How I Shoot My YouTube Videos (It's not as hard as you think)

[@CastleHives]

Beekeeping is definitely challenging. Filming adds another layer to complicate the process. Great job Bruce.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Brian. I worked hard on this one!

[@tarheelbeekeeper3971]

Lots of good information Bruce,thanks for sharing

[@brucesbees]

Thanks man. Appreciate the comment!

[@KJO-1972]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us on shooting videos!!

[@brucesbees]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Jack-es9xq]

I'm a new beekeeper. Also a landscape photographer but strictly still photography. This video is super helpful for us still photo people. Also it's just occurred to me that photography and beekeeping are a natural marriage. There are so many fussy interdependent variables in each hobby that it must be a personality thing that people are drawn to either 😁

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely. Thanks for checking in!

[@BackBeeBrokenBeekeeping]

This is what I am talking about! You are literally helping others to produce quality content similar to yours. Most would think that is not a wise move, but that is when people have a scarcity mindset. An abundance mindset knows that when we help others, we will always be helped ourselves! Abundance attracts abundance! Great job and this was just the video I was looking for! If only I could hit the like button twice!

[@brucesbees]

Hey thanks for the kind words. Yes I believe trying to help others. If folks can glean one positive thing from this that helps them then it was worth it. It was a tough one to produce. Had to figure out some new things to be able to film and edit it. Hope it helps a lot of people. Beekeepers or not.

[@BugFarmerBees]

Great video!!!!!!! You really capture what it is like to make a video. I am watching you on the TV but I had to break out the computer to drop a comment ! Bravo!!!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks man. Have felt the urge to do this for a long time. Really thought a lot about how to fill it and then it was a complicated edit for me. There are some things I could have done better but overall I think it turned out to be pretty effective.

[@BrianCooper901]

Great tips Bruce! The hook on the tripod is for adding weight so they don't blow over. You may have something in your truck you could hang on it to keep it from blowing over when it's really windy. If you have a water bottle you drink from that has a loop that may work well. Thanks for sharing!

[@brucesbees]

I did not know that. Thanks for the tip!

[@keithspillman]

Great job Bruce!!! Lots of good pointers. Thanks as always!!!!

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Thanks for checking in Keith!

[@StanGore-mk8ow]

good info Bruce!!!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Stan! Couldn’t keep this one to 4 minutes lol.

[@beverlysteen]

Great video for those considering videoing.

[@brucesbees]

Thank you. I put a lot of thought into this. I normally prefer not to do videos this long but wanted to be comprehensive in my approach. Just hope it was interesting and maybe can help someone out on one way or another.

[@AllOuttaSpoons]

I appreciate this video. I’m not recording for KZbin (first year keeper) but I am trying to record my inspections so I can go back, look again and make sense of what I’m seeing. Also helps for asking mentor’s questions. Thank you for taking the time to explain this.

[@brucesbees]

I think some of these techniques can really help you. Thanks for checking in!

[@amfarmsllc5624]

Great video Bruce! Thanks for sharing.

[@brucesbees]

I really appreciate you checking it out!

[@Hivetown]

I appreciate the tips, Bruce. 👍

[@brucesbees]

Thanks my friend!

[@RonVanBibber]

Nice shirt Go Cougars

[@brucesbees]

Yessir. GO COUGS!!!

[@richardpraeger6357]

Great video Bruce!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks my friend!

[@soapstoneapiaries]

Great info and video Bruce- I been waiting for someone of knowledge to do just what you did!!! Thanks!!!

[@brucesbees]

I appreciate it. Hopefully it will help you.

[@redfish440]

Thanks Bruce, great video!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in my friend!

[@Beeloft]

Our family just started doing videos. Thanks for the tips.

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Shoot me a link to your channel.

[@edwardclark5211]

Dream Big brother 🙏

[@brucesbees]

Yes sir! I love it!!!

[@simpleridgefarm1538]

This was great, Bruce! Thanks for making this video. Awesome tips that I will be sure to use.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in. Hope it helps!

[@royprough1877]

I'm trying not to make videos but you make it look fun.

[@brucesbees]

Hey I’m glad you watched anyway. Now maybe you understand a little better. Glad you found it interesting!

[@autumnpaul7575]

Great video!! Your gut on content your viewers would like is right on!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks. I hope the content is valuable for people whether beekeepers or not.

