tips: If you don't like using an avatar in your online class, you could create a voiceover only for your screen recordings or slide presentations. This is a great way to get 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 help with your content delivery? What particular lesson goals could you deliver this way? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes in the lesson description.  

 3. Record videos for your online photography course

If you've selected the appropriate kinds of videos you'll use to present the learning objectives for each class, it's the time to "Lights, camera, action! ".

Being a photographer, you are fortunate that it is possible to grab a video camera and start making videos. The photographer is equipped with a wide range of abilities that help in making videos. They know where to look at lighting, composition and the other elements that are crucial when capturing a stunning photo, regardless of whether you are moving.

You must know is the way one simple move of the camera, or the things you're shooting will alter the picture. However, your past experience will allow you to make adjustments rapidly. Here are some suggestions on how to set your recording area, choose the gear, then begin recording your video lessons:

   1. Make sure you have a recording studio

Making sure you have a recording space is crucial to make sure your learners have a good learning experience with the online photography class. It is essential for them to be able to view you and hear your voice.

Based on the type of video that you've decided to use to convey your learning outcomes You'll be able to choose different configurations:

  • To record videos that show you instructing directly or showing you at the workplace, you'll be recording yourself.
  • Talking heads make use of editing software once you've finished recording in order to make screencasts as well as recordings of your speaking.
  • For presentation videos and screen recordings videos, you'll record the screen of your computer and record voice-overs for the audio.
  • For whiteboards, you'll take a recording of yourself standing on the whiteboard or record your computer screen and do voiceovers.

It could be you have for photography to record your course however, it doesn't require an expert studio.

PRO Tips:For the video recording, keep in mind the same fundamental rules that apply when you're shooting photos; your camera remains steadily mounted on a tripod; there's enough light available to frame the shot carefully, and your recorded space appears flawless. When recording audio, be sure that there's not any background sound or echo. They can be reduced by blankets or soundproofing acoustic panels.

   2. Choose the right tools to create videos.

Start by listing the gear or software you want to employ to produce every video. Depending on the type of video, it could involve physical gear like a camera or tripod, lighting equipment microphone, or software for screen recording and post-production editing. Today's most modern and advanced equipment is great, but it's not essential.

Cameras: you most likely have a recording option in the camera you're using to take photographs. If not, start by using your computer's camera or mobile phone's camera.

Microphone:built-in cameras and microphones on your computer or mobile phones have poor quality sound. Choose a microphone that is hands-free or a tabletop mic.

Lighting:as a photographer, you are familiar with the importance of lighting. Similar practices work for video recordings. Use natural light or the lighting fixtures you already have at home. If you're not happy with the results, you can try a ring light or a three-point lighting kit.

Screen record:Quicktime Player is for use on Mac as well as a download a free app for Windows , 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

You've been anticipating this thrilling moment for some time. The moment has come to hit the "start" button of your camera.

Begin by recording a trial video to test how good your recording as well as your video.

You don't need to necessary create your video lessons in a chronological manner. Start by selecting from your lists of lessons the lesson which appeals to you or appears to be the easiest to record. The lesson could be a self-introduction, or you can begin to explore your favourite areas of your instructional lessons straight away.

The recording of the lesson overview and conclusion to the end of recording sessions, 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 market your photography online course.

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

Watching a video course is distinct from reading texts on slides. There are certain functions, navigational features and layouts that are specific for video platforms. CreativeMindClass is an on-line course platform that is specifically designed to accommodate video courses and focused in delivering an enjoyable learning experience by using video.

Usually, when you upload your video on any platform, it's good practice to add an individual thumbnail image to your video. It looks great in the preview, but also it adds some extra effort. So we came up with something cool that doesn't need having to do any task. When you upload your video it is automatically selected from the highlights and best times to show as a looped 3-8 seconds video. You may know from Spotify videos that are shown when the song is playing.

 How to do it within CreativeMindClass

  1. When you are in LESSON Select in the LESSON, select a VIDEOlesson kind.
  2. Upload a video to your computer.
  3. Click here to the Preview and watch the automatically produced lesson cover video.

