How to record videos for Photography Course: 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 photography course videos (and adding some bonus content) with CreativeMindClass, a free tool that is used by the top photographers.

 - Start planning you videos

Record video lessons guide example

 How to plan and create your videos using 10 simple steps

Create videos, download files as well as exercises.

At this point you'll have a plan of your course. The next step is to plan how you'll describe each component of your class. Engaging, interactive, and fun content creates the perfect learning environment for students online. The most effective method to present the learning objectives is to mix different multimedia: videos, screen recordings, presentations and audio. Handouts are also a great way to reinforce the learning and exercises.

This guide will help you discover the most effective method of creating and recording videos for your course making bonus material such as downloadable files, and encouraging students to engage in active learning with activities. Keep in mind that preparation of content is the heart of the course, and you may find yourself working on the steps for a while.

  This guide will help you follow these steps.  

  1.         Video for each lesson
  2.         Choose the type of video lesson    
  3.         Record videos for your online photography course
  4.         Make a fun learning experience that primarily focuses on video
  5.         Add a downloadable file
  6.         Choose the downloadable file for your lesson
  7.         High-resolution native files into your lessons
  8.         Add an exercise to a lesson
  9.         Students are asked to share photos and receive feedback
  10.         Make an online community around your course

 1. Include a video in every lesson

Videos are the most captivating way to present your content. A successful online photography course includes between four and 25 hours of video footage. It's not easy to turn on the camera to film your self for this long.

Be aware that video can take on different forms, like presentations or screen recordings that include audio, so it isn't necessary to be in front of the camera all the time. If you have a hard to decide on the right most appropriate type of video for your program You can learn more about different video types in the next section.

Add a video to each lesson

 How do I get it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Create a new class for your lessons on video.
  2. Click on the LESSONS tab to open it.
  3. Choose the VIDEOlesson type.
  4. Upload a video to your PC.
  5. Add a video to every lesson.

Pro Tip: Depending on the application you employ to make your video and the tools you use, you'll have a variety of video formats, such as MP4, MOV, and WMV. Don't worry about that because the video files are automatically converted into formats that your students can view on their laptops, desktops or on mobile devices.

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

Examine your course outline. What method fits best to convey the objectives from each class?

Videos you incorporate into the classroom are what help to create an engaging online class and provide students with the best learning experience. The videos you create can be created using the gear and shooting space right at home with the skills you already have at your fingertips.

When you're done editing and recording your videos You'll have a number of small, 16:9 high-quality video files to upload. Be aware of the top quality of your video. The resolution must be 1080p.

There are several types of video you could create for your lessons:

   1. Videos showing your face

What it is:Showing your face is a perfect way to present your online self as a genuine humanbeing, but within a real-world setting. This helps students to get familiar with you and helps establish the trust of others and establishes a relationship with them. Viewers can instantly recognize you from your face as well as your smile and the way you present.

How to do it: Record yourself sitting or standing. The footage can be shoot from a number of angles. It is possible that you will require an appropriate tripod.

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

For which lessons would you make use of this type of video? What lesson goals can you deliver the most efficiently when you make an instructional video of yourself? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.

PRO Tip:For better sound quality in your videos, use external microphones. It is possible to start by using your existing microphone on your headphone.

   2. Documentary video

What does it mean:A documentary video in an online program that shows your reality and surroundings.

They work great for your studio shots, where you could be the guide. Also, it's a way to showcase the behind-the-scenes of your work as photographer. It gives you cool video that you can mix in within the lesson to make them more fun. This helps to give some time to relax and provide your students with eye candy in delivering educational objectives.

How to do it:The documentary shots are something that you most likely will collect in several recording sessions. It can be entertaining to record 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 an ideal way for you to make interesting videos such as to discuss your background, show yourself making photographs, or your live workshops.

PRO TIP Most documentary video footage can be recorded yourself. But for some shots, you might need some help. Ask your friend for help or hire someone so several hours.

   3. Talking head videos

What does it mean:You know, the video tutorials with talking heads from Youtube tutorials as it's typically used to explain. The talking head video is an in-depth shot of you explaining stuff in front of the camera.

