Lights, Camera, Action...How to Make a Home Video Look Professional the Domesticated Diva Way

So I got bit with the video filming bug, and I have made two semi-professional looking video documentaries so far.  I have made both a Hawaiian Honeymoon video and an Identity Festival video.

I registered for an account on Vimeo.

Vimeo was a better fit, because it is geared towards the creative filmmaker.

Here's the link to my videos...

Identity Festival Video
Hawaiian Honeymoon Video

Prior to making both videos, I did my research. 

I found these websites extremely helpful...

10 Simple Tips To Make Home Videos Look Professional
How to make homemade movies cinematic/professional looking

Here are some Domesticated Diva tips when making your home video:

• Shoot your subject up close.  This will make the video seem more professional.
• Pan from different directions (across, up and down, diagonal, moving in/out).
• Capture the details.  This will make your video seem well rounded and will engage your audience.
• Angle your shot, and try not to shoot head on.  This will give a more interesting perspective when filming.
• Take about 10 second video clips.  This will ensure better video filming and quality.
• When putting your video together, keep clips to 5-10 seconds.  Any longer than that, your audience will start to get bored.
• Music choice is key.  The right song or music choice will set the mood of the video.
• Keep your camera as steady as possible. (I may invest in a tripod or monopod in the future)

I shot all the video with my point and shoot Sony camera (DSC- HX7V).  This camera shoots full HD 1080/60i video.  It's amazing what this little camera can do!  I highly recommend this camera for video and pictures!

Then, I edited the videos using Sony Movie Studio HD 11.  I purchased it on Amazon for around $30.

The software was actually great for beginners.  Before using Sony Movie Studio, I was using Windows Movie Maker.  Sony Movie Studio has more options, and has features that took video editing up a level.  I highly recommend this software!

Honeymoon in Para-Para-Paradise...DIY Honeymoon Photo Prop

We recently came back from our honeymoon in Hawaii.  Alooohaaaa!!!  It was the most amazing trip I have been on!  I highly recommend visiting the Aloha state!

So, I'm a sucker for photo props in pictures.  I think it gives the picture meaning, and let's admit it's pretty darn cute and fun!  I wanted to make a honeymoon themed prop.  I came up with this idea =)

All you need for this project is...

-Craft Paint

-Craft Sponge

-Wooden Heart Signs (found at Hobby Lobby)

-Alphabet Stickers

First paint your wooden heart signs.  I used three coats of paint.  The paint dries fairly quick, so wait at least 2 hours between paint coats.  Note:  I first painted one of the signs light green, but noticed that the letters were not showing up too well when photographed.  So, I switch both of them to purple.

Then just stick your stickers on.  Easy peasy!

Here are a couple more photo's of our sign...

Here's another prop using those cute umbrellas found in our Mai Tai's.  I can't take all the credit; the idea was stolen from Pinterest =)