 5. Add a downloadable file

Downloadable documents are an excellent addition to your lesson. They're not just an effective way to deliver the key learning outcomes you want to achieve, but also they're an excellent way of engaging learners. What's sweet is that they could be viewed by your students as charming little gifts that enhance the value of your courses.

When you upload an additional document to your lesson, your students can download it, print it out and fill it in or alter it.

Such downloadable file doesn't have to be printed out. It could be filled in digitally, for example, with an iPad or even your students could work within a PSD file on their desktops. After they've completed their work they can give the document back to you and get feedback.

Downloadable content makes your material enjoyable and entertaining and leave your mark on the students' desks and desks. Learn more about downloadable files in the following paragraph.

Add a downloadable file

 How do I get it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Navigate to the tab for Content of the lesson
  2. Select DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload your file.

 6. Download the files to your lessons

   1. Printouts

What is it: They are images or PDFs. Do you need your pupils to remember something or follow the steps in a specific order? You can deliver it with a downloadable PDF file. It is possible to add a printed copy to any lesson with everything you could imagine whiteboards notes, slideshows and more. 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. Students can make notes or... you could offer them notes. Select four or five key aspects that you will teach in a particular class.

Ideal in: It's a perfect way of delivering information, like lesson important points, camera settings information, or a kick starter set. They are ideal for planners, checklists, briefs, mood boards, or storyboards.

PRO TIP If you use presentation slides in your lessons A great trick is to give them to your students so that they may take notes about the slides.

Do you think providing printouts are beneficial for your teaching methods? What specific objectives for your lesson can you accomplish this in this manner? Select the lesson and take notes within the description of the lesson.

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

What it is: They are PDFs, Pages/Word documents. Worksheets are the documents your students fill out. They can be plain text documents or beautiful sheets made in your brand fashion.

How to do it:You can create it using Pages or Word, or you can use the attractive templates made by Canva. The completed worksheet back from your students. In order to do this, you need to combine it with an exercise that allows students to upload their files for a class and receive the feedback of your students. The details will be covered in the next section.

Best for: If you are planning to include in your online photography course an exercise for brainstorming You might ask your students to write their thoughts down. You can add notes, a table, or even a storyboard, to help fill the gaps. They can also be useful for writing down answers to queries and for other assignments, tasks, and assignments.

Do you think giving a worksheet would be beneficial in your delivery of content? What particular lesson goals would you be able to accomplish in this manner? Choose the lessons and make notes within the lesson's description.

   3. Editable native files

The definition of HTML0 is They are native files which software (like Photoshop, or Lightroom) make, which the user can edit. You might know them by the names of .PSDs, .RAW, .TIFFs, .AIs, .docs, etc.

How to do it:Create a document and export it to an native format. Then, upload the file to your lesson. The student can use it in conjunction with exercise, this way, students can hand your file back for feedback. This will be covered in depth below.

Ideal for: They are best for editing parts of your photography online course or when you want to include some presets in the document. Then your students to work on native files using Lightroom as well as Photoshop.

Do you think providing editing native files could be beneficial to your content delivery? What specific objectives for your lesson could you deliver this way? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.

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

   4. An additional video

What is it: You can upload video clips to accompany any class, and pupils can download it. It's great for presenting specific details. You can also provide some additional learning resources for learners who want to take on additional tasks.

How to do it:You can record an additional video while or after you have recorded the video content of your online photography course.

The best choice forYou can use it for instructional videos that need to be watched several times such as how to change the settings of a camera.

Do you think the addition of a video could help your delivery of content? What specific lesson objectives can you deliver this way? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.

What it is: You can add a link inside your downloadable file so only your students can access it.

How to do it: Paste any link in a text file and add it to the lesson.

The best choice forIt's the perfect solution to give your students some extra learning resources. Also, you can ask them to access a website which allows them to design something like a mood board or a mental map (like Milanote). This way, you can create a link to an online program which doesn't create an editable document.

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

Would you consider putting up a link would be beneficial in the delivery of your content? What specific objectives for your lesson can you accomplish this in this manner? Choose the lessons and make notes within the lesson's description.

The additional downloadable materials you bring to your lessons can help in delivering the learning objectives effectively. These downloadable files can be developed using programs such as Pages/Word, Google Slides, Prezi, Photoshop, or Canva. Certain are completely free and come with your computer, others will need to be purchased.

