Videography Things I WISH I Did Sooner..

[@YCImaging]

What's 1 thing you wish you did different when you started?

[@jasonharryphotog]

not invested as much in gear it isn't needed, and I got the led lights from Manfrotto when they first came out, best buy ever, second-best buy way the cheapest rig similar to what you were using in the video,

[@lavantaiwynn6345]

I'm a high school filmography teacher and I regularly show your videos to my class(the appropriate ones, lol). What are some things you would tell High school aged kids that want to get into this?

[@magzfilms445]

Not learning about the business side of videography, like negotiation, or how to price my self

[@masulanibokola8619]

Just recently got my first camera and I'm glad i could learn from your experience. Definitely gonna get serious with documenting myself. Hey i'm currently funding my videography with school too😂

[@jasonharryphotog]

@@magzfilms445 I did a lecture for a first year group in Manchester UK and I told them to be a business from day 1, to get together in a group of 3 or 4 people and share gear and work together hitting various income streams, combining video and photography.

[@edwardleefilms]

“You feel like you’re getting paid a ton until you realize you’re not getting paid at all” - so crazy how true this is. Awesome video man. Straight up so much good experience we can all learn from!

[@SIMBA-po2tj]

I also went through this struggle man until i realized that people were just taking advantage of my work

[@CreativeRyan]

Hit the soul with this video!

[@JTFuller]

Yes sir.. You cold too bro.. Ya'll are the dynamic duo.. lol.

[@indirecords7438]

Damn right Ryan.

[@MikeTraum]

Mannnnn 🎯

[@PhilipLemoine]

100

[@EricksonMatree]

for real

[@phucmapvlog]

The lighting is huge. I remember buying a ring light for my first life, and within a month I was regretting the purchase. Now with a softbox, much more confident with my talking head shots

[@JHawk]

Man lighting is seriously what everyone sleeps on haha

[@YCImaging]

For sure bro!

[@theweeklyonline]

Young brother you are 100% on target with this video! Thanks for posting it. Lighting is a key part of being a cinematographer. I started out with a minimal lowell kit that still functions today, although led cob lights are dominate now. Mixing both is like using vintage glass with digital cameras, when it works go with it. Pricing and having a healthy self respect for the value of our time is something society takes advantage of. People will always let you work for free or at rates that are really supplementing their projects by the gear, skill sets, and knowledge we provide on the cheap. I have been a union member for decades and knowing the real world value of my skill sets saved me from working for far too little on passion projects that were not mine. It is great to help friends or even a talented stranger, however you can never get more time back after you invest it in any project. In life we find the person behind the camera is almost always invisible from our documented history so your advice is dead center on the bullseye! Years from now those who heeded your advice will be grateful so let me give you a huge future thanks for the positive influence your words will have had on many people now and into the future!

[@TyroneLT]

I’m nearing the end of a two year period of recovery after 12 surgeries which will allow me to get back to shooting video again. I’ve been documenting bits and pieces of this journey but I’ve always been frustrated because it’s doesn’t look “good”. I’m glad I watched this video today. I needed hear that bit about documenting. Makes me feel better about documenting my journey.

[@mohdelmogu4169]

Good luck buddy 🔥🔥

[@HairyTornado]

I've watched probably thousands of youtube videos about videography and things to do with videography but for some reason, this is the best one I've ever seen. The edits, the story, the presentation, and vibes. Awesome job, brother. I've been on the fence about story blocks but I went ahead and signed up with your link for the unlimited plan. Gotta juice up my channel with some sick B roll. Thanks for the video! Keep up the good work!

[@ZenosLegacy]

Man...I stayed up all night looking through your vlogs and commentaries searching for something. I didnt know what I was looking for but I felt I needed to do something. Something to progress myself, and you gave me the exact answer I was looking for. Thank You.

[@IMDABROWN]

You are so right, having videos of your journey is powerful. Seeing what you did wrong, did right, and overall progression helps paint the picture of who you really are.

[@Lilreeces10]

That's what's up. I started in 2011 with a T2i too. I was focused on photography but finally starting to get into film work.

[@ryelo916]

Once again, you hit it on point. Something I have learned from having an illustration/graphic design background is that time and experience should be the number one factor in deciding your price point. Forget the "opportunity" or "experience". Know YOUR worth and know that what you have is something that clients seek. Love the videos man!

[@ohcanadacreative4184]

I'm just starting my videography business and this was so helpful. It really is key to value yourself properly. If someone doesn't value you, than they're not worth your time.

[@bloomfilms]

Been documenting everything lately. It really puts personal growth into perspective!

