2025 {online} Family Retreat

Video Guidelines for the Videographer  

Lisa DiGeso

Hello! I'm thrilled you'll be filming one of our instructors for the upcoming Family Retreat.

I've put together a quick video going over some of our filming guidelines (as well as included some written info below).

If ANYTHING is unclear, please reach out to the instructor (or to us directly at [email protected]) before filming!!

Please watch the video below

Need to be reimbursed for your work or equipment rental?

Please email us the invoice at [email protected]

Video Checklist

We dive into more detail on each point below - but here's a quick checklist to reference.

The instructor will have an 'intro' section, the main teaching part and possibly a wrap-up. They may also be doing a screenshare of their editing that will need to be added to video. 

Film in landscape and ensure it's in-focus

NO music used in any part of video

Audio with wireless lavalier mic (The built-in camera mic is NOT adequate) If showing editing, keep your voice volume level the whole time!

Export at 1280×720  (1920x1280 even better)

Video Guidelines

PLEASE test equipment before filming day (especially if using lav mics that are new to you)

Screen Shot 2020-09-25 at 2.40.31 PM

#1. PLEASE Use a Tripod 

Let's avoid motion-sick students!

Unless you truly have steady hands, tripods often give our students the best experience - as this is an instructional video vs promotional one that tends to have more 'camera movement')

Watch your placement as it's easy to have your photographer accidentally block the camera.

Screen Shot 2020-10-05 at 12.00.39 PM-min

#2. Quality Video

Video needs to be shot in landscape (ie: it fills the screen).

Be wary of too much zooming in and out, which also can cause motion-sickness.

Be careful that the instructor doesn't block the camera.

If they do, be sure to stop them, move positions and have them redo the part you missed. 

Screen Shot 2020-09-27 at 4.20.19 PM

#3. Clear Audio

For demo-style videos, please use a wireless microphone (we will reimburse the cost of mic rental if you need one).

Nothing kills the learning mood faster than static or humming on the audio feed - and when shooting outdoor demos, you definitely want a mic!

Recommended Microphone Rentals:

  • Sennheiser EW112p G3 lav set - XLR cable
    - lensrental link to this microphone
  • Rode Microphones RodeLink Film Maker Kit

Gear shops like LensRentals.com, Long & McQuade, Vistek.ca have daily and weekly rates available (and delivery options)

Main Issues That Lead to Re-Dos

We really, REALLY want to set you up for success and avoid having to resubmit your video.

Here are the 5 most common mistakes

  1. Using the on-camera microphone (this is a no-go!) Be sure to use a wireless lavalier microphone.
  2. Photographer's body blocks view of camera
  3. Music used during the session or added during editing 
  4. Voice fading into a murmur during editing section or forgetting to share each step so it becomes a silent film
  5. Out-of-focus video (or too much zooming in and out which creates motion sickness!)

Sample Videos

Beach Filming

Screen share and Shooting

Shooting Demo and Editing

Shooting Demo and Editing

In Home Lifestyle

In Home Documentary

Sample Intro Videos

Sample B Roll Videos