How I Setup my Kitchen and Film my YouTube Cooking Videos with Multiple Camera Angles

In this video I'll show you how I film my KZbin cooking videos with 4 camera angles. I'll show the best way to get a top down shot when you can't fit a tripod or boom arm in the space.
I'll show you the tricks I've learnt on how to work in a small space, stay organised and film easily.
Join the community:
www.culinaryex...
I've written a post on my website that goes into more detail about the rig with all of the links so you can research the gear. Click below to see that post.
www.culinaryex...
I'll list my main gear below:
Canon R6: amzn.to/3kzuIQD
Canon F24-105mm F4-7.1 (the lens I use for the R6): amzn.to/3krSXAj
Canon M50 (there is now a mark2, I use the mark 1): amzn.to/3kvX7ar
Manfrotto compact tripod: amzn.to/3c2VRH8
Manfrotto Autopole 3.7m: amzn.to/3wMC4Fd
Manfrotto super clamp (double pack with connecting stud): amzn.to/30gwgYH
Neewer ball head for mounting cameras: amzn.to/3qx9fvF
Neewer ball head for mounting cameras: amzn.to/3qx9fvF
Neewer ceiling fixing / stud for mounting Godox light: amzn.to/3wEXa8B
Neewer ceiling / wall mounting boom arm (top down shot, I remove the plate)amzn.to/30ePL3F
Neewer 48 inches (check the size you need) Deep Parabolic Softbox with Bowens Mount: amzn.to/3qyEiHu
Godox SL60 - 60w bowens mount video light: amzn.to/3c8zDDq
Godox Amaran 200d Bowens Video light: amzn.to/3c6NOZR
Neewer 5-in-1 Oval 80X120cm/31"x47" Professional Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector: amzn.to/3ChFCAM
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@Rexyspride]

That ceiling pole looks amazing! I’ve never seen that before. My wife does a lot of children’s book review videos and we are looking for a suitable setup for some top down shots and I think you’ve just nailed it. Thanks man!!! Edit: your Pole link takes me to a reflector/background instead of the pole.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Paul. I love the Manfrotto Autopole, that top down rig is awesome. Let me know what rig you decide on and if you make any improvements. I've checked the link and bizarrely it was redirecting me to a reflector on the UK store. I'm guessing you are in the UK? If so here's another link direct to the UK store, hope that helps amzn.to/3wMC4Fd

[@ghdk530]

Thank you for your generosity

[@RugsysJerseyKitchen-ng5sg]

Nice Job. I'm just getting started. Very helpful. I like the overhead rig!!!

[@joies3417]

Wow that's very generous of you to share the knowledge! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@CulinaryExploration]

Thanks Joie, I really enjoyed putting this video together, it was something a little different

[@chefinscrubs]

Hi Philip! Because of this video I just published my very first. I thank you so much for the inspiration and some ideas! It might not be the best but Im going to improve on it every time, from one video to another!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Nice job! It's tough at the beginning so stick with it and enjoy the creating process :)

[@Cremsonify]

Appreciate showing your process! Best of luck!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Cremsonify :)

[@micky68a]

This is amazing!!! Thanks for taking the time to put this together!!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Pleased it was helpful Michael

[@elf7355]

Amazing setup Philip! Thank you for your wonderful videos! It'd be wonderful to see your kitchen storage/ organization video (especially your kitchen island) ! I love how your kitchen looks as I'm currently planning my kitchen which has similar size as yours!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Hey Jess, good to hear from you. I'm looking forward to changing the top on the bench, I just need to find the time to organise it! Good luck with the kitchen planning and renovation, keep me posted :)

[@wholeheartedme]

such a GREAT video - thanks :)

[@nastikitchen]

I watched a few of your videos and I must say that you are amazing. I love it. Well done a lot to learn from you.