[@A1Bokeh]

bro..that part when you were talking about being hyped for that 150 then feeling totally the opposite...RELATEABLE..when you are not being valued financially it will make you question if you even should do it anymore or like it.. but the real issue is someone is not valuing you and end of the day it is your fault.. I think at least thats what I am going through

[@KANEMADEIT]

i’m right there with you. except in my case i’ve never been in this for the money. for me the money has always been to separate artists who don’t take shit seriously from those who do. all i want to do is make good visuals. i’ve been doing run and gun visuals for 2 years now and i’m finally making the switch to storyboard only, i just can’t do the run and gun anymore, too many people doing it. same effects same everything, and if you can come up with a new effect its bound to get stolen.

[@A1Bokeh]

@@KANEMADEIT dang man. That's tough. Hopefully the story boarding works out

[@jsproduction6875]

Great Video, I am definitely at the Lighting stage now, invested in Key Lights and RGB lights, doing my first music video on Sunday

[@SimonRileyDrums]

One huge thing that has helped me out is simply LEARNING how to USE THE GEAR YOU HAVE instead of buying new💯 When I look back on the videos I was making a year ago, with the SAME exact setup, compared to now...man. Night and day. The difference was I learned how to use my gear to its limit and that has really been making my videos better with every single upload. So much of that info I learned was from your channel, so thank you man. You’ve really helped a lot.

[@Zensei33]

Man you hit it on the head.. being assertive on set and not getting my time wasted.

[@dna8269]

YC THE GOAT! That Yami video is still a masterpiece...maybe the best a7iii piece I've ever seen (serious). How do you go about raising your rates a lot in an area where 99% of clients are cheap as hell? That's the issue I have. People and businesses are just cheap on average aside from those larger corporate clients. Everyone wants a video for $500 even if your quality is the best in the area.

[@xx02]

One thing I wish when I started was sending clients a contract!

[@YCImaging]

THIS!

[@samyehya]

But like I feel I should be on top of my videogrophy career to be confident enough to send contracts

[@1_Arsenio]

YC all honestly, I wanted to cry from watching this video, because everything you said touch my soul. Graduating from school 4 yrs been going through a lot of ups and heavy downs and insecurities about my work and pricing. But thanks to you and other creative you tubers I’m not quitting or giving up on my dreams. I appreciate your videos a lot. Now the one thing I wish I would of done when I was in school is separate the time with class projects and doing stuff for free and around my sophomore through senior year charge clients with them cheap prices as I’m building my portfolio so when I do graduate I have my business on point.

[@Darryl_xtx]

I wanted to actually started doing it serious back in HS. About a year ago I’ve jumped back into it and ending my excuses on the why I can’t

[@JTFuller]

FACTS YOUNG MAN.... Very well explained.. Your heart is transparent young man.. I really liked this... Thank you...

[@YCImaging]

I appreciate that

[@OutdoorAdventureTV]

So much wisdom in that video! I think most of us undervalue our work, whatever that work may be. Gaining the confidence to charge what we are actually worth is a huge step in our growth. And sometimes undervaluing our work can cost clients. If the customer knows that you are priced significantly lower than others doing the same work, then they will dismiss you as amateur or poor quality. Sometimes increasing our prices will draw better clients that aren't trying to squeeze us out of that last buck. They have a budget and they are willing to spend it.

[@producerjdub]

Absolutely.. I love BTS vids and photos from the length of my (20 year) career. Great advise. Once I transitioned to narrative film making - I bought props and wardrobe. I started out with HI-8 cameras and transitioned to Mini-DV. My first light kit was a work light kit I bought at Lowes on Caroline St. In L5P. I wouldn't have changed a thing on my journey- maybe investing in leveling up my gear.

[@AnthonyGertzos]

Wow. You just perfectly described my two music video shoots. I didn’t value my work and my time enough and looking back I remember them as such a negative experience because of this. I feel like we are all so passionate to make videos that we let others take advantage of us

[@mohicferguson_]

This is all facts man. After my passion reignited last year for photography. I stumbled upon a video by Ryan Kao about perfection and decided that not only that I wanted to take photos. I wanted to document my journey and tell stories as well so I could look back on them years from now despite only using my iPhone alone rn. Great video mayne, this is really down to earth.

[@sheneedsyrruup]

I love that video by Ryan

[@sheneedsyrruup]

“Sometimes you have to look backwards, to see how far you’ve come” Thats a great way to see it

[@kozykev]

"Just use the head lights on the car" we all heard that one before lmao!

