How to record videos for Photography Course The Complete Instructions
Learn this step-by-step procedure to learn the process of planning and recording online photography course video lessons (and including bonus material) using CreativeMindClass, a free tool used by top creators.

How do you plan and create your videos using 10 easy steps
Create videos, downloadable files, and exercises.
At this point you'll have a plan of your course. Now, it's time to consider how you will describe each component of your class. Engaging, interactive and enjoyable content provides the perfect learning environment for students who study online. One of the best ways to provide results in learning is by mixing different multimedia: videos and screen recordings, slideshows as well as audio and handouts and exercises.
In this article, you'll discover the most effective method of planning and recording video lessons and preparing additional materials such as downloadable files, as well as encouraging students to engage in active learning by providing activities. Be aware that content preparation is the foundation of the course, and you may find yourself studying the steps for a while.
Steps in this guide
- Include a YouTube video for each lesson
- Select the lesson video type
- Record videos for your online photography course
- Develop a education experience that concentrates on video
- Create a download file
- Download the file for your lesson
- Upload high-resolution or native files into your lessons
- Create an activity to an existing lesson
- Students are asked to share photographs and ask for critique
- Make an online community around your course
1. Add a video to each lesson
Videos are the most engaging way to present your content. An online course in photography that is successful is 4 to 25 hours of video. It's hard to switch on your camera and record your self for this length of time.
Be aware that video can take on diverse forms, such as presentations or screen recordings with audio. This doesn't mean that you need to be on camera constantly. If you have a hard choosing the best video type for your course Learn more about different video types in the next section.

How to do it within CreativeMindClass
- Design a new class to go with your video lessons.
- Click the the LESSONS tab to display it.
- Choose VIDEOlesson type.
- Upload a video to your computer.
- Add a video to each class.
PRO TIP: Depending upon the tools that you will use to create your videos You will end up with multiple video format options like MOV, MP4, or WMV. Don't worry about that your videos will automatically convert to formats that your students can view on their laptops, desktops or smartphones.
2. Select the type of video lesson you want to use.
Review your outline of the course. Which approach is the most appropriate to deliver the learning outcomes for each lesson?
The content you include in the classroom are what help to make an online class and provide students with a great learning experience. They can be produced with the equipment and camera space right at home with the skills you already have available.
Once you're finished editing and recording your videos, you have multiple low-length, 16:9-quality video files to upload. Keep in mind the high quality of the video. It must have a resolution of 1080p.
There are a variety of instructional videos that you can make to help your classes:
1. Videos showing your face
What does it mean:Showing your face is a perfect way to present yourself as a real person, in a non-virtual context. It helps your students get familiar with you and helps establish trust and a personal connection. Viewers can instantly recognize you from your face, your smile, and the way you present.
Methods to use it: Record yourself sitting or standing. The video can be shot at a variety of angles. It is possible that you will require a tripod for that.
Best for:Try the videos that show your face, for example, in a self-introduction or the course conclusion.
For which lessons would you utilize this kind of video? Which lesson objectives could be accomplished most effectively when creating a video showing yourself? Choose the lessons and make notes in the course description.
PRO Tips:For better sound quality in your videos, use an external microphone. Start with the one you have in your headphones.
2. Documentary videos
What does it mean:A documentary video in an online class that shows you the world around you and your surroundings.
They are perfect for studio shots, where they can serve as a reference. It's also a method to show behind-the-scenes of your work as photographer. The footage is fun that you can mix in within the lesson in order to make them more entertaining. This helps to give an opportunity to take a break, and also provide your pupils with a bit of fun while teaching learning objectives.
How do you do it:The documentary shots are things you will record in several sessions. These can be a lot of fun to film as they open creative opportunities, and you can act as if you're a film maker.
Ideal to use forIt's a nice way to create interesting footage, for example, to talk about your background, or show you making images, or show your live workshop.
PRO TIP The majority of documentary footage is recorded by you. But for some shots, you might need some help. Ask a friend to help you or hire someone so several hours.
3. Talking head videos
What is it:You know, the talk-head videos that are found in Youtube tutorials, which is typically used to explain. The video that talks to you is a close-up video of you explaining things in front of the camera.
