Five Tips for Better Cooking Videos

Tip 1: Change Your Camera Angles

• Switch up camera angles for more dynamic and engaging content.
• Avoid filming long continuous clips from one angle.
• Capture 20-30 seconds of each major step.
• Use multiple angles to create a sequence (e.g., multiple peels of a carrot from different angles).
• Experiment with creativity in your filming process.

Tip 2: Prep and Plan First

• Prepare ingredients before filming: wash, cut, and measure ingredients.
• Organize ingredients in individual containers to avoid scrambling while cooking.
• Break the recipe into smaller tasks and film them individually.
• Example: Film the gravy first for a meatloaf dish, allowing time to clean and reset for the main dish.
• Consider creating supporting videos for different parts of the recipe.

Tip 3: Learn Camera Settings

• Understand manual and autofocus settings for better control over focus.
• Use manual focus for cooking shots to avoid distractions (like steam or hands) shifting focus.
• Autofocus is good for talking directly to the camera.

Tip 4: Lighting

• Good lighting is crucial; poor lighting can ruin even high-end cameras.
• Natural sunlight is the best and free option; turn off kitchen lights to avoid yellowish glow.
• Consider investing in an affordable light kit (starting at $50) for soft lighting.
• Ensure all light sources have the same color temperature (check Kelvin rating on bulbs).
• A light kit allows filming at any time, regardless of natural light availability.

Tip 5: Eat First

• Filming when hungry can lead to rushing shots and mistakes.
• Avoid getting hangry and frustrated during filming.
• Plan to eat before filming or snack while filming to maintain focus.
• If possible, film dishes earlier in the day to avoid rushing for family dinner.
• Consider making extra food for plating and styling the next day if needed.

Conclusion

• Value from these tips can lead to better food content.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more tips.