[@DomBill1]

Awesome video Philip! Really enjoyed watching, great content. Very interesting all the detail you went into.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Dom

[@PhilipLemoine]

WOW!!! Amazing setup thats perfect for smaller kitchens!! I WISH I could mount my lights to the roof! Were renting and the place is also made of cement hahaha. Great video!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Philip

[@umamiaddict5550]

Nice setup! Loved the mounted lights on the ceiling! You gave many tips that I’m going to use on my new channel!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Good luck with it buddy :)

[@Channel60]

Great video! That adjustable pole is exactly what I was looking for

[@maalim0991]

Thank you so much - very helpful. I recently learned about your channel through KZbin recommendation and I am in love with your content as I am an aspiring home cook and recently started my KZbin channel. Thank you again, I learned a lot from this video.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Good luck with your channel, it's great fun :)

[@Jennlaynejuneau]

Thank you Philip. This was so helpful. Do you have any suggestions on longer video? Cooking videos with guests etc that may take longer than just a recipe shot? Thanks again

[@Jennlaynejuneau]

Sorry meaning Camera/Video equipment suggestions. :)

[@heavenlyplates]

This was the most helpful how to I’ve seen yet. Thank you 😊

[@mitchmai]

Extremely well formatted and informative! Have you thought of making a video for your editing process? 08:20 looks interesting how you edit and upload with multi-cam clips

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Mitch, I'll try to get round to an editing video

[@yvyibree3754]

Yeah please! I don‘t get how to do that

[@jklphoto]

Production quality is important to growing your channel and you are nailing it! White balance, skin tones and quality of the light are all excellent. The only thing that could be improved upon is your talking head office shot. Shooting toward a light source (window) is bound to be distracting. In any composition, the eye naturally gravitates toward the brightest thing in the picture. If you shot straight at your office wall, with your baking accessories behind you, I believe you'd be 100% there! Cheers to a great 2022!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Your comments are appreciated. I've got a lot to learn and there is a lot that I think can be improved. Lighting in my kitchen and the office needs improving, for sure. I also want to deal with the echo in my kitchen so I can use some talking heads in that room too. I'll play around with the shooting angle in the office - cheers, wishing you a great 2022!

[@herbandspicekitchen]

This information is gold been looking for an over head rig and the one you suggest will be just right. Thanks for sharing.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Glad it was helpful, good luck with your channel!

[@herbandspicekitchen]

Thank you so much.

[@mrsmuffinman]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, be it in baking, cooking, or video production! This was a great insight in how you work, so much dedication and you are precise and thorough in explaining, just like in cooking 🙌 I recently watched a kitchen tour by Rick Bayless on his channel, and he said his counter which he cuts directly on are made of maple. Super sturdy and beautiful and easy to maintain. He’s had his for 25 years now

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Diane, I like Ricks videos, I haven't seen his content for a long time. I'll have a look at the kitchen tour, thanks!

[@mrsmuffinman]

Oh yes do check it out, it’s one of the recent re-uploads. Lovely video and he explains everything in good ol Rick fashion. Good luck on your wood hunt!

[@CulinaryExploration]

@@mrsmuffinman Cheers Diane :)

[@stephanyandres5968]

I'd love to see your kitchen layout. How you organize your tools and have your kitchen areas set up. ;)

[@SimpleNClassy1]

Great video. I am a bit overwhelmed to think of doing this myself but it does provide and quality perspective where we will not waste money or time. I would like to start my cooking/ baking channel and have a small kitchen with not so great lighting. Interesting I’ve been looking at movable carts for a few weeks and picked up a nice cart to prep cook on from ikea as well. Thank you again for this content

[@laurasvegantable]

This is very helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@CulinaryExploration]

You're welcome!

[@c3sar0]

What a gem of a channel! Great content and a ton of value for your subscribers! You should have so many more views! Happy I found it! 😊

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers buddy!

[@creativephebecooks]

Hey Philip! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on your setup for cooking videos, I found it quite helpful!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Phebe!

[@vishakamithran4710]

Very helpful video. Can you also please share your experiences with the editing software/s you use?

[@Maebooncuisine456]

Your new kitchen is fantastic 😍

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Maeboon :)

[@cookingplus52]

THIS IS GREAT INFOMATION LOVE IT. THANKS MUCH👍❤️

[@WeCookWorldwide]

Enjoyed that mate!

[@fivewattworld]

Nice video. Lots of extra work w all the cameras. You’re earning your subscribers. :)

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers five watt world, it's good fun, I enjoy it :)

[@allinmarian_]

Very helpful thank you

[@md278x]

Excellent video m8!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers bud

[@Simplycomfortfood]

Wow. So much that we as viewers are unaware of going on before during and after filming. I really enjoyed this Phillip. As far as what type of wood for the work bench. Ash is a very hard wood and light in color. Maple is also a good choice. Take care my friend. Cheers

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers buddy, let me know how you get on with that stuffing recipe :)

[@Simplycomfortfood]

I am still putting the recipe together. I have decided to do a Apple Cider Brine. It will consist of Apple Cider, Hard Apple Cider, water, Sea Salt, maple syrup, dark brown sugar, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, peppercorns, fresh crushed garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of thyme.

[@manxology]

Great video and studio kitchen! Now subscribed. I am very interested to learn the video editing equipment you use, especially software program that supports multiple cameras/videos. Additionally, how do you cameras interface with your computer? Thanks!

[@grahamturner5963]

Great video, Phil 👍 Fascinating to see the "back office" work that goes into your videos Stay safe. I always look forward to your new videos

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Graham, appreciated. Hope things are all good with you

[@grahamturner5963]

@@CulinaryExploration - Yeah, all OK here 👌 I've got 3 kilos of mincemeat made for the festive season already and will be starting on Christmas cakes in a week or so 😀 Nice to be ahead of the game 😀

[@CulinaryExploration]

@@grahamturner5963 Getting prepared! I have to say that I miss that rabbit here in Greece. The festivities around the cooking at Christmas aren't the same.

[@MyHealthyFoodQuest]

Awesome content and very innovative

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers bud

[@henrytheturnip]

You do a great job Philip, I love your channel! Content is king but presentation makes a huge difference, and you do a really good job. A couple of things to consider. When filming in tight spaces, a reflector is just as good as a primary light source. A foamcore or corflute sheet leaned against the wall opposite your keylight makes a great fill. Even the cheap silver survival blankets you get off Amazon make great foldable reflectors. A lavalier mic system like the Rode Wireless Go kit will improve audio quality. Movers blankets are better at sound control than duvets. But the main thing is motion, as you said a multi-cam approach is way better than a single locked-off tripod, but consider this, you're having a conversation with your viewers. When talking to people, their head moves around, they shift weight from one leg to the next, their eyes are constantly in motion. If you watch cooking shows on TV, there's often a lot of subtle camera movement, it helps the viewer to think they are in the kitchen with you having a chat. Difficult for a solo shooter, but I think that looking for opportunities for hand-held shots (no idea how good image stabilisation is like on the Canon platform) or get something like a Slypod for pre-programmed slides? Also I like timelapses, especially with fermenting processes. The Slypod can also help out a lot with that. I started with a couple of Godox SL60W but just got the Amaran 200D and it is fantastic.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Awesome followup, very much appreciated. First off the bat, you'd recommend the upgrade to the Amaran 200D then, I'm seriously considering it. The light really dies off in my kitchen during the afternoon so I was thinking that the Amaran 200D would be a fair bit brighter, what do you think? I agree completely about the locked off v's movement. I don't have anyone to help me shoot at the moment. I'll check the Slypod out, but I'm also experimenting with things that can be dome in post. I think I need to upgrade one of my M50s to a full frame 4k for that though. Really appreciate your comment, let me know about the Amaran. P.S the biggest issue for me with timelapses is that it ties my small kitchen up for so long. I have experimented with doing them overnight, I guess that may be the way forward

[@henrytheturnip]

​@@CulinaryExploration Hey mate thanks for your response. Yeah get the 200D if it's reasonably priced in your market, like the seppos say, better to have the power and not need it than need it and not have it. The 200D plus a reflector or two easily beats a couple of 60Ws. The switch to 4K will give you more options in the edit, since most content is viewed on 6" screens by teenagers lol. You can do a lot of 'fake' motion in post at 1080p if you shoot in 4K, there are settings and plugins for NLES that mimic handheld cameras. I love bread, you love bread, I came to your channel to learn about making bread, your content is awesome, and the video is already way good enough, you don't need to doubt yourself. Teachers like you deserve all the respect and then some, giving up your time and money to help people make better bread, mad props. San Dimas High School Football Rules! *makes air guitar noises*

[@CulinaryExploration]

@@henrytheturnip Cheers bud

[@BruceBoschek]

Beech wood is the best. Avoid oak as the pores are quite large so it is not particularly good in regard to hygiene and it discolours. Excellent discussion. I have a 3 x 7 ft extractor above the work area and I have yet to find a good way to attach cameras or lamps to it. I'm still working on it.

[@CulinaryExploration]

That's a big extractor Bruce. I've used the Autopole, magic arm, super clamp and a DSLR when I've needed to film above my main oven for a long time, the GoPro with a magnetic clips also works well for certain situations. Interesting advice about the wood, thanks Bruce, I didn't know Oak discoloured

[@BruceBoschek]

@@CulinaryExploration My wife is a well-known pastry artist and I usually help with the photography and videography for her Internet stuff. She works under the extractor and until now I've used a 3 metre camera beam (crane), but it would be better if I could somehow get a good, sturdy mount to the extractor. I don't really want to drill holes in the stainless sheet metal. T he Autopole won't work for obvious reasons. I may stick with the crane, but I stumble over the floor mount at least once per day. I need 300 dpi at least, so the GoPro won't wdo it. I use Lumix GH4s with 24" monitors, which are great. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@CulinaryExploration]

@@BruceBoschek Interesting Bruce. Let me know if you find a solution, I'm always interested to hear about new ways to film in the kitchen. Thanks for your comment.

[@jamkpa]

Great video!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers John

[@joballingall3140]

Very helpful video, many thanks.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Pleased you found it useful Jo, cheers

[@WaywardEko]

Checked the gear list and was wondering what you are using for microphones and if you are blending audio or just taking audio from the active cam in the shot. I’m looking at doing a cocktail channel in a year and have a couple rode ntgs that I’ll likely use.

[@MrZSimko]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@CulinaryExploration]

You’re welcome 👍

[@shermainedavis2284]

Super helpful!

[@MagnusHolmberg-NetSec]

Thank you for the behind the scenes

[@CulinaryExploration]

You're welcome Magnus :)

[@space.youtube]

This week we learned how the sausage is made ; )

[@_fabiano_]

Thank you so much for this vídeo. One doubt, how do you balance the white balance between all the cameras, do you use auto mode? Thanks from Brazil ! 🇧🇷 PS 》 whats the distance of your key light to the main focus ?

[@raybp7512]

Most importantly. Where is your beautiful cooking bench from? Who sells them. Ive been looking at chopping boards but none are as big as I need

[@RGS61]

Really interesting video, Phil! Thanks! .. I would add that your sound design deserves recognition as well, which you mention briefly, but would love to learn more about .. As well as what video editing software you are using, including the video editing decisions that you make, such as those mentioned in this video (which look like subtle differences, but am curious your reasons for doing so) .. While it is true that ultimately about the "content", good production design is what engages viewers, which you have nailed!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers RS - I feel that I need to improve my sound a bit. I really need to look into fixing the echo situation in my kitchen so I can do some talking segments in there. I use Final Cut for my editing. I might do a follow up video but it will probably be released on the website. Not sure yet. Really appreciate your feedback :)

