I meet so many people who want to get into videography and will buy the most expensive camera they can afford or go into debt on the one they can’t. I also see a lot of people jump at every new gimbal/camera/gadget as soon as it’s launched.

I feel like it’s more important to master the basics such as composition, exposure, frame rate, camera movements etc rather than focusing on buying the newest, largest camera or gadgets. 

The same goes for lenses. I know buying more lenses should make your life more versatile on shoots but I feel too many lenses makes everything a lot more complicated than it needs to be. 

I only have a handful of lenses and 1 lens which I will shoot the majority of things with and you will find it’s the same with many other professional videographers. Equipment is heavy. I will always try to only carry what I will need. 

When I first started photography I could not afford a camera. In fact my first job the owner actually let me use his camera which was nice but it was ancient! The CF card was massive yet had little to no memory, it was so slow, always ran out of battery, it was a nightmare if I’m honest. BUT it meant I had to be really creative to make the shots work. Including once borrowing a light from a bar that was used to light an icebox because I didn’t own any professional lighting. 

There is always going to be something better, but never let that stop you from creating here and now. Never feel intimidated by someone because they have more equipment than you. 

Equipment cannot make up for knowledge. An experienced videographer can use a beginner camera and make it look professional. 

Don’t get me wrong I love playing with new cameras, but I only hire them when the project requires me to do so. 

There is no greater tool than your imagination – nurture it, embrace it, create with it and most of all be inspired by it. 

What do you think?

Let me know [email protected]

 Let’s be real, at some point or another in your videography journey you’re going to get stuck.  
 
Your editing software will crash. (we’ve all been there) 
You might feel you don’t have enough clients. 
You might feel uncreative.
You might have days where you doubt yourself and your skillset/knowledge – ‘can I actually do this? ‘
 
I’m here to tell you – that’s 100% normal.  
 
In fact, they’re badges of honor. It means you care, you’re trying, you won’t give up. You see, a lot of us seem to think success is just a giant straight line with no mess-ups, down-swings or low-points – WRONG. I’ve messed up plenty of times and I know there will be plenty more times where I will learn things the hard way. But, I want you to know feeling down, questioning/doubting yourself doesn’t last forever. This too shall pass.  
 
Just give yourself a little slack & make sure you’re taking the right actions. Every small step counts and with time your confidence and knowledge will grow and it will become easier.

I have wanted to get my hands on this camera for a while and I finally was able to shoot with it!    

And what a camera.    

I know the GH5 is already a hugely popular camera among videographers but the S1H is much like that model but insane.    

It also allows you to shoot 5.9k up to 30pfs the same as the Black Magic Pocket 6K camera.   

The Pros when using the camera, it shoots in 6k, great low light performance, five-axis in-body stabilisation, flip-out screen and excellent EVF. The only con I found when using it was the AF was shocking, good job I prefer manual focusing.   

Even though in the pictures it looks small, it has a very large body for a mirrorless camera and even outweighs some DSLRs. 

It can look big and pricey but it’s still small and affordable compared to any other cameras with the same video features, especially when you look at its Netflix approved rivals which are £10k+.

After using this camera I’ve got to say it is pretty impressive and does make me want to shoot with this over the Blackmagic…    

What do you think? Let me know!

I am just going to start off by saying there it really depends on the situation. I personally prefer to use manual focus. As you can see on the bmpc there is no autofocus. However, on my sonay7iii it does have AF and real-time tracking (which is pretty good).

So when do I use manual focus?

• Low light situations. If you do try to use an auto focus/real time tracking in a low light situation you will notice your camera will struggle. The focus change will be unreliable and wont look smooth.
• Focus pulling. In order to do this, you will need to be manual. IF you do this with auto focus again, it won’t be smooth.
• Locking the focus. In order to keep someone in focus I can just lock the focus and keep the same distance away from the subject.
• Creating artistic shots. You can create some artistic shots such as having someone out of focus and as they walk into shot they go into focus, it can look really nice. This is also good for product reveal shots.

Ok so when do I use AF?

• Sometimes if the subject is moving quickly it is good to use real time tracking, depending on the lighting conditions.
• If you are filming a vlog and need the camera to focus on yourself whilst in front of the camera.

If you haven’t used manual before and worry the footage won’t be in focus you turn on peaking, this will highlight what is in focus and what is not. This is pretty handy and I still use it at times.

I personally really enjoy filming in manual. I feel I have more control over what I am doing. But its all down to personal preference.

Compare yourself to people who have been working for years to get to where they are today?

The others with the “overnight success” or immediate results have been at this longer than you have. They have had more time to grow and build to get where they are today. Everyone had to start somewhere.

Every day that I spend working on myself, my business, my videography and it feels like it’s not going anywhere I remind myself it is one small step closer to where I want to be. (And these small steps add up).

It is a process which at times can feel like its getting nowhere, trust yourself. Put in the work and don’t give up. You can and you will!

Connect with me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennyalicefilms

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennyalicefilms

I always get asked what it’s like being a woman in such a male-dominated industry.  
   
It was something I never even thought about when starting as a videographer, however after working in the industry it was a big wake up call.  
 
I do get a lot of comments when filming which I can laugh about now, because most of them I’ve heard before. However, at the beginning I did take it to heart. In a strange way though, being underestimated has always fuelled me to not give up and to work harder.  
 
You are always going to get comments or people trying to stop you or make you doubt yourself. It’s their problem, not yours. The only way you can succeed in anything is through determination and passion. Never taking no for an answer and trusting yourself and what you can achieve.   
 
One thing I know is there needs to be more female videographers. But I get it, it can be intimidating and people will try to throw you off. But, I really believe when you have a passion for something it doesn’t matter what people say or think.  
   
I love reaching out and connecting with other female videographers. Every videographer I meet has their own style and that’s what makes the creative industry so diverse and interesting.

Join me on my Channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyalicefilms

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyalicefilms