Recording the Initial Footage
How to Make a YouTube Video

The first step in working with video is to actually have a video to work with! Modern technology gives us MANY ways to get that video. Camera-phones can record video. Most hand-held cameras have a video mode now. There are of course actual video cameras whose main purpose is to record video. In addition, many devices exist to get video from Super-8 or VHS recordings onto your computer. My site here gives many detailed articles on how to get VHS and other old style recordings into your computer.

If you are using existing media, the trick is to get that into your computer. Read my instructions, or hire a professional to cut that onto DVD for you.

If you are recording fresh footage, there are some steps you can take to make sure it is appreciated by your current friends and family, and by future generations. First, light the subject well. If there are a lot of shadows, the faces will appear muddy. If it is too bright, everything will be washed out and hard to see. Sometimes you can't control the atmosphere - if you're outside, you can't alter the sun! However, the angle at which you shoot the footage can really make a difference. Don't shoot into the sun! Let the sun shine from behind you if at all possible. Learn how to use the settings on your camera or recording device. Most cameras let you change the light settings and such to take the best footage possible. Taking 10 minutes to read the manual before you begin can really be the difference between awesome footage and video that is barely visible.

For audio, again, learn your device's capabilities. You can always re-record the narration later if you have to, but it's always nice to get some natural audio in case it comes in handy later.

Once your video is set, use the device's cables or connections to get that information into your computer. The manual should step you through this process, or contact their customer support to learn how to do this.

In all cases, the end result from this stage should be a video file of some type, sitting on your computer, ready to be worked with.

How to Make a YouTube Video
Genealogy Article Index