[@RGS61]

@@CulinaryExploration Thanks Phil! .. Regarding sound, have you considered getting a lavalier mic? From what I can tell, virtually every demo-style KZbin use a lav for on camera speech .. Separately, on another vid you asked for recommendations for a dough/bowl scraper .. I can't rate the Tovolo Scoop and Spread high enough (don't be put off ny the name .. and which also comes in a handy "mini" size) .. The nylon end is indestructible and has a curve which makes light work of grabbing dough during mixing and scraping down bowls .. the silicon rubber end is fabulous for mixing and scraping down more liquid material, such as your sourdough starter .. I still use my plastic dough scraper for loosening mature doughs out of the bowl just before shaping, but for everything up until that point the Tovolo tool is my "go to" .. I use the "mini" a great also, so would highly recommend getting them both!

[@RGS61]

PS It looks like Tovolo does a new "jumbo" size version, but appears to have a different shape nylon blade than the Large and Mini versions that I have .. the Jumbo may still work, but I already have two Large and one Mini, and since the nylon end which I mostly use never wears out, I don't think I will be needing the Jumbo .. (the flexible/softer silicon end does have a metal shank inside for stiffness .. after almost three years of heavy use it did finally wear through .. but figured that was acceptable wear and tear for the money! I simply cut that bit off and continued using the nylon end, which i still going strong .. Probably not nice looking enough for close camera work, but hey, does the job! Lol!)

[@melodysfiresidefarm]

Amazing what goes into your video's!! You're a great teacher and it comes out no matter the subject. I'm curious if cooking and baking is your living or just your choice for video's.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Hey Melody, Cheers! I've been a chef for most of my career. I stepped out of the kitchen just before my daughter was born about 6 years ago. Although I'm a little more hands off now Im still very much involved in the culinary world on a day to day basis :)

[@melodysfiresidefarm]

@@CulinaryExploration I saw the picture of a beautiful little girl on your refrigerator and wondered if she was your daughter.😊 So you are an actual Chef! That explains how you can make a masterpiece out of a common sandwich! Now I need to pick your brain on why there is such a difference in store bought flour and fresh milled since I also spotted two mills on your shelf.😊

[@CulinaryExploration]

@@melodysfiresidefarm That's my little monkey, she's awesome, More on the mills coming soon :)

[@lowcarbforlovers]

Wow! Thank you!

[@BTs-he1lg]

Thanks Philip, always wonder how is done. Now we know how much work and investment go into producing and editing quality videos.

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Becky :)

[@claudiamedina2825]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing 😊

[@CulinaryExploration]

Hey Claudia, I hope all is well with you, thanks for stopping by :)

[@claudiamedina2825]

@@CulinaryExploration all well here, thank you for asking. Made your country loaf yesterday and I think I'm becoming quite a pro at it 😊 Love your channel, your great to watch 👍

[@CulinaryExploration]

@@claudiamedina2825 Cheers Claudia, I think you baked that a week or two back didn't you? How did you get on with the salt this time ;p

[@claudiamedina2825]

@@CulinaryExploration 😂😂😂 Getting enough rest, did not go in the poolish. I'm going to try the sourdough starter. Hope this is not a silly question but does the container matter? Is glass better than plastic or it makes no difference.

[@CulinaryExploration]

@@claudiamedina2825 That's definitely not a silly question. You can use either, my personal preference is glass, but Ive made one in a plastic container. I'm working on a 3 part short course as the moment on sourdough starter. It will be available (free) soon to my email subscriber community. If you are interested then you can sign up on the website. Keep me up to date with how your baking goes, great to hear from you :)

[@DaporotiYat]

Subbed 🎉😊

[@bondyjeff]

Great video, very informative! What computer & software do you use for your editing process?