What you can do: Combine the talking head video and the visuals that are that are projected behind you, such as videos, slides or even a static image. To do that it is necessary to have a green screen behind you when recording. You can also add visuals during post-production.
Ideal for:It's great for displaying your software to edit. Also, you can show images as examples and leave remarks on parts you enjoy or highlight commonly made mistakes by photographers.
Which lesson objectives could be most effective by creating a talking head video? Select the lesson and take notes in the course description.
PRO TIP: Lighting is crucial in talking head videos. Make sure to avoid shadows, excessive exposure, as well as terrible lighting. It is possible to use rings or LED lights on tripods.
4. Videos with no face showing
If putting your face in front of the camera creates too much and you want to make videos with no face. Consider ways to connect with your audience without using facial expressions. Consider ways you can let your personal style shine through your script, your voice, and in your video material.
If you're using an avatar or animations, think carefully about how to make the characters enthral your viewers and allow you to create an emotional connection with them, even without showing your face.
5. Presentation with a voiceover
What it is:Take a slide presentation, add a voiceover, and voila! You created a slideshow video. No need to record you talking to the camera. This is as simple as that!
What you can do:Talk over your online photography class in Google Slides or PowerPoint. For a more lively and video-like, you can make use of Prezi using zooming-in and additional fun options. When you've got your slides ready, you describe what's in the slides. Keep in mind the sound quality of the voiceover.
The best choice forSuch presentation is an easy way of digesting content for those who learn by looking. The use of a voiceover in a presentation is a great approach to learning. Particularly when something has to be viewed several times or remembered. The most essential information with images, bullet points photographs, graphs, or your own doodles. It's useful for showing examples, such as the cameras settings, the shooting angles or light directions, for example.
Which objectives for the lesson could be delivered most effectively in a talk head video? Pick the lessons you want to teach and then make notes on the description of the lesson.
6. Screen recordings
What does it mean:Screen recording shows what you are doing in your laptop's screen.
Methods to use it:For screen recordings, it is possible to use Quicktime (on Mac) or hit Windows Key + Alt + R. Once you're done with the recording, you can speed up the boring parts and include your own audio narration, or even a track of music. Also, you can top it out, including a talking head type of video, to increase the receptivity of your.
The best For:Such images are excellent to use, as an example, in part of your training in which you discuss making edits to photos using Lightroom.
What lesson goals can you best deliver by creating screen-recording videos? Pick the appropriate lessons, and then make notes in the course description.
7. Whiteboard videos
What is it:You can convey your data by using whiteboards. They're fairly easy to create. They are as simple as the black marker with an white background. Therefore, there's no need to fret about your brand's colours and appearance.
What to do:There are several ways to do it. It can be a video that shows you standing in facing a whiteboard, or an animated version made of images of whiteboards (so it doesn't have to display the world your visage). You can also design it using a computer drawing pad (like the iPad) or whiteboard animation software like Doodly.
The best For:These videos are great to use for creating dynamic elements of your content, making a mark, circle and so on. You can use it, for example, for making composition lines or drawing arrows using light directions.
What objectives for your lesson could you best deliver in creating whiteboard video tutorials? Select the lesson and take notes in the course description.
8. AI videos with voiceovers
What is it:AI videos are another fantastic way of making online course videos without showing your face. They're professional-looking videos featuring avatars, voices and avatars.
Utilizing AI videos and voiceovers can be a quick and effective way of creating your online photography class. Additionally, it could create your unique approach to teaching but keep the fact that it's hard to establish a connection with your students on AI-generated footage.
How to do it: AI videos and voiceovers are generated by converting plain text into audio using software like Synthesia.
Best for:It's an alternative for your face shots if you feel very uncomfortable recording yourself.
PRO TIP: If you don't like using an avatar in your online class, you could create a voiceover only on your screen recordings or slide slides. You can enjoy a stroll around if you create a course that's in English but don't feel comfortable about your accent.
Do you think you could benefit from using AI voiceovers or videos would help with your content delivery? Which specific lesson objectives could accomplish this? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes within the lesson's description.
3. Record videos for your online photography course
If you've selected the appropriate video types to deliver the learning objectives for each lesson, it's the right time to "Lights, camera, action! ".
Photographers have the advantage of being able for you to get the camera for video and begin shooting. A photographer has a lot of expertise that can be useful when making video. They know where to look for composition, lighting as well as other important elements in getting a great photo, regardless of whether you are moving.
