Browsing Tag

camera

DIY Vlog

How to Start a Video Blog or Vlog

02/04/2014

I reworked this article from a couple of past articles because I decided to give “vlogging” another try!

There have been quite few awesome recommendations for the DO IT OURSELVES feature on Miseducated (suggest to us what you’d like us to both make and share the process of making) and so I decided I would try something I was asked about years ago.. mostly because I’m a bit shy/critical of myself and it’s VERY hard for me to force myself to make a video blog. I’ve done a couple through the years but I’ve deleted or never published most of them.

What I’ve been trying to do is to be as relaxed as I am when I’m writing.. as though I’m just hanging out with my friends and you’re coming along on the sugar trolly.

This first try is my new vlog introduction. It’s not perfect, it’s not even that great but I did check off my long list of basics such as finding a setting (key!), making the intro using an image and the custom theme (I got tired of the animation — maybe later) and having an idea of what I might say (but not scripted and slow!). I tried to put forth the basic tips I’ve collected throughout the internet years when creating this quick and dirty video show introduction. Stay tuned for both my notes and steps to try it yourself!

Notes

1. Theme Visual & Theme Song (or voiceover)
2. Introduction
3. Video Blog
4. End / Bloopers / Goodbye / Theme Close (with a cute animation??)
5. Credits (if needed)

Theme

What do you need to do this? Do you have any friends that compose original music? Can you use music that is free for public use? The possibilities are endless.

Video Editing

Again you can use and get creative with videos of public domain or grab your webcam and record some. You can settle for Quicktime Pro for quick and easy editing such as cutting, copying and pasting clips. If you’re interested in more advanced video editing software you should try Final Cut Pro~ for quick and easy editing I used iMovie.

Content

Of course this depends on what kind of video blog you’re making — if you’re interviewing a guest or featuring an event then obviously you would prepare questions and feature them as much as, if not more than, yourself.

AND if Miseducated has taught you anything it’s to pay attention to your mise-en-scene. Actually pay attention to what’s in the frame. If you’re filming in front of a pile of dirty laundry it probably wont have the same effect as in your local soda-shop or your cute office.

So if you want to start, read the following steps and join me in this fun medium of communication.

STEPS: Try it Yourself!

1. Watch a lot of video blogs.

Check out your friend’s blogs, their friend’s blogs, you favorite model’s blog and more. Surf around Flickr and Youtube and see how other’s carry out their video blogs. Pay attention to the content, length and format. Note what you like and don’t like about them.

2. Create the actual content.

Write down what you plan to talk about, keep it short and to the point so you can freely elaborate on video. Make sure you don’t look like you’re actually reading the notes to yourself; make it spontaneous but don’t get too lengthy. I think the best videos are short and sweet.

3. Practice makes perfect.

Practice in front of the camera. Take long videos, short videos, videos of you talking with your best friend, whatever video ideas you have practice them. Pay attention to how you present yourself in front of the camera and take notes. Re-record re-record re-record.

4. Post your video.

After following all the above steps you may or may not be ready to post your video. Post it anyway. We all have to start somewhere and that only leaves room for improvement.

Don’t worry about getting it right your first video. It will probably be too long, you’ll look like a huge dork, and the guys building a hotel next door will probably take the exact moment you’re recording to use their jackhammer. Whatever.” – Kontrary

Have you given it a try? Are you considering it now? Do you think we should further investigate this form of blogging?

Diary

Girls Night Out and Live Webcams

04/18/2011

I just cannot seem to get inspired so I’m forcing myself to get back into the habit of writing anyway.

I finally had a much-needed girl night this weekend.
My best friend and I decided to dress up and go to the roller derby (I was planning to feature it).
It didn’t exactly work out as planned, however. When we arrived we had to park so far away that we gave up halfway there.
We had trekked through the cold rain stinging our faces and smearing our makeup so long that we quickly grew weary of the journey left and ran back to the warm car.
We promised that we’d warm our bones with a glass of wine upon arriving home and we’d try out webcam chatting.

I tend to be too shy to try out webcam chatting, as my friends know after much begging to Skype with them, but with a couple of glasses of wine and my partner in crime by my side I feel like I can do anything. This includes sharing silly details about out night, playing and commenting on music and taking questions from viewers~ it was totally fun and a great way to wind down after a chilly night out. We used Stickam and although we did get some pervy messages the majority of the people were chill. I definitely recommend trying it out for fun and nonsense.. however watch out! One minute we had no watchers, the next we had hundreds.. and we’re total dorks!

Day With a Camera Diary

Day With a Camera: Don’t Give Up On Me

01/15/2011

It seems with my leave of absence (pregnancy, new motherhood and loads of work) a lot of the chatters here at the blog from earlier days are quieting down. We discuss that everyone has given up on any chance of an update or response so they’re no longer coming back to check.. well whatever the reason, I’m officially off of maternity leave! I always leave little updates on twitter assuming you get them but why assume? I figured I’d update (on a weekend day!) just to let you know how I feel about the situation.

