Are you a solo videographer or filmmaker looking to up your game? In today’s world, where customers are spending more time online and demanding more video content, there’s never been a better time to offer end-to-end, turnkey production capabilities. But going it alone can be tough. That’s why it’s important to remember the old adage: work smarter, not harder. And we’ve got five stress-relieving, sweat-reducing, time-saving moves to help you do just that.
First up, use camera and equipment carts. Minimizing the amount of gear you need to carry is key when you’re working alone, and carts are total game-changers. Next, don’t sleep on B-roll. Capturing every shot in at least a three-shot sequence will make your footage look like you had a whole crew with you. And when it comes to lenses, choose zooms over primes. They eliminate the stress of losing a shot due to your lens choice and free you from constantly changing glass for different focal lengths.
Another time-saving tip: bring extra media. Having to transfer and clear cards in the middle of a shoot is a time-consuming, risky endeavor. And finally, embrace stock footage. It’s a smart choice when you need shots that scheduling, headcount, and gear limitations don’t allow for. Plus, choosing your stock clips early allows you to keep an eye out for day-of shots that sit nicely between your stock clips.
Remember, solo shooting is not defined by limitations. It’s all about opportunities. Lighten your load, cut the right corners, and don’t sacrifice the things that you know are valuable. When you optimize your process and turn it into something that perfectly meets your demands, you free yourself to focus on telling the best story of your life.