The Process of making Youtube Content

We see the end result and think that it just happened.

Well working with (Artist) Adom On Acid

We did the Cinematography.

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The Beginning

When you start a project, you got to think about where it's going to end up.

At first, we thought about creating a Youtube video formated for 16:9

We thought the audience would view this on their TV and laptops.

So this motivates how you frame your subject.

16:9 Format for Youtube Video

We love this softbox, it's small but packs a bite. Also easy to set up. The power was at 40%. Shot on a small square desk from Ikea.

We also kept these videos for over 1 minute. We also shot this as RAW, 4K.

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The Middle

We kept trying, limited by space, the problem was how do you get different looks with limited space. First lesson, when you're doing a daily vlog. Don't shoot 4k. We also wanted to test. Youtube Shorts. Ended up shooting 1080p, ProRes, LT.

So here we got a little more ambitious. We had one Gel with a Magenta Gel.

The process is always evolving. The overhead shot was too flat for me. So at the end.

You learn to control this, you use neg fill and your light ratios. Light spreads everywhere. It interferes with other light. So you have to control where it hits. Snoots, neg fill and spot lights are great attachments to do this.

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The End

We moved to a loft, so now space wasn't the issue. We had a great wooden table so started to use that as a prop.

While shooting through the day in a studio. You don't want to wait for mother nature to till you when it's AM or PM. So we blocked off all the daylight.

Neon image brake down

So here, you start to sculpt in your image. Using a negative fill. You are blocking the light hitting frame left. There was too much spill, the light I'm using is super powerful and had it at 4% and it still overpowered all my other lights. When you get into lighting. It's all about ratios. To keep ratios and contrast, you need to add a negative fill. Light spills everywhere, so you have to contain it.

Using an MC, point right at the subject, you also are creating contrast. Colours also add depth to your Image.

An Aputure Spotlight with a 19 Degree Beam angle.

Allows you to get very specific with your light.

It focuses the light and then you have built-in cutters to help shape the light.

We just wanted to light the top of the frame. It's like having a built-in negative fill. You can really shape your light and have it hit a specific point. For many years, snoots were my best friends.

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Conclusion

Through the whole process, you learn, which is the best format.

Most things get better over time, the more you shoot something, the more you hone into your vision.

Limit yourself to one location, one prop, one desk, one set.

Then keep adding layers to it.

It takes time to find the look of something.

Challenge yourself also to find multiple looks in the same room.

Overhead are great to practice your creativity.

Normally you use see flat lighting, but try lighting object on the desk.

Add props that add to the story.

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Visual Smugglers is a Toronto based Video Production Company.

We create video content and animation for Brands, Influencers and Business.

To view our portfolio and get in touch https://www.visualsmugglers.com