Methods to use it: Combine the talking head video with images shown behind, for example, presentations slides, videos or a photo. To do that it is necessary to have a green screen behind you while recording, and then add images after the production.

Best for:It's ideal for showing your software to edit. It is also possible to show photos as inspirations and make remarks on parts you love or showcase some common mistakes made by photographers.

Which lesson objectives could be delivered most effectively by creating a talking head video? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.

PRO Tips: Lighting is crucial when making videos with talking heads. Beware of shadows, overexposure or just poor lighting. Use rings or LED lights for tripods.

   4. Videos with no face showing

If you feel that showing your face on the camera creates excessive exposure it's possible to create video that don't show your face. It's important to think about ways to connect to your viewers without using your facial expressions. Think about ways to make your personal style shine through your writing, voice, and in your videos.

If you're using avatars or animations, think carefully about ways to make the characters appeal to your audience and allow you to create an emotional connection with them regardless of your face.

   5. Presentation with a voiceover

What does it mean:Take a slide presentation, add a voiceover, and voilà! You created a slideshow video. No need to record your voice on a camera. That's it!

What you can do:Talk over your online photography lesson on Google Slides or PowerPoint. To make it more dynamic and video-like, you can use Prezi that allows zooming in as well as other fun features. Once you have your slides set, it is time to will explain the content of the slides. Keep in mind the sound quality of the voiceover.

The best choice forSuch presentation provides a quick method of digesting information for people who learn by looking. A presentation with a voiceover can be a fun method of learning. Particularly when something has to be reviewed multiple times or recalled. You present the most important facts using diagrams, bullet points, photos, graphs or even your own sketches. It's helpful to display, for example, the camera settings, shooting angles or light directions, for example.

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

   6. Screen recordings

What does it mean: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. When you're ready with the video, you'll be able to speed up the boring parts and add your audio narration, or even a track of music. You can also top it out, including a talking head type of video, to increase the receptivity of your.

Best for:Such photos are fantastic to use, as an example, in the part of your course where you talk about editing photos in Lightroom.

Which lesson objectives could be delivered most effectively when you create screen recording videos? Choose the lessons and make notes in the course description.

   7. Whiteboard videos

What does it mean:You can convey your details using whiteboards. They're relatively easy to design. It's as easy as using a black marker and an white background. Therefore, there's no need to fret about your brand's color and design.

What to do:There are several ways to go about it. This could be a short video showing you at the an open whiteboard space or an animated clip of whiteboard photos (so it doesn't have to reveal you face). You can also make it with a digital drawing pad (like an iPad) or whiteboard animation software such as Doodly.

Ideal for:These videos are great for dynamic parts of your content. You can use them for drawing something out, or circling it and so on. You can use it as an example for creating composition lines, or for marking arrows with light directions.

What objectives for your lesson could you deliver best in creating whiteboard video tutorials? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.

What it is:AI videos are another fantastic way of making online courses without showing your face. They're professional-looking videos featuring avatars and voiceovers.

Using AI videos with voiceovers could be an efficient and quick method of creating an online photography course. Additionally, it could be your distinguished teaching style but keep the fact that it's hard to establish a connection with your students on AI-generated footage.

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

Best for:It's an alternative to face shots if you feel uneasy recording yourself.

PRO Tip: If you don't want to use an avatar for your online course, you can generate only a voiceover on your screen recordings or slide slides. It's a nice walk around if you create an online course that is that's in English and you're not confident of your voice.

Are you of the opinion that using AI videos or voiceovers would be beneficial in your content delivery? Which specific lesson objectives could deliver this way? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes within the lesson's description.  

 3. Record videos for your online photography course

If you've selected the appropriate video types to deliver your learning outcomes in each class, it's time for "Lights Camera, Action! ".

Being a photographer, you benefit from the fact that it might be easy for you to get an electronic camera to begin recording. The photographer is equipped with a wide range of expertise that can be useful in making videos. They know where to look at lighting, composition and the other elements that are crucial in getting a great shot, moving or not.

