Lights, Camera, Action: Studio Tour!

I'm excited to take you on a tour of my filming and recording studio and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how I create my YouTube videos! I will share detailed information about my gear, my settings, and how I organize everything for easy filming.

I still write, film, and edit all my videos by myself, so keeping everything simple and streamlined is my way to go.

The Importance of Set Arrangement and Distance

When it comes to filming, one of the most important things is your set arrangement. I see many people setting up too close to the wall, but having a bit of distance between yourself and the backdrop can make a huge difference. It can help you avoid casting shadows and create a better depth of field. I like to have a bit of space between myself and the background so the camera can focus on me while still having some interesting elements in the background.

Another thing to consider is your lighting. It's important to have a well-lit set to create a professional-looking video. A good lighting setup can make a big difference in the overall quality of your video. I use a main light, a fill light, and a backlight to create a well-lit set. Check out the tutorial for more details!

Filming Alone: Quick and Easy Setup

As a solo YouTuber, I need to have a setup that's quick and easy to use. Everything needs to be within reach and ready to go when I'm filming. I always have a guitar stand close by and a computer monitor to keep track of my sketches and outlines.

For filming, I use two Atomos drives to record my videos. These drives allow me to capture high-quality footage with ease. I also have a Quad Cortex for my electric guitar sounds and a Kemper for my acoustic guitar. A quick and easy setup is crucial because it allows me to focus on creating content rather than setting up equipment.

Preparing for Videos: The Importance of Preparation

When it comes to making videos, preparation is key. I spend a lot of time thinking about what will be in my videos and preparing the song or lesson. I like to create bullet points that outline the structure of the lesson and the topics I'll cover. They help me stay on track and ensure I cover everything I want in the video.

I also like to have a clear idea of what I want to say before I start filming. While some YouTubers prefer to have a script and storyboard, I like to do it off the cuff. Having a general idea of what I want to say allows me to be more natural and authentic in my videos.

The Importance of Cameras: Choosing the Right Cameras and Lenses

Choosing the right cameras and lenses is crucial for creating high-quality video footage. I use two Sony A7S3 cameras, which are great for creating high-quality video footage. Before these, I was using the Panasonic G5s, which are also great, but I had many problems with the autofocus function on those.

I use the GM Master lenses on my cameras. The main one I use is a 16 to 35-millimeter, which I set at around 30 millimeters. The little one I use for close-ups is a 24 to 70. I film in ProRes now, which has a massive file size, so I can't even save the files on the cameras. I save them on these little things called an Atomos drive. I've got two, one for each camera. The Atomos drives are really good because they put a big red circle around it when it's recording, so I know it's recording, and it won't stop without me knowing.

The Importance of Audio: Setting Up Your Audio Rig

Audio is just as important as your video quality because if your audio is bad, viewers won't stick around to watch your videos. I use a Head Rush on the floor for the audio from the Quad Cortex, and I have a microphone in my hat.

🎤 The hat microphone is essential because the volume doesn't change when I move my head around. When I used to wear a lapel mic, if I was looking at my strumming hand, it would get really loud, and then I'd look at the other hand, and it'd get quieter. I always had to muck around with balancing that!

I also have a microphone in the input that plugs into Logic. I usually have my audio set up on a different channel so that I can edit it separately from the video. This allows me to fine-tune the audio and remove any unwanted background noise.

Editing: Bringing It All Together

Once I've finished filming, it's time to start editing. I use FinalCut Pro to edit my videos, but there are plenty of other great editing software options. Editing can be time-consuming, but it's essential for creating a polished final product. I usually export the video in 16-bit 48 in PCM, which ensures that the video is of high quality and sounds great.

High-Quality YouTube Lessons

Creating high-quality YouTube videos requires a lot of time and effort, but it's ultimately worth it. A well-lit set, a quick and easy filming setup, and high-quality cameras and audio equipment can make a big difference in the overall quality of your videos.

👉 Have questions about this video? Tag me in the Community and ask me! :)