[@richtrumbo37]

Thanks Bruce, I really enjoyed this video.

[@brucesbees]

Glad you were able to check it out!

[@bradyjames2786]

Always wondered what it would take to start up a KZbin channel. Great information Bruce!

[@brucesbees]

If it’s something you want to do just watch a few KZbin videos on how to get set up and then hit record. It isn’t as hard as you think though there is a significant learning curve that I am still trying to maneuver!

[@Maranatha_Homestead]

Great video Bruce! I appreciate the hints for us novices.

[@brucesbees]

Hope it helps you. Thanks for watching!

[@tonyc44]

Very good video Bruce, the mics worked extremely well.

[@brucesbees]

Thank you. I really like them.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Hello Bruce that was a lot of great information. The mic set up is super nice I just looked it up and I thought it would have been a lot higher. The sound is great even with the wind an had no problem hearing you . Thanks

[@brucesbees]

Yes of all the things I have done figuring out a decent mic system has been a game changer for me. I used to have folks that would complain about sound at times and looking back on it I agree with them. I became obsessed with finding a wireless mic setup that would work with a phone and also would be good for interviews. The DJI mic system is perfect for me right now and can be used with any type camera you decide to use. I think they have a new one out now but I am perfectly happy with the one I use. Thanks for checking in!

[@matthewsweeney2577]

Good info, thanks

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@hamburghoney]

Thanks for all of the tips Bruce. Laurie wants to know if there are any catfish in the ponds behind you.

[@brucesbees]

I don’t know but I have seen people fishing out there.

[@reiddukes1886]

great video

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Reid!

[@CooperBees]

Really appreciate this video!!!

[@brucesbees]

Thank you!

[@mikesbeesllc3352]

Great information Bruce. I'm going to get that mic.

[@brucesbees]

You will be pleased.

[@ToBeeOrNotToBeHoney]

THANK YOU! This has good information in it!

[@brucesbees]

Thank you. Hope it helps!

[@ussconcordwebdude4025]

I really enjoyed your video and you answered many questions concerning YT videos. I would be interested in learning more about the editing process as well....thanks.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in!

[@autumnhillbees]

Thanks for sharing… These tips are going to help when I start making my own videos

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. There is always a steep learning curve when starting something new but hopefully this will help the curve be a little less steep. Send me a link when you start it up and I will check it out!

[@raysgbg]

Good job!

[@brucesbees]

Thank you!

[@brianbennett4374]

Thanks Bruce 😊 Enjoy your videos. 😊

[@brucesbees]

I appreciate it my friend. Thanks for checking in!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Good video explanation of videos. So much to it and what it takes to do what you do. Great job Bruce.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Mike. You know exactly what it’s like. You employ a similar strategy in your videos. Thanks so much for checking in!

[@meloneycrews]

Bruce this was really helpful!! I wish if you had time maybe even after the bee busy time has settled down a bit..my issue is figuring out how to edit..from beginning to end. That would be awesome! Thanks again Bruce for all you do to help us out! Dennis and I have really enjoyed watching you grow from just a few bees in the backyard!! We’re so proud of you, almost feel like we’re watching one of our kids!! Prayers that God continues to richly bless you Bruce! 💞💕

[@brucesbees]

@meloneycrews you have always been a great support to me and I appreciate you guys! With regards to the editing process, I am still trying to figure it out. I occasionally watch editing tutorials on YT is I have questions. Not sure how to even do an editing tutorial. Maybe could talk about concepts but there are some really good YT videos from people who really know what they are doing. Hope you guys are having a great season. It’s been fun here so far!

[@taddrienstra7247]

Good vid. Do one on editing. Thanks man!

[@brucesbees]

I am definitely not a pro on editing or the capabilities of the program. Maybe one day I can do that. Wish I understood it better. Depending on which software you choose there are always good tutorials out there on how to effectively and efficiently perform certain tasks. Once you decide on a software all you have to do is go to YT and search “How to…in Filmora?! (For example) and you can find a video that will help you figure out that task. One day I might do a video on basic principle I use but there are those that understand and can explain the editing process much better than me out there. I still am only scratching the surface of capabilities of editing. I even learned a few things while editing this video. It was a slow a tedious process. Good luck!

[@illumi-Nate]

Bruce is the next George Clooney

[@brucesbees]

Ha!!! Maybe the “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” version.😂😂

[@KJO-1972]

Hey Bruce would love to see how you edit as well thanks again!!