The thing you must keep in mind is that one simple move of the camera, or the things you are shooting, will alter the picture. But, the experience you have had will help you to adjust rapidly. Here are some guidelines regarding how you can set up the recording space and select the equipment, and finally get started with making your videos:

   1. Make sure you have a recording studio

Making sure you have a recording space is essential to ensure your learners have a good education experience when they take your online photography course. They need to be able to see you and hear your voice.

Based on the type of video you've selected to present your outcomes for learning There are a variety of setups:

  • To record videos that show you instructing yourself or showing your work, you'll record yourself.
  • For talking heads, you'll use editing software after you've finished recording in order to make screencasts as well as video of you talking.
  • To create presentations or screen recordings You'll be recording your computer screen and do a voice-over for audio.
  • In the case of whiteboards, you'll be recording yourself while in front of the whiteboard, or capture your computer screen and do voiceovers.

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

PRO TIP:For the video recording, keep in mind the same fundamental rules that apply when you're shooting photos; the camera stays stable on a tripod, you have enough light and you can frame your shoot properly, and the captured space appears flawless. In terms of audio, ensure that there's no background and echo. They can be reduced by blankets, or soundproof acoustic panels.

   2. Pick the appropriate tools to make videos.

Begin by listing the equipment or program you'd like to employ to produce every video. Dependent on the nature of the video you're making, this could include physical gear like a camera and tripod, lighting, microphone, or programs for recording screen footage as well as post-production editing. The latest and most advanced gear is fun, but it's not essential.

Camera: you most likely already have the option to record in your camera that you are using for pictures. If not, start by making use of your camera on your computer or mobile phone's camera.

Microphone:built-in cameras and microphones in your laptop or mobile phones have poor quality sound. Make sure you have a hands-free mic or table-top microphone.

Lightingas an experienced photographer you are familiar with the importance of lighting. The same principles apply to video recording. Make use of natural light or lamps that you have at home. If you're not happy with the result, try using a ring lamp or a tri-point kit for lighting.

Screen recordings:Quicktime Player is for that on a Mac, or a install a no-cost app on Windows called Obsproject

editing: you might be already using some Adobe Cloud products. For video editing, try Adobe Premiere Rush or Premiere Pro.

   3. Start recording video lessons

It's been a long time since you've waited for this thrilling moment for several years. The moment has come to hit the "start" button of your camera.

Make a sample video in order to determine how good your recording as well as your video.

You don't need to necessary record your video lessons chronologically. Start by selecting from your lists of lessons the instruction that resonates with you or seems the easiest to record. This could be self-introductionor begin to explore your favourite topics of the instructional lessons straight away.

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

PRO TIP: You can capture scenes from a day of recording. This is a fantastic way to promote your online photography course.

 4. Make a learning experience with a focus on videos

A video-based course offers an entirely different experience from reading, for example, the text in a slide. It requires some features, navigation, and layout specific to video platforms. CreativeMindClass can be described as an online class platform dedicated especially to videos and focuses on providing an engaging learning experience by using video.

Usually, when you upload your video onto an online platform, it's best practice to include an individual thumbnail image to your uploaded video. It looks great when you view it in the preview but additionally, it requires some task. We came up with something cool that doesn't need you doing the job. Once you upload your clip We automatically pick the highlights and best times to show as a looped 3--8 seconds video. It's something like you might recognize from Spotify videos shown while a song plays.

 What is it? within CreativeMindClass

  1. When you are in LESSON Select VIDEOlesson type.
  2. Upload a video to your computer.
  3. Click here to the Preview and enjoy the automatically created lesson video.

 5. Create a download file

The ability to download files is a fantastic addition to your lesson. They're not just effective in delivering your primary learning objectives and objectives, but they're also an excellent way of engaging learners. The best part is that they might be seen by students as cute tiny gifts that will improve the quality of your class.

If you add an extra document to your lesson, your students can download the file, print it, fill it in, or alter it.