The thing you must know is that a simple movement of the camera or of the objects that you're photographing, can alter the picture. Your previous experience will help you to adjust quickly. Here are some suggestions for setting up your recording studio, choose the gear, before you begin recording your video lessons:
1. Create your recording area
The setup of your recording area is crucial to make sure the students get a great education experience when they take your photography online course. The students must be able to view you and hear your voice.
The type of video you've selected to present your outcomes for learning There are a variety of setups:
- If you teach yourself or showing your the workplace, you'll be recording yourself.
- For talking heads, you'll use editing software after you've completed recording to create screencasts that combine footage of you speaking.
- In order to create presentation as well as screen recording videos it is necessary to record the screen of your computer and record voice-overs for the audio.
- For whiteboards, you'll take a recording of yourself standing on the whiteboard, or capture your computer's screen and record voiceovers.
The studio could be your use for taking photos to document your lessons however, it doesn't have to be an expert studio.
PRO TIP:For the video recording, keep in mind the same basic rules as for photography; the camera stays steadily mounted on a tripod; there's enough light available and you can frame your shoot properly, and the captured space looks spotless. In terms of audio, ensure that there's not any background sound or echo. You can reduce them with blankets or soundproofing acoustic panels.
2. Pick the appropriate tools to make videos.
Start by listing the gear or application you wish to make every video. Dependent on the nature of the video you're making, this could include physical gear like a camera or tripod, lighting equipment microphone, or software to record screen as well as post-production editing. The latest and most advanced equipment is great, but it's not necessary.
Cameras: you most likely already have the option to record in the camera you're using to take photographs. If not, try making use of your camera on your computer or the camera on your phone.
Microphones:built-in cameras and microphones for your mobile or computer phones have poor quality sound. Make sure you have a hands-free mic or table-top mic.
lighting:as a photographer, you are familiar with excellent lighting. The same principles apply to recording videos. Make use of natural light or lighting fixtures you already have at home. If you're unhappy by the outcome, consider an ring light or three-point lighting kit.
Screen recording:Quicktime Player is for that on a Mac, or a download a free app for Windows Obsproject
editing: you might be already using Adobe Cloud products. For video editing, try Adobe Premiere Rush or Premiere Pro.
3. Start recording video lessons
It's been a long time since you've waited for this exciting moment for some time. The moment has come to press the start button on your camera.
Start with recording a test video to check the quality of your sound and video.
There is no need to keep your videos in chronological order. Start by selecting from your lessons list the one lesson which speaks to you or appears to be the easiest to record. The lesson could be a introduction to yourself, or jump into your favorite subjects from the instructional lesson immediately.
The recording of the summary and the conclusion until the end of recording sessions, in case you'll add something unplanned to the lesson's content.
PRO Tip: You can capture scenes from a day of recording. This is a fantastic way to advertise your photography course.
4. Create a learning experience which is primarily focused on video
Watching a video course is distinct from reading, for example, texts on slides. The video course requires certain characteristics, features, navigation and layout that is specific to video-based platforms. CreativeMindClass is an on-line course platform specifically designed for videos and focuses in delivering an enjoyable learning experience through a video.
Usually, when you upload your video to a platform, it's a recommended practice to create a custom thumbnail to your video. This makes your video look stunning in the preview, but it also adds a bit of work. We came up with an option that is cool and doesn't require anyone doing any of the job. When you upload your video, we automatically select the highlights and best times to show as a looped 3--8 seconds video. It's something like you might recognize from Spotify videos that are shown when music plays.
How to do it within CreativeMindClass
- For LESSON, select VIDEOlesson Type.
- Download a video from your computer.
- Visit Preview and enjoy the automatically generated lesson cover video.
5. Add a downloadable file
Downloadable documents are an excellent way to enhance your lessons. They're not only an effective way to deliver the key learning outcomes you want to achieve and objectives, but they're also a great way to engage your students in learning. The best part is that they can be perceived by students as cute little gifts that improve the quality of your class.
When you upload an additional files to your class Students can download the file, print it, fill it in, or edit it.
Such downloadable file doesn't have to be printed. It can also be filled in digitally, such as with an iPad or students could work within a PSD image on their desktops. When they've finished they can give the document to you for feedback.
