Family Retreat Teacher HQ

Crafting Your Retreat Video

Lisa DiGeso

While we don't require Oprah-level quality, this is a paid experience, and we want to ensure our students receive teaching videos with quality video and clear audio.

Videos that do not follow guidelines will need to be resubmitted (and that's no fun!)

If ANYTHING is unclear, let us know as soon as possible - before filming!!

Please watch the video below

JOIN teacher lounge facebook group

You'll need the password from the video above 🙂

Structure of the Teaching Video

Class length: 45-60 minutes

  • Part 1: Introduction

    Please start by introducing yourself, your studio and letting people know what you will be teaching in the video. This if often easier to film AFTER 'the lesson.'

    NO music or animated intros/title pages, subtitles or logo please.

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

    We'll be adding our Retreat intro with your session title + studio name so everything is consistent.

    This is usually just a few minutes long.

  • Part 2: The "Teaching Part"

    This is the part where you dive into your topic. 

    Imagine your MOST eager student sitting right in front of you, and anticipate ALL the many, many questions they will have as you are going through your class.

    (and they will have MANY!)

    Try to answer as many as possible in the presentation - keeping in mind the main take-away you want the students to walk away with.

    Including camera + lens used (where applicable), camera settings, light source and anything they will see in the video will save you LOTS of questions!

    If a video shows you in action, please show the resulting edited images for each segment or pose.

    (reminder: NO music during the session please  - it makes it too difficult to hear you!)

  • Part 3: Editing (if applicable) + Wrap Up

    If you are showing an edit from your session (which students absolutely LOVE), please be sure to explain what you are doing every step of the way, what tools you are using and the settings! 

    It can sometimes be hard to see this on a screen share!

    If you are using Presets or Actions, please mention the name (and send us the links where students can find them).

    Then, you can either end with a 'wrap up' - thanks for watching.

    Please do not reference other links, special offers, etc in the video.  We have a place to put this on your teacher page, which ensures the videos remain timeless (because links change!). 

Video Guidelines

stress-importance

PLEASE test your equipment and settings before filming day!

Screen Shot 2020-09-25 at 2.40.31 PM

#1. PLEASE Use a Tripod 

Let's avoid motion-sick students!

If you are working with someone to film you, please have them use a tripod unless they truly have steady hands (most people do not).

If they're a professional videographer and they truly are steady, great - otherwise - tripod 🙂 

If you are filming yourself, it is handy to have an assistant to ensure you aren't blocking the camera view and that you are in focus.

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

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

#2. Quality Video

For demo-style videos, please use a DSLR (or other pro-recording devices. We will reimburse the cost of the rental if you need one).

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

Cheatsheet for camera settings to film your video.

  • SS = 1/60th
  • Fstop - f5.6 (or higher)
    Helps you stay in focus when moving around
  • ISO - as needed 

Be wary of too much zooming in and out, which also can cause motion-sickness, and watch for cameras that have autofocus - which can result in continual in and out focusing.

Screen Shot 2020-09-27 at 4.20.19 PM

#3. Clear Audio & Video

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).

If you are renting a mic or a DSLR camera to film, email the receipt to lisa@themilkyway.ca and we will reimburse expense.

If the session turns out to be a little noisy (ie: you have young children in a session) or it's really windy, voiceovers might be a better choice but generally speaking, it's best if you can teach through the session. 

If you are doing an editing or slideshow presentation, headphone mics are usually pretty good - but please test your set​up BEFORE recording.

Please do not add captions

Sample Videos

Example Video with ScreenShare + Shooting Demo

Example of Shooting Demo + Editing