[@DreBuado]

I feel you on a lot of these points. I think when I started I priced strictly on video type and length and didn’t realize travel time, equipment needed, prep and editing all need to be factored in. Oh and can’t forget about possible revisions.

[@cinemahouse9380]

You hit the nail on the head thankfully I’ve come to these realizations like yourself. Ive ended relationships because people weren’t listening to me, I might be back at where I started but I’ve learned so much from it.

[@WesleyProductions]

This is really really helpful, I'm 13 right now, I really want to be a filmmaker!

[@SkinnyWasHere]

documenting the journey is crucial to your legacy. I always think about musicians and how legendary the bts is. they had the foresight to know they were creating something special. Take a look at the "Making of do the right thing", you'll love it.

[@chrissimms7888]

It’s so wild that most of us have been there like I’m literally just now starting to pull myself out of this creative hole from when I stopped filming docs and music videos from back in 2012. But it’s humbling to know that other talented ppl have been on the same road and you just have to keep going, learning, progressing

[@DarakiBar]

Inspiring! Being from the city watching u do this is priceless !

[@asu.chris.]

I love the way you you set the mood in every video you post. The music, extra video, angle and lighting truly complement each other 👏🏾

[@craigstevens6977]

Your are so right when you talk about lighting. I was shooting with the best cameras and lens but I could tell that I needed better lights. thanks for your channel

[@sanjaysingha8911]

Halfway through this and i completely resonate with lighting.... I started using light like after a year of working. Happy i realised it soon.

[@angelmediaproductions5369]

I'm in the same boat, I wish I had done the same thing in the beginning of my journey. But back in 2011, I didn't even think to do that. I was more focused on working with the clients. Now in 2021 I am starting to document.

[@justtinashe]

I'm in the beginning of my videography career, I totally get the lighting struggle! It's literally the next thing I plan on buyinh, period. I don't wish I'd done anything different, I just hope I can take more risks, reach those clients that seem impossible, take more leaps of faith yeah. Love from Zimbabwe!

[@damianwilk6210]

Grand video! Discovered you recently and you're becoming my fav due to genuineity and vulnerability you're not afraid to show. Respect. I can relate to most of these thoughts. Actually had the same camera as first camera! Low prices got me to a dark time, to the point when I've multiplied my pricing by x3 and guess what - got much more clients, got better clients and actually easier jobs! Crazy when you think about it. good luck with all!

[@mohdelmogu4169]

Invest in knowledge and business side more than gears because literally there’s filmmakers with less gear and considerably less production value that they can take higher gigs and overall projects

[@YCImaging]

Big gem!

[@NOBREAKZONE]

Facts

[@2basiic380]

Ive started my Videography/director career about a year ago. And watching these videos have stopped me making these mistakes saving myself years of trail and error. If you could have a watch at my videos I knew NOONE in the industry, no artists, no friends who made videos. noone. But watching videos like this has improved my craft dramatically From making music videos in someones backyard to having 5-7k budgets and having my videos on spotify, red bull music events, incredible passion projects. All in a year. Thank you.

[@back2comedy]

I really appreciate your time n energy behind this family...you’ve inspired me.

[@stevengonz]

Man I gotta say, as someone who also shoots a lot of low budget rap videos I can relate to this so much and I've been going through it. This video is the push I need to really start low balling myself when charging artists

[@arielbadeo5562]

Man.. this video has so much value! And smooth on the story blocks plug lol! Been a fan of you channel for the last 2 yrs! Keep it real YC!

[@YCImaging]

I appreciate that!

[@Undefinedlyrics]

Love this bro, im still in my beginner stages in my career && definitely feels good to hear a vet in the game saying he went thru the same things i feel im going through right now. 💯

[@BCMusic1st]

Documenting myself is one of the BIGGEST things I wish I had more of. Definitely something I strive for these days. Dope vid as usual bro!

[@christianthings777]

I am pretty much starting and these details are essential. But one thing I am doing while starting out is to learn a new filming/video/editing/lighting technique for every new project I do. Also, critique (the good, the bad, the ugly) my last video while moving into a new video to continuously improve myself and build up my worth as a creator.

[@PhilipLemoine]

Great video man. Awesome Story. It made me think back to when I first started.

[@VincentGilligan]

I still haven’t invested enough into lighting. Thanks for sharing your insights man. These kind of videos help so many who are starting out.

[@JOMprodBeta]

me too! canon rebel T2i first "pro" cam and now i'm a canon c70 owner...have come a long way!