[@brucesbees]

Yeah I am not sure how to even show that and I only know how to scratch the surface of all the things you can do. It seems like I learn something new every time I edit. There are a lot of good KZbin videos about editing almost any kind of software. But maybe one day I will be skilled enough to teach it. I still watch videos sometimes on how to accomplish what I want to do with my edits.

[@jroby442]

Light the video. As many videos as I watch, it's good to see how much extra work goes into doing what you guys do. Be keeping alone is a job by itself

[@brucesbees]

For sure. It increased time in the bee yard by quite a bit when I decide to film a video. But I do enjoy sharing what I do. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@reindeersbees]

I have been working hard over the last year to improve the quality of my videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@brucesbees]

I have noticed that you actually employ a lot of the strategies I talked about here. You are doing great Rainier. Just keep grinding and getting a little better. I still have a long ways to go but have learned a thing or two along the way.

[@CentralKyBees]

I need to apply all of your tips. I've got a ton of videos out now but I just feel like they're subpar. One reason is I don't really do any editing. The only thing that I edit is cutting out the boring parts like me walking out of the frame to go get something lol

[@reindeersbees]

@@brucesbees Appreciate it Bruce, I will keep my head down and keep working!

[@brucesbees]

@CentralKyBees yeah that is the challenging part I think. And editing is so individualized and can be very simple or complex. I am still trying to figure that aspect of things out. Took me a while to get this one done and I still think it could have been better.

[@CentralKyBees]

@@brucesbees what software do you use to edit? Your videos are great

[@geckoproductions4128]

Nice video Bruce. What video editing software do you use? Thanks

[@brucesbees]

Wondershare Filmora. It is not the most advanced software but is good enough for me.

[@tommywise1702]

Thanks, good info. I use my phone only, it's not great. Looking at the equipment you recommended.

[@brucesbees]

Good luck. The mic system is a bit expensive but if you are serious about it and plan to be in the game for awhile it will be worth it to you for sure!

[@KajunHomestead]

👍👍👍

[@amfarmsllc5624]

Bruce, do a video on how you edit. I take videos but struggle with the platforms to edit so I never add them to my channel!

[@brucesbees]

I am still trying to figure it out myself. I use Wondershare Filmora which is pretty basic and more simple than some. The free version is ok to learn some techniques but really has limitations and there is a watermark. There are a lot of yt videos with tutorials and I still use those occasionally when trying to figure things out. I would recommend watching some content on how to edit and then search “getting started with….” And just learn a little at a time. I actually editing a lot of videos on iMovie on my phone before I decided to really try to figure it out. It works ok but you really need to use a laptop and upgrade a bit to have a lot of tools at your disposal. It seems very daunting at first but if you start really basic and add things as you are comfortable it is doable. I don’t even know how to do video on how to edit. But there are a lot of good people who do. Hope this helps.

[@BrianJMader54476]

👍

[@timbervalleyhomestead]

Your iphone13pro don’t overheat in the summer? Mine does. I wanted to use iPhone for my videos but I have no been good one phones lol. I just got a dji mic2. I really like it but it was a little complicated for me at first. I literally just finished editing a video talking about you wearing your mic under the veil. 😂 it’ll be posted soon. I don’t know how many times the wind has blown over my phone and tripod. Unfortunately it lead to some bees demise. Haha you’re calling me out on my 45 minute videos😂 I’m trying to start cutting them down because people do have busy lives. Swarms have been so crazy again this year. It’s nice to see you’re getting a good crop so far. Thanks for the video!

[@brucesbees]

Yeah in the summer I will hang a rag or small towel over the phone to protect it from the sun but that is a little tricky. The black case can overheat but a towel seems to help. Or I will just shoot short clips. That is a good comment that I should have addressed. It’s not a problem in the shade but it will heat up fast in the sun. Someday I may upgrade cameras but for now this works ok.

[@madmikesgarage4861]

Mike Berry needs the mic kit!! His bees are nasty!!

[@brucesbees]

Ha! They are sometimes for sure. But seem to be better lately. There is a time for a month or two every spring when these southern bees get spicy. Mine get the same way. Not they are happy as they can be.

[@HanleysHomestead]

Some great tips. My question is, how do you deal with getting propolis all over the camera and equipment.