This downloadable file does not need to be printed out. It can also be filled in digitally. For instance, on an iPad or even your students can work inside in a PSD image on their desktops. When they've finished, they give the file back to you and get comments.

Downloadable files make your content exciting and enjoyable, and will leave your marks on the students' desks and desks. There is more information about downloadable files in the following paragraph.

Add a downloadable file

 How do I get it in CreativeMindClass

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

 6. Select the file downloads for your lessons

   1. Printouts

What it is: They are images or PDFs. Do you need your pupils to recall something, or adhere to some specific steps? The best way to convey this is with a downloadable PDF file. It is possible to add a printed copy to any lesson with everything you can imagine whiteboards, slideshows, notes, infographics and more. You can create additional material or use the materials that you have learned from your lessons.

How to do it: You can create prints using text editors, or Canva. Your students can take notes or... you could give notes to them. Pick four or five major points that you teach in a particular lesson.

The best for: This is a great method to deliver lessons, such as important points, camera settings specifics, as well as the kick-starter set. They are ideal for planners or checklists. They can also be used for briefs, checklists narrative boards or mood boards.

PRO TIP If you use presentations in your classes A great trick is to distribute them to your students so that they can make notes on them.

Are you of the opinion that printing out printouts are beneficial for your teaching methods? Which specific lesson objectives could you deliver this way? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.

   2. Worksheets and documents to be filled in

What does it mean: They are PDFs or Pages/Word document. Worksheets are the documents your pupils can fill in. They can be plain texts or gorgeous sheets made in your brand design.

What to do:You can create it with Word or Pages, or make use of attractive templates made by Canva. It is possible to receive your completed worksheets back from your students. In order to do this, you need to combine it with an exercise which allows students to bring their work to a lesson and get the feedback of your students. We'll discuss it in detail in the next section.

Ideal for: If you include the online photography class with an exercise for brainstorming, you might want students to record their ideas down. It is possible to include a mind map, a table, or even a storyboard, to help fill the gaps. They can also be useful for making notes of responses to your questions as well as other assignments, tasks, and assignments.

Are you of the opinion that a worksheet would be beneficial to your content delivery? 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

What is it: They are native files that applications (like Photoshop, or Lightroom) create, and the user can edit. You might know them as .PSDs, .RAW, .TIFFs, .AIs, .docs, or any other.

What to do:Create a document and export it in a native format and upload the file to your lesson. It is possible to combine it with an the exercise. This way, students can hand the file back to you to get feedback. We'll discuss it in detail in the next section.

The best choice for They are best for editing parts of your online photography class or to include some presets in the document. Your students will then work on native files using Lightroom and Photoshop.

Are you of the opinion that the ability to edit natively your files would benefit your instructional delivery? Which specific lesson objectives could you deliver this way? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.

PRO TIP:Make sure your students also have access to the software you're using, otherwise they won't be able to work on the document.

   4. A second video

What does it mean: You can upload video clips to accompany any course, and your students will be able to download the video. It's fantastic for teaching detailed facts. It is also possible to provide advanced learning materials for the learners who want to do some extra tasks.

What to do:You can record an extra video in the course or after you have recorded the material for your online photography course.

The best choice forYou are able to use it in educational videos that have to be repeated, for example, how to adjust the settings of a camera.

Would you consider having an additional video might be beneficial to your content delivery? What lessons specific objectives might you deliver using this method? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes within the lesson's description.

What is it: You can add an URL inside the downloadable document so that only students have access to it.

How to do it: Paste any link in a text file and upload it to a class.

The best choice forIt's the perfect solution to provide your students with additional learning materials. If you'd like your students to have access to a web site that allows them to create such things as an e-mailer or mental map (like Milanote). In this way, you could generate a link to an online application which doesn't create an editable file.

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

Are you of the opinion that allowing an external link could be helpful for your delivery of content? Which lesson goals could you deliver this way? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.

Additional downloadable material the students bring into their lessons will help you deliver effective learning outcomes. Downloadable files are created using software like Pages/Word Google Slides, Prezi, Photoshop or Canva. Some are free and may come with your computer Others will require to be purchased.

