Videography

Introduction

Videography is the process of capturing moving images on electronic media (e.g., videotape, direct to disk recording, or solid state storage) and even streaming media. The term includes methods of video production and post-production. It was initially equivalent of cinematography, but the advent of digital video recording in the late 20th century blurred the distinction between the two, as in both methods the intermittent mechanism became the same. Nowadays, any video work could be called videography, whereas commercial motion picture production would be called cinematography. A videographer is a person who works in the field of videography and/or video production, recording moving images and sound on video tape, digital, or any future data storage medium, editing and creating productions.

History

The earliest video cameras were mechanical, and could only record in black-and-white. These cameras used a rotating disk with a series of holes punched in it to capture light and transmit it onto a light-sensitive mosaic. The first practical video tape recorders (VTR) were invented by Ampex Corporation in 1956. The video cassette recorder (VCR), a device that could record and play back video from a magnetic tape, was invented in 1971. The first digital video (DV) format was introduced in 1995, and it quickly became the standard for home video production. In the 21st century, digital video is recorded on solid state drives or flash memory, and is quickly replacing tape as the medium of choice for videography.

Equipment

The basic equipment used in videography includes a video camera, microphones for picking up sound, and video editing software for the computer. Some videographers also use tripods, which are used to hold the camera steady, and lighting equipment to improve the quality of the footage. In addition, a videographer may use special effects software to enhance the video, or a green screen to create different backgrounds.

Techniques

There are many techniques used in videography, including panning, tilting, dolly shots, and crane shots. Panning involves moving the camera horizontally from one side to the other from a fixed axis. Tilting is similar to panning but involves moving the camera vertically, up or down, from a fixed axis. A dolly shot involves moving the entire camera and tripod along a fixed track. A crane shot involves moving the camera in a vertical or diagonal direction using a crane or jib.

Genres

There are several different genres of videography, including documentary, corporate, event, wedding, and narrative film. Each genre requires different techniques and equipment. For example, documentary videography often involves handheld cameras and natural lighting, while corporate videography may require more sophisticated equipment and lighting setups.

Post-production

Post-production is the process of editing the raw footage, adding music, sound effects, and special effects, and exporting the video to a format that can be viewed on various devices. This process can be quite complex and time-consuming, and requires specialized software and a powerful computer.

Careers

There are many career opportunities in the field of videography, including working as a freelance videographer, working for a production company, or working in the film or television industry. Some videographers specialize in certain areas, such as wedding videography, while others work in a variety of different fields.