Top Videography Tips for Beginners: Your Hilarious and Practical Guide to Kicking Off Your Journey in Canada!

So, you've decided to dive into the wild world of videography? Maybe you're dreaming of being the next Spielberg, or perhaps you just want to film your dog chasing squirrels in high definition. Whatever your reasons, welcome to the adventure! Videography is an exciting, creative outlet that lets you capture life’s beautiful (and sometimes awkward) moments in a way that photos simply can’t.

But before you get carried away filming shaky footage or wondering why your sound quality resembles a potato, let’s go through some top tips to make sure your videography journey is as smooth as your favorite gimbal.

1. Gear FOMO? Use What You Have, Even if It’s a Potato (Phone)

First things first, stop drooling over that $10,000 cinema camera you saw on YouTube. I know, it’s tempting, but as a beginner, it’s more important to learn the craft than to empty your savings on fancy gear. Start with what you already have – even if it’s your smartphone.

Today's phones have surprisingly powerful cameras (shoutout to iPhone for sneaking 4K video in there), and you can still create fantastic content with them. Plus, your wallet will thank you later.

Pro Tip: Remember to film horizontally. We’re making cinematic magic here, not home movies for your aunt’s Facebook feed. Horizontal = epic. Vertical = TikTok. Choose wisely.

2. The Almighty Tripod: Because No One Wants to Watch a Jumpy Movie

Unless you’re going for the next Blair Witch Project vibe, no one enjoys watching shaky footage. As a beginner, your first investment should be a tripod. Trust me, this will be your best friend in the videography world.

If you’re feeling fancy, grab a gimbal to get buttery-smooth shots even while on the move. (Just try not to run – we’re not in an action movie… yet.)

Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget and can’t buy a tripod right away, get creative. Stack books, use chairs, or bribe your friends to act as human tripods.

3. Lights, Camera… Uh, More Lights!

Fun fact: a video with bad lighting looks more like a horror movie than a romantic one. Lighting can make or break your footage, no matter how good your camera is. As a beginner, you don’t need expensive lighting kits. Natural light is your BFF.

Film near windows, go outside during golden hour (that magical time just before sunset), and avoid filming under harsh midday sun unless you want raccoon eyes.

Pro Tip: If you must film indoors, bounce light off a white wall or use a softbox for more flattering, even lighting. It’ll make your subject look less like a ghost and more like the star of the show.

4. Learn to Frame Your Shots (No, Not Every Shot Should Be in the Center)

Ah, the infamous "center everything" syndrome that plagues beginners. It’s natural to want to put everything right in the middle of the frame, but let’s talk about the Rule of Thirds.

Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid on your screen. Now, place your subject at one of the intersections. This instantly makes your shots more dynamic and professional.

Pro Tip: Use your camera’s built-in grid to guide you. Soon enough, you’ll be framing shots like you’ve been directing blockbuster movies for years. (Or, at least, you’ll look like it.)

5. Sound Off? Fix It, Please!

Nothing screams "amateur" like beautiful footage paired with audio that sounds like it was recorded in a garbage can. (Ouch.) People can forgive slightly shaky footage, but bad sound? That’s a one-way ticket to the “nope” zone.

Get an external microphone as soon as you can. Even a cheap clip-on lav mic is a game-changer. And if you’re outdoors, shield that mic from wind! (Wind mufflers may not look cool, but they’ll save your audio from sounding like a tornado is crashing your video.)

Pro Tip: Record your audio separately and sync it up later in editing if you need to. It’s a bit more work, but your audience’s ears will thank you.

6. Editing: Your Time to Shine (Or Totally Overdo It)

Editing is where the magic happens. You’ll take all your footage and transform it into a masterpiece (or at least a semi-watchable video). As a beginner, keep it simple. Cut out the unnecessary parts, keep the pace smooth, and resist the urge to add every single transition effect available. (Please, no star wipes. This isn’t 1998.)

There are plenty of beginner-friendly editing programs out there, like iMovie or DaVinci Resolve (which is free and super powerful). Start small, and as your skills grow, you can dive into more complex editing tricks.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about color correction. A little tweaking here and there can make your footage pop and look way more professional. Just be careful not to go too far, or your subjects might end up looking like Smurfs.

7. Tell a Story—It’s Not Just About Pretty Footage

Sure, you can have the sharpest, most beautifully shot video in the world, but if there’s no story, it’s just… well, video. Whether you’re filming a wedding, a travel vlog, or your cat lounging around, think about the story you want to tell. How do you want your audience to feel? What message are you trying to convey?

Pro Tip: Before you start filming, storyboard your shots or at least create a shot list. Even a loose plan can keep you focused and help you build a story in post-production.

8. Practice, Fail, Laugh, and Learn

The secret sauce to becoming a good videographer? Practice. You’re going to make mistakes—lots of them. Your shots will be crooked, your lighting will be weird, and you’ll forget to hit record at the worst times. It’s all part of the journey.

The more you practice, the better you’ll get. And hey, if something goes terribly wrong, laugh it off! Every videography disaster becomes a funny story to tell later.

Pro Tip: Take on small projects for friends or family. Not only will you build your skills, but you’ll also gain experience working with others (and probably snag a free meal or two).

Now that you’re armed with these beginner videography tips, let me introduce you to Shyah K Films—where your special moments are captured with heart, humour, and artistry.

At Shyah K Films, we believe that creating a smile-worthy, tear-jerking wedding video doesn’t just happen by showing up on your big day. It’s about getting to know you, your story, and what makes your relationship unique. That’s why we take the time to have multiple video calls before your wedding, so we can learn what you value, what you love, and how we can craft a video that feels truly you.

No cookie-cutter weddings here! We’re all about creating keepsakes that you’ll want to watch not just for a year, but for decades. Think of it as your own personal time capsule—a film that you’ll be excited to share with your family, children, and even your grandchildren.

Why hire Shyah K Films? We’re more than just a videography service—we’re storytellers. We capture the magic, the laughter, and even the tears (the good kind!) in a way that feels authentic and timeless. As one of the fastest-growing videography services in Vancouver and across Canada, we take pride in delivering videos that become part of your family legacy.

So, whether you’re looking for inspiration on your videography journey or ready to trust us with your most important moments, we’re here to make sure your story is told beautifully. And who knows? One day, you might even use these tips to shoot your own videos like a pro!