[@rdvmailportal]

How do you manage to get around the overheating issue of the Canon R6 filming at 4K whilst shooting a cooking video that sometimes lasts longer (the actual cooking) than the R6's heat-related filming limitation?

[@IdeologieUK]

Thanks for this amazing video Philip. I’m toying with the idea of starting a cooking channel (Kent, UK) and I also have a small kitchen. My focus would be on fresh seasonal ingredients and tasty, healthy family food. I’m not a chef but I’ve learned a great deal over the years with my passion for cooking and making friends with chefs 😄. Any advice for this wannabe? Subbed!

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Ken!, I'd say go for it. You don't need to be a professional to share your ideas, what you love, your experiences and what you have learnt. Feel free to drop me an email, you can find my email on the contact page of the website. I'd be very happy to have a chat if you wanted more info.

[@IdeologieUK]

@@CulinaryExploration Excellent mate! I’ll definitely take you up on that! Cheers 👍

[@carmenlam293]

Thanks Phillip for sharing that information. Your videos are really educating. . Love all your receipes! I was looking into filming my PMU (Tattoo embroidery work) clients. What editing software do you use to clip your videos?

[@CulinaryExploration]

Cheers Carmen. I'm on a Mac and use Final Cut as my editing software

[@frankenstein4074]

Thanks Philip for the insights and the recipes. What programme do you use for editing?

[@CulinaryExploration]

Hey Frank, final cut

[@trellt7437]

Where do I get the table? Anyone know

[@mtdouthit1291]

Incredible how by just ordering from Amazon or going to Best Buy nowadays ANYONE can have their own cooking show......we really are spoiled.

[@johntuong2901]

For the algo - thanks for sharing!

[@tac1809]

Hello Philip. Which system/App do you use to control your lights?

[@CulinaryExploration]

Hey Bryan, I've got quite a few different Philips hue lights / bulbs so I've got the Philip's Hue Bridge plugged into the router and the Philips Hue app on my phone.

[@AceAtes]

So do you need multiple cameras for all of these angles?😮

[@CulinaryExploration]

I do for the way I film my baking tutorials

[@Gingercooksnyc]

What’s the name of the under counter lights?

[@CulinaryExploration]

Philips Hue :)

[@czanki]

It is great to see it, but when sb starts filming those kind of things, we should assume, are too expensive. Especially for something you just start doing and possible failure is an option. If sb knows what he is doing on the other hand, this film is not for them. Can you make a video for low cost startup food channel?

[@cooking_secrets]

it takes not a little time for me to setup my kitchen for filming and this an important.

[@JarosawKovacs]

Hi i have question You use autofocus or manual?

[@CulinaryExploration]

Autofocus. The R6 is using eye detection and the 2 M50s are focused on the counter top. Hope this helps

[@JarosawKovacs]

@@CulinaryExploration yes 🙂 but the m50s not hunting the focus when You mixing? Thanks for the answer best regards from Poland 🙂

[@lm3xtra]

🙏

[@shoghm]

I didn’t understand the clapping part but I am a noob at video editing 😅

[@GoMathewVideo]

The problem I have is I have no money to invest in anything. It hurt enough to buy 2 Neewar soft box lights and stands on a credit card I can't possibly afford to pay back. In my experience with butcher blocks, the thicker the better. End grain butcher block is the way to go because of longevity.

[@olanrewajuonanuga3792]

I think it’s always important when you’re starting something to work with what you have. Some of the biggest KZbinrs like MKBHD make a point of saying the phone in your pocket is good enough to start a channel, and he follows through with this by only using phones to film videos for his car focused channel. Working with what you’ve got and your specific tools and constraints helps differentiate your work and make you stand out. I try to tell myself to only start buying things when the activity is actually paying off. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of gear and try to make the best videos you have with the tools you have.

[@GoMathewVideo]

@@olanrewajuonanuga3792 well said!