Keep in mind that some learning material (presentation slides, organizers) that you have created for video could be reused as download documents. They can be exported in PDFs, and then upload them to your computer. Certain of them are done but others may require some tweaks.

It is possible to create assignments using additional files like worksheets or native documents. Combining it with an exercise allows students to upload files to a lesson and get your feedback.

After you've completed your downloadable files then you'll have quality image files , or edited native files you can upload.

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

When uploading files online, watch out for compressing size of images. They lose quality. With CreativeMindClass, your students will receive exactly the same file that you uploaded, without losing clarity, and we also support native file formats (.TIFFs, .PSDs etc.) so photography students can learn through practicing.

Within CreativeMindClass Every lesson you teach in your program can include an extra document. So, students can watch the lesson and download the file at the exact time they'll need it. If you'd like to download back the document that was completed by your students All you need to do is add the exercise to unlock this feature. We'll discuss the exercises in the next part.

File formats that can be downloaded: We support most commonly used file formats. You can upload .PDFs, .JPGs, .PNGs, .MP4, .doc and editable native files like .RAWs, .TIFFs, or an .PSDs  Page/Word and more. The list is endless.

Size of the file: Remember to keep the file size to a minimum (

Upload high-resolution or native files to your lessons

 How to do it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Select DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload your high-resolution or native document.

 8. Incorporate an exercise into the lesson

Exercises are a great way to deliver learning results. Students are engaged in learning by doing. Such active learning typically consists of an activity that is measurable and feedback from the instructor.

Consider the experience that you'll design to assist students achieve their goals. Look at your Lessons list. What lessons might have an engaging and fun activity for learning? Are there lessons that could include homework assignments? What brainstorming activities could be considered? What is the final task in your course?

Add an exercise to a lesson

 What is it? in CreativeMindClass

  1. Click to the tab titled Content
  2. Click the EXERCISE button to make an exercise for your pupils.

 9. Have students share photos and to get feedback from you

The online photography class asks for a final project, like making a photoshoot. In the event that you incorporate such exercises, your students can take pictures using the methods they acquire during the course and upload them to CreativeMindClass and then provide critique.

PRO TIP: Students' results from the online photography class can be uploaded in the form of exercises. The results will be uploaded to the Activity Feed together with your feedback. This creates fantastic testimonials and social proof for your site.

Students can share their photographies and get your feedback

 How to do it in CreativeMindClass

  1. Navigate to the tab for Content of the lesson
  2. Click EXERCISE to create an exercise.
  3. Type TITLE. For example "Share your final portrait photos".
  4. Write a DESCRIPTION. Example "Develop and upload your portrait photographs. After you're finished, you can to upload them, you can do so in the lower part of the lesson for my opinion ".
  5. If your student has uploaded the assignment, go to students' workto provide your feedback.

 10. Make an online community to promote your class

Learning activities and your feedback is the first step towards building an engaged community around your online class. It is possible to stop there or improve the experience your students are getting to the next step. This helps to improve your business's performance and expand the visibility of your brand.

Activity Feed can be a great way to build an online community. It increases visitors to your course's website, helps you retain customers, and increases your revenue.

If you include some inspirational articles to your online course website, you'll be able to create the perfect foundation to build a highly engaged community around your brand and business.

How can you keep students engaged? What kind of content do you typically share via social networks? What advice would you like to give about composition, gear, or software? An excellent way to keep your students entertained and motivated to complete your course is posting daily which provide ideas for the final project.

Build an online community around your course

 How do I get it within CreativeMindClass

  1. Simply click My Postsin main menu to open it.
  2. Click the the ADD POST button to make a new post.

 And you're done!

Congratulations! Now that your content is complete, you've got the heart of your photography online course prepared. If you're planning to start your own online photography course today, you can use the free template below to plan and record the next video course and read our entire instruction for the best way to build an online photography class.

  Make your own photography instructional videos. Today.

Begin for free by using the CreativeMindClass template that is simple to use.

Record video lessons guide example

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