Downloadable files make your content fun and engaging and can leave your impression on students' pulpits and desks. You can read more about the downloadable file in the following paragraph.

What is it? in CreativeMindClass
- Click to the tab for Content of the lesson
- Make sure to click DOWNLOADABLE FILE to upload your file.
6. Select the file downloads for your lessons
1. Printouts
What is it: They are images or PDFs. Are you looking for your students to recall something, or adhere to certain steps? You can deliver it using a printable PDF file. You can add a printout to any lesson with everything you could imagine whiteboards notes, slideshows as well as other informational materials. It is possible to create new content or reuse the content that you have learned from your lessons.
What to do: You can create printed documents using text editors or Canva. Your students can take notes or... you could provide them with notes. Select four or five key aspects that you will discuss in your particular class.
The best to use for It's a perfect way of delivering information, like lesson key points, camera setting specifics, as well as a kick starter set. These are great for planning and checklists, as well as briefs, stories, and mood boards.
PRO TIP If you use presentation slides in your lessons, a nice little trick is to hand them out to your students so that they may take notes about the slides.
Are you of the opinion that printing out printouts would be beneficial to your teaching methods? What specific objectives for your lesson would you be able to accomplish in this manner? Choose the lessons and make notes on the description of the lesson.
2. Worksheets and documents to fill in
What it is: They are PDFs and Pages/Word files. Worksheets are the documents your students can fill in. It can be plain pages of text or stunning worksheets designed in your own design.
What to do:You can create it using Pages or Word, or you can use the colourful templates available from Canva. It is possible to receive your completed worksheet back from your students. To do that it is necessary to pair it with an exercise which allows students to submit their worksheets in a lesson, and then receive their feedback. The details will be covered further down.
Best for: If you are planning to include in your photography online course an exercise for brainstorming it might be beneficial for students to record their ideas down. They can use notes, a table, or even a storyboard, to help fill in. They can also be useful for recording answers to queries and for various other tasks and homework.
Would you consider distributing an exercise would add value in your delivery of content? What specific objectives for your lesson can you accomplish this in this manner? Select the lesson and take notes in the lesson description.
3. Native editable files
What is it: These are files native to the computer that programs (like Photoshop, or Lightroom) produce, and that the user can edit. They are also known by the names of .PSDs, .RAW, .TIFFs, .AIs, .docs, and so on.
What to do:Create a document and export it in a native format and upload it into a class. The student can use it in conjunction with the exercise. This way, students can hand the file back to you to get feedback. The details of this will be discussed further down.
The best choice for These files are ideal to edit parts of your online photography class or to include some presets in the file. Students can then work on native files using Lightroom as well as Photoshop.
Are you of the opinion that editing native files could be beneficial to your content delivery? What specific objectives for your lesson could you deliver this way? Pick the lesson you want to teach and then make notes in the lesson description.
PRO TIP:Make sure your students also have access to the program that you're using. Otherwise, they can't work on the document.
4. Another video
What it is: You can upload the video that goes with your class, and students will be able to download the video. It's fantastic for teaching complete information. Also, you can provide advanced learning materials for the students who are willing to take on additional tasks.
What to do:You can record an additional video while or after you have recorded the content for your online photography courses.
Best for:You can use it for instructional videos that need to be repeated, for example, how to adjust camera settings.
Do you think adding an extra video would help your delivery of content? What specific lesson objectives can be achieved in this manner? Select the lesson and take notes on the description of the lesson.
5. Include links to software in download documents
What is it: You can add hyperlinks inside your download file to ensure that only your students have access to it.
How to do it: Paste any link in a text document and add it to the class.
The best choice forIt's a great solution to provide your students with extra learning resources. Or when you want students to be able to visit a site that allows them to create such things as a mood board or a mindmap (like Milanote). It's possible to make a hyperlink to an online program which does not create the editable files.
PRO TIP:If the software you use to edit photos generates editable native files (like Lightroom or Photoshop), it's best to provide it as a downloadable file.
Are you of the opinion that allowing an external link could be helpful in the delivery of your content? What specific objectives for your lesson could you deliver this way? Choose the lessons and make notes in the lesson description.