[@TRyanLearn]

Dead brilliant advice right there ! The most valuable thing a man can spend is his time ,don't waste it. Love all your content ,Cheers to you !

[@createdbyshawn691]

As someone just starting into videography, and finding my way in life as a young person still, your documenting your own journey part hit so hard man. Lovely video.

[@christopherdearborn4390]

Dude....I wish I didn't spend so much on my computer. I love these type of videos. This is truly the most valuable information. All the other stuff pays the bills, but THIS is where it's at.

[@RunAndGunVisuals]

Felt that on that not being assertive.. that was my problem for awhile.. and when I started changing that and started actually planning my videos got to the point where I always seen them but wasn’t making that because I was just going and filming what the artist wanted just like you said! So definitely understand that:

[@dopeyydino]

Setting up a solid briefing and production process so the client feels confident in you. Definitely buying lighting earlier. Getting help (2nd camera and video editor). Great video!! :)

[@IamQrock]

Literally just started my KZbin career lol so this video is RIGHT on time. I think documenting is a great Idea even though I do beatmaking but I want to make it a little more interesting by adding cinematic elements to the videos.

[@bestcameralens]

I really like this video story, you're right, I've done the same mistake losing a lot of time, but thank you for your advice. I'll be more organized in the future. This week I just ordered my first light. You're the best.

[@chani2411]

"you can't allow this ambitious standard of where you want to see your work at be the reason you inaccurately price the value you're providing for your client" whoa bro!!! no truer words. That Promist is fire though. Anyway, I'm 1 year into videography so really learning off other peoples mistakes to save me the hassles, but, what do you know the lessons still come - like buying unnecessary gear, over YouTubing and not practicing enough, obsessing on edits (killing much time, man if I'm to put a dollar to each of them hours that's an easy source of regret). Thanks for sharing :)

[@Movies_25-i4y]

you cant imagine how this video inspires me not in a way of making a documentary but struggling for getting gears for us all,i mean beginners

[@ZachLangProductions]

What a crazy journey!! I would love to see lighting tutorials for run and gun shoots? Us beginners are usually outside.. factories, abandoned etc. A tutorial on how to make those spots look better would be dope!

[@AhmadAkiinThomas]

I literally was just on LinkenIn and realized I don't have any pictures of myself for my profile. I think that happens to a lot of directors, nobody is making sure to document them. I've made it a point to bring bts on every set I'm on now.

[@MattAitia]

Starting to document my journey more and this only reinforced my thinking! I'll never forget I was once on a shoot and I wasn't happy with how my Ronin footage was looking and I typed it in on KZbin and your video came up on how to get rid of the bounce in your step, been subscribed ever since

[@WhiteMic]

The struggle builds character and I mean you live and you learn, without mistakes or setbacks, there is no progress. We can only offer up our experiences, they will do with the information what they will. Keep inspiring other creators bro.

[@Jsonfarr]

What you’re saying is so true. You hit the nail on the head. KZbin knew I needed to see this video because this is the 1st to pop up. Thanks for this advice.

[@MVPSkoot]

My pricing is 40-200 teens 40 grown ups 55 and sometimes a 100 every ones in a while. Them just my video shoots prices. But that’s depending on location bcuz if i have to go out farther I’m charging more, if you want to shoot here then go a hour to shoot there then I’m charging more. It all depends on your location. I’m still up coming but I’m strictly about my work. I value my time. One thing i should’ve did was started strictly from the get go but yea I’m still learning bcuz I’m still growing. (Upcoming) we learn new things every day or every ones in a while.

[@velluminateview]

Your work and hard work has and will pay off brother, I love you. Thank you for knowing your worth, helped me to know mine as a beginner photographer.

[@theTechNotice]

Dude, the A-Roll is 🔥 love how it looks! :)

[@jonathanl7883]

I definitely agree with all that. My going rate for years was $300, no matter how long it took me to shoot or edit a video. I could spend 40 hours editing and revising and would never charge more. The only thing I would add to this though, is part of the low-charge was because I just wanted to be able to shoot for myself and improve, regardless of the artists. I figured, I could ask for more, and most likely these artists would rather choose not to shoot a music video, or I could charge less, and instead of sitting at home, I could be out shooting. That's why I had my prices so low for so long. Love of the craft. After a while though, you just start hating shooting and hating your work. You can only live like that for so long. Great video YC as always!

[@GiftedYoungOne]

This video definitely hit! The first tip alone got me. I used to do KZbin for 6+ years but looking back I def realize the importance of being able to look back at my journey. Love the video def got something out of it.