Remember that certain teaching materials (presentation slides, plans) that you have created for video you can reuse as downloadable documents. They can be exported to PDFs and then upload them to your computer. Certain of them are done while others require some tweaking.

It is possible to create assignments using other files, such as worksheets or native documents. Combining it with an exercise allows students to upload worksheets to their lesson, and then get responses.

When you're done creating your files that you can download, you have high-quality image files or editable native files that you can upload.

 7. Send high-resolution native or HD file to your lesson

When you upload your files online Be aware of compression the size of your images. They lose quality. Through CreativeMindClass the students receive exactly the same file that you uploaded, without losing quality, and we can support native file formats (.TIFFs, .PSDs etc.) to allow photography students to learn through practicing.

Within CreativeMindClass, each lesson in your class can be accompanied by an additional document. This way, your students can watch the course and download the files precisely when they require it. If you'd like to download the files that were completed by your child All you need to do is to add the exercise to unlock this option. The exercises will be discussed in the next part.

File formats that can be downloaded: We support most popular file formats. It is possible to upload .PDFs, .JPGs, .PNGs, .MP4, .doc and editable native formats such as .RAWs, .TIFFs, or the .PSDs ,Page/Word and more. The list is endless.

File size: Remember to keep the size of your file small (less than 1MB) but keep the sharpness of PDFs and photos so pupils can get high quality images while downloading them fast. The workable file formats like Pages/Word and native files are heavier in size, and the bigger they are longer it takes to download them but they are such 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. Select DOWNLOADABLE FILE to transfer your high-resolution document.

 8. Include an exercise in a lesson

Exercises are a great way to help students achieve their learning goals. It engages students in learning by performing. This type of active learning usually consists of an activity that is measurable and instructor feedback.

Think about the learning 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? Which lessons could have homework tasks? What brainstorming exercises could be included? What's the end-of-course project in your course?

Add an exercise to a lesson

 What is it? in CreativeMindClass

  1. Navigate to the tab titled Content
  2. Click the EXERCISE button to create an exercise for your class.

 9. Students should be asked to submit photos and to get feedback from you

A photography online course will ask for a final project such as a photoshoot. In the event that you incorporate such exercises the students will be able to take photos using the skills they learn during the course and upload them to CreativeMindClass, where you can offer the feedback.

Pro Tip: Students' end-of-course results of the online photography class can be uploaded as exercises. They'll to be posted to the Activity Feed together with your comments. That creates great testimonials and social proof for your site.

Students can share their photographies and get your feedback

 What is it? within CreativeMindClass

  1. Navigate to LESSON - Content tab
  2. Click on EXERCISE to generate an exercise.
  3. Type TITLE. For example "Share your final portrait photos".
  4. Write a DESCRIPTION. In this case, for example "Develop and share your portrait photos. Once you're done, put them up in the lower part of the lesson for my feedback ".
  5. When your student uploads the exercise, navigate to students' workto give your feedback.

 10. Make an online community around your program

Learning activities and your feedback are the initial steps towards building an engaged community around the online course. It is possible to stop there, or you can improve the experience your students are getting to the next step. This can help you improve your business's performance and expand the visibility of your brand.

Activity Feed is an opportunity to create an online network. It increases users to your website, aids in keeping clients, and boosts the revenue you make.

If you post some motivating blog posts on your course's website, you'll be able to create an excellent foundation for creating an active community around your business and brand.

How could you keep students engaged? What kind of content do you typically share via social networks? What advice would you like to offer on composition, equipment, or software? A good idea to keep your students entertained and motivated to finish the course are daily posts that provide inspiration in the final work.

Build an online community around your course

 How to do it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Click My Postsin main menu to open it.
  2. Click Add Post button to start a new post.

 And you're done!

Congratulations! Now that your content is ready, you have the core of your online photography course in place. If you are starting a new online photography course immediately, make use of the free template below for preparing and recording a new video lesson, or check out our full instruction on how to create an online photography course.

  Design your course's photography videos. Today.

Start for free with CreativeMindClass's easy-to-use template.

Record video lessons guide example

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