Our visitor stats ARE back up and we’re glad. I’m happy many more of you are finding our colorful home and reading our splendidly girly articles. I speak for everyone involved when I say we LOVE it.

Hopefully with new content we’ll also be hearing from our other wonderful contributors, huh? You’ll see very soon!

Also — please nominate your favorite artist and handmakers for future features. Who deserves some praise from our whimsical neck of the wonderland woods? It’s one of my new favorite things, featuring artists. There are so many amazing artists out there I cannot wait to tell you about!

Another giveaway is coming up soon so stay tuned.

Do you think this alternate deericorn pendant might impale people unintentionally? Coco's room is huuuge and filled with love~
I love having the same size feet as a child. Looking under the weather~
Day With a Camera Visual Splendor

Day With a Camera: Holiday Life in Photos

01/05/2011

Sometimes I have a hard time just living in the moment and enjoying life. I’m always thinking about something else and what I have to do next.. it’s quite annoying! As I’ve said before, in therapy I’m learning to let go of any troubling qualities and I’m replacing them with more love.

Do you have to be crazy to go to therapy? NO WAY. It sure doesn’t matter if you are though.. a diagnoses leads to treating your disorder with medication AND with counseling. As we’ve discussed before, sometimes there is a chemical imbalance in one’s brain that does not correct itself with counseling and therapy alone. That’s where I am now, getting the right medication and learning how to deal with the past a bit better.

Are you enjoying everyday to it’s fullest? If you’re not try keeping a gratitude journal and writing down 5 things each day that you’re thankful for. (Jeez — how much do I harp about this??) Another way is to carry your cellphone along and snap photos of fun moments so you may look at them later… sometimes looking over the things you’ve done leads you to come up with more fun activities and to enjoy them to the fullest! Try it~

And here’s some nonsense from my daily life to show you I practice what I encourage~ What things might you snap that make your day special?

Ayumi Uyama cuteness overload dolls. Happy 2011~
Hang me up to dry in the sunshine~ She's a cupcake~
Goldiloks sent me the cutest Xmas package ever~ she even made me ornaments! ;) My bff's tree is made of candy~
Day With a Camera Visual Splendor

Day With a Camera: Craft Day

05/08/2010

Do you need an excuse to dig out your favorite crafts you’re working on and spend the day crafting and laughing with your best friend? No! So why aren’t you calling a friend now and planning some relaxation time with color? You never know what ideas might come out of a craft day either.. maybe you’ll find your passion.

Again I urge you to take along your camera always! I used to get looked at funny for this but now everyone I know does the same. When you are creating such beautiful memories it’s often fun to take photos of them for future albums — I love looking at photos, don’t you?

craft day

jamie's afgan
This is a beautiful afghan crocheted by Jamie.

Visual Splendor

Adorable Japanese POP Art Embroidery Patterns

04/21/2010

I recently stumbled upon Danielle Thompson‘s world of deliciousness online, Kitschy Digitals, and have fallen in love with her sweet take on embroidery! She offers embroidery patterns and digital scrap-booking materials that are kitschy-sweet.

I’m definitely digging the cameras and I cannot wait to give these a try!

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Downloadable Sanrio Patterns

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My Melody Tea Party & Sanrio Rainbow Pattern

If you’re also feeling embroidery and pop colors try these Sanrio patterns I’ve had stashed for ages, both free for personal use! The wonderful J Tan made these and previously uploaded them for us to try (RIP Geocities).

Day With a Camera Visual Splendor

Day With a Camera: Thrift Shopping

04/14/2010

Spending the day thrifting is sometimes just what the doctor ordered, especially at the Midland Arts Antique Mall in Downtown Indianapolis. The scenes reminisce old Hollywood glamour and deliciously kitschy goodness.

.. and there’s no better way to thrift shop than with a camera and a friend in tow!

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Day With a Camera Visual Splendor

Spend the Day With a Camera

04/07/2010

You don’t have to have a reason to add some cute relaxation into your day! There are millions of reasons to celebrate each and every day.

My dear friend and I were missing the magic of childhood days so we hid eggs from each other and drew things that make us happy on the sidewalk. These are just a couple of very easy ways to relax, smile and remember why life is so great.

Spend your day with more color and creativity for the smiles that follow!

sidewalking it

i paint hearts

bunny eggs

Who is Colette?

Well my wonderful visitors that is my little belly dweller’s name. We found out that she indeed is a girl and were able to give her the name we had held in our hearts for so long. We’re still so indecisive about the middle name though, feel free to make any suggestions! We’re being slow and picky! Little Colette will be making her appearance around July 12th ~ we can’t wait.