[@brucesbees]

Great question! Haven’t had a lot of issues with that. But if I started to see that happen I just clean it as I have to. I have had some issues with my phone, especially when dealing with honey etc but I just clean it up. I also use Nitrile gloves and can change them out is they get sticky or dirty. I can say that it is very difficult to use the phone with beekeeping gloves. Nitrile gloves or bare hands work fine. I will rinse my hands off with water if they start to get sticky or dirty.

[@robertselfridge3690]

Very interesting video a lot to it ! I’ve been doing some research on essential oil’s for Varro, oregano & or clove oils and of course thymol, have you ever used any of these, thanks.

[@brucesbees]

I have not. Have found pretty good success with the products on the market.

[@dougferrell7066]

Great tips Bruce! What software do you edit with?

[@brucesbees]

Wondershare Filmora.

[@StanGore-mk8ow]

wonder how long a video you can video with iPhone 15 pro .....i video some teaching at church thats about 45 min long...will IPHONE record that long? that combined with dji would be great! thanks Bruce

[@brucesbees]

I think it will record as long as it has space and battery charge allow. The DJI mic system is amazing and works really well for interviews too!

[@StanGore-mk8ow]

Thanks

[@beewagyu]

Hey Bruce. What software do you use or what program to edit your videos. Can you do a video on how you edit your videos. Thx. LOVD your stuff. Bill @ Blue Diamond Apiaries. Texas

[@brucesbees]

I use Wondershare Filmora. It is not the most advanced program but works well for me. I think they have a free version but it will have a watermark and has limited options. For a while I used the next level up and nacen familiar with the software. Learning how to use it. I think it is around $50 or $60 a year. Then I upgraded to the top tier program with plugins etc. It is a little pricy but worth it for my channel. I only use a fraction of the capabilities and am still trying to figure it out. As far as an editing video I am not skilled enough to do a tutorial. I am still learning and tryin to figure things out. But there are all kinds of videos out there on KZbin for each type of editing software that can help you figure things out. I still watch them at times if I want to figure out how to do things in the program. Hope this helps and good luck!

[@beewagyu]

Thx so much. You’re a gem for answering. I have about 50 hives but will be at least doubling that next year. Retired guy that fell in love with this. I need to start a channel. Done some videos but nothing big or continuous or serious. Thanks again Bill

[@ericshipplett3517]

Bruce, a question about your DJI mic system. I do not do video. All I would want to do is to use this mic to record what I see when I inspect my hives. Will the mic work with that on my iPhone? Thank you.

[@brucesbees]

Absolutely. It works great!

[@Lonesomebees]

I’m filming in 4k on iPhone 15 pro max. Video quality is great before and after editing but quality goes down after it’s uploaded to KZbin. Any tips for retaining the video quality? Thanks.

[@brucesbees]

When I export the video from the editing software to the computer I always hit the “higher” video quality option. And it does pretty well. One thing that I have issues with is when I zoom in in the editing software to look at queens etc they seem a little bit blurry. Not sure really how to fix that. Maybe I could hold the frame closer to the camera when filming to allow the camera to focus a little better on the queen but in the heat of the moment that can be difficult to keep keep track of her and get good footage if I change my routine. I am not sure how to answer your question. That would be a good KZbin search question. I bet someone has done a video on it. I may actually search that as well because the answer to your question would be good to know. The truth is I am still trying to figure it out. I just hope I am veering a little better as time goes by. Great question. Thanks for checking in!

[@gallowaylights]

This is awesome... I see most only watch 1.20min of mine... do you get longer viewing? 😊

[@brucesbees]

It depends on the content. And how long the video is. But usually more than that. I look more into percent of video viewed more than total view time per video. If o get 50% view time I am ok with it. Would love to get more but people just don’t usually stick around for the whole video. That’s one reason I try to edit out a lot of dead space to keep the video flowing but sometimes view time is down no matter what I do.

[@gallowaylights]

@brucesbees * I often wander if the intro and final wrap-up help increase watch time even if it's click through "them searching for the actual content"

[@brucesbees]

@gallowaylights I am not sure about that. I think it is important to get to the meat of the video as quickly as possible. I really spent more time explaining things in the video than I normally do. So I anticipate a lot of people not really sticking around because everyone is not super interested in filming videos or trying new things. But for those who are trying to up their game I hope there is something in here that can help them at least a little bit.

[@gallowaylights]

@@brucesbees * I loved it 😍

[@brucesbees]

Thank you!