The additional downloadable materials you bring to your lessons can help in delivering the learning objectives effectively. The downloadable documents can be made using programs like Pages/Word Google Slides, Prezi, Photoshop, or Canva. Many are available for free and be installed on your PC Others will require to be purchased.
Be aware that some educational material (presentation slides, planners) you created for videos are downloadable documents. It is possible to export them to PDFs and then upload them to your computer. Some of them are ready others will need some tweaking.
You can create assignments with other files, such as worksheets or native documents. Combining it with an exercise lets students upload files to a lesson and receive comments.
After you've completed your files that you can download You now have professional images or edited native files you can upload.
7. Add native or high-resolution file to your lesson
If you upload files on the internet be aware of compressing the size of your images. It makes them lose their quality. Through CreativeMindClass, your students will download exactly the same file you uploaded without losing the clarity, and we also allow native file formats (.TIFFs, .PSDs etc.) to allow photography students to take their learning to the next level from making.
In CreativeMindClass, each lesson in your class can be accompanied by an additional download. This way, your students will be able to watch your video and download the lesson precisely when they require it. If you'd like to download back the file filled in by your student, all you need to do is include an exercise, it unlocks this feature. We'll discuss the exercises in the following section.
File formats that can be downloaded: We support most well-known file formats. You can upload .PDFs, .JPGs, .PNGs, .MP4, .doc and editable native formats like .RAWs, .TIFFs, or a .PSDs ,Page/Word The list of supported formats grows.
Size of the file: Remember to keep the file size to a minimum (approximately 1 MB) but keep the sharpness of images and PDFs so students can enjoy quality visuals as they download them speedily. Files that can be used for work, such as Pages/Word or native ones are larger in size, and the larger they become the longer it takes to download them but they are such an engaging way to learn that it's well worth the effort.

How do I get it in CreativeMindClass
- Click DOWNLOADABLE FILE to download your native or high-resolution document.
8. Incorporate an exercise into an existing lesson
Exercises can be a powerful method of delivering learning outcomes. Students are engaged in learning by engaging in. This type of active learning usually consists of an activity that is measurable as well as instructor feedback.
Imagine the learning environment that you'll design to assist students reach their objectives. Look at your Lessons list. Are there lessons that could be interesting and engaging activities for learning? What lessons might have homework tasks? What brainstorming exercises could be considered? What is the final task in your course?

How do I get it in CreativeMindClass
- Go to LESSON - Content tab
- Click on EXERCISE to create exercises for your pupils.
9. Students should be asked to submit photographies and get your feedback
The online photography class asks for a final assignment such as an image shoot. If you include such an exercise for your students, they can snap pictures using the methods they learn during the course and upload them on CreativeMindClass which allows you to offer critique.
PRO TIP: Students' results from the online photography class can be uploaded as exercises. The results will be uploaded in the Activity Feed together with your comments. It creates wonderful testimonials as well as social proof for your course website.

How do I get it in CreativeMindClass
- Navigate to LESSON - Content tab
- Click on EXERCISE to generate an exercise.
- Enter the TITLE. For example "Share your final portrait photos".
- Type DESCRIPTION. For example "Develop and upload your portrait photographs. Once you're done, to upload them, you can do so under the lesson and get my opinion ".
- Once your student has uploaded their exercise, navigate to the student's workto give your feedback.
10. Create an online community to promote your course
Your feedback and learning activities are the initial steps towards developing a vibrant community for your online course. There is no need to continue there, or you can improve the experience your students are getting to the next level. This can help you improve your business's performance and expand your visibility as a brand.
Activity Feed can be a great way to establish an online community. It increases visitors to your course's website, helps you retain clients, and boosts the amount of money you earn.
If you include some inspirational articles to your online course website, you'll be able to create a great base for building a highly engaged community around your brand and business.
What can you do to keep students engaged? What kind of content do you typically share to social networks? What tips could you give about composition, gear or software? One way to keep your students engaged and motivated to complete the course are daily posts that provide inspiration to help them complete their final assignment.

How do I get it within CreativeMindClass
- Simply click My Postsin the main menu, to launch it.
- Click the ADD POST button to create an entirely new blog post.
And you're done!
Congratulations! Now that your content is prepared, you've got the core of your photography online course ready. If you're planning to start an online photography class right now, use this free template to plan and record an entirely new video as well as our full guide to how to create an online photography course.
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