[@dscvrclout]

thank you for validating everything that I've been struggling with since 2018 bro. your older videos helping my employees now! #respect

[@dscvrclout]

I wish I would've hired people way earlier instead of trying to do everything all by myself so I can keep all the money

[@YCImaging]

THIS! Help is really the key man, you get so much more done.

[@Boydkr]

The artist freinds ideas » real struggle dough 😂😂😂

[@the_parker_g]

Love this! -“...value my time more”. You did what ‘the artist’ wanted you to do - MY GUY! You are an artist, too! Would this technique work in reverse?? Could you/would you tell the music artists how to write their music, how to perform their lyrics that were personally composed by an individual to express their emotions? I think, no. This is the first video of yours that I’ve come across. But you seem like the kinda guy who has enough self-respect, and respect for other artists to let their art tell the story. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@d.rodphotos5358]

About to start doing videography. Been doing photography for 3 years now and I've always been intimidated by doing video work. I appreciate the content, got yourself a new subscriber and I know i'll be a fan of the rest of your body of work. Looking forward to everything you've got.

[@XclusiveDaniel]

This was totally worth my time, thanks man.

[@crming7151]

I am a photographer, but recently myself and a actor friend of mine have gotten into videography. I’m interested to see where this journey will go. I really like your videos

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

I have started write down a few things each day in pad over last 6 months or so. Feelings, thoughts, what been up too. Nice one good tips thank you

[@Brian-Hansen]

You are on point. It’s all in the lights. You can make a 10-year-old camera look amazing with the right lights.

[@BRO.JUSTIN]

Wow I've never actually thought about this for my craft, I'll take this to consideration 💯 thanks my guy

[@Veypurr1]

Please do a video on how to properly sync the vocals to the video step by step as well as tips and tricks. Production and Post Production.

[@UltimateN.]

1:05 part of the reason I love self photography and videography

[@JordanFord]

This is dope as hell. That’s what I been planning to do lately. Just documenting the journey and some day reflect back on it to see how far I’ve come like you said !

[@jvajam]

This definitely sits up there with one of the best advises you've given. Love it!!

[@littvisuals]

This video is mad emotional bruva. It hit me right in the feels. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@JihadPowell]

I had that same canon Vixia In the thumbnail, LOL shoot many music videos with it although I had to stand back and zoom all the way in just to get a depth of field but it was cool, 1080 P was popping back in the day

[@KennethGreenCMP]

Nothing but gems about travel, ideas, and pay.

[@SIMBA-po2tj]

Brother you always talk about what I'm going through. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@OliverWiehe]

So good to hear this, just joined the ranks of you tubers and will start documenting now - appreciate you laid back smooth honest style !

[@OlleyThorpe]

Dope video bro! absolutely smashed it, so important to just pick the camera out, as a creator you never know when you are going to use the footage.

[@elitevue4922]

Man i have been doing videos for 15 years and i wish i would put the trigger and do it full time. I wish i would have pulled the trigger back then. Im still working a full time job and shoot videos only 1-4 times a year. Its my biggest regret not starting full time back then. Every day i clock in at my job it makes me sicking knowing what i am have slip by. This video is pushing me to fully run with going full time.

[@JH5visuals]

Dealing with the artist is my thing I need to improve. I have constantly felt like my time was not valued. I setup a date and time the artist ends up being an hour late to shoot. Or they switch up the track. I definitely need to work on that

[@suitcasejunkies8719]

Thank you for the advice, I greatly appreciate it. Really for me it's not what I should have done, but when I should have started. I wish I started making videos way sooner then now.

[@genepenegenius]

Wow, awesome piece. So many shared sentiments in this...really like it.

[@KANEMADEIT]

man this video was really fire, i’m only two years into video making but i’m already at the turning point, i’ve already faced everything you’ve described in this video. and i just recently decided to stop doing run and gun shoots, it’s just not worth it, it’s too simple, there’s too much time being wasted. and all for a average product.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Dude, I love the topics that you covered in this video. Really appreciate you sharing your insights.

[@elyoo13]

bro, this is the second time that I am out of spirits and without ideas and you upload a video that inspires me to continue, thank you man, greetings from Mexico City

[@jmonstah169]

I also wanted to grow up and make movie posters. Loved this video. Inspiring me to keep going.

[@clicksbyklauss]

Awesome!!!! Love everything u do my guy! I really respect the hustle! Mad respect from Canadas west coast! Hustle and motivate!!!

[@mrbranmar]

hey YC, love the content. you should make a guide to directing and expand on that assertiveness you talked about