Aniela“Aniela, will you show us how to change the battery?”
It was my media production class, and my professor had just called my name. I remember standing there, my heart racing. I had never held a professional camera in my life, and now I had to do it in front of the entire class. My hands were literally shaking. Everyone around me was my friend; supportive, kind people, but even in such a safe environment, I felt the pressure.
I held the Nikon Z6 in my hands, trying to look confident, but my fingers were trembling. My professor noticed immediately and smiled, “Relax, it’s okay.” But I turned red with embarrassment!
Six months later, I was a completely different person. The same girl who once froze in front of a camera was now confidently ringing doorbells of people I was featuring, setting up my camera and tripod like I had done it all my life. It took dedication, countless mistakes, and a lot of late nights, but every moment was worth it.
And if you’re someone who’s just starting out with filming or editing. I want to share a few things that helped me the best when I was a beginner.
Then came college. Learning from professionals and experts changed everything. I was no longer just recording random clips, I was learning how to tell a story. And over the time I realized that storytelling isn’t about having the best camera or perfect gear. It’s about how you make people feel.
1. Choose a simple subject
Your video doesn’t need to be complicated. You can shoot someone making coffee, birds outside your window, or even yourself typing an email. Even before I ever touched a professional camera, I used to film everything on my very old Samsung phone: my puppy, the tree outside my house, the streets, even an ATM machine once (I know, crazy!). I’ve always been obsessed with finding beauty in everyday life. I grew up watching documentaries, movies, and YouTube videos, and I guess that’s where it all began; this love for creating something meaningful out of ordinary things. Y The point is to practice storytelling through visuals.
2. Get multiple shots
Don’t just record from one angle. Mix wide shots (to show the full scene), medium shots (to show the action), and close-ups (for emotion and details). For example, if someone’s typing, get a wide shot of the person, a medium shot of the desk, and a close-up of their hands and face.
3. Start small
Begin by editing a short 2–3 minute audio or video. As a student, I had access to Adobe Premiere Pro, but you don’t have to start there. DaVinci Resolve and CapCut both have free versions that are great for beginners. I haven’t personally used DaVinci Resolve yet, but many say it’s even better than Premiere Pro. Try different tools and see what fits best for you.
4. Keep it steady
Try using a tripod instead of holding the camera. It helps avoid shaky footage and makes your video look more professional. If you don’t have one, even placing your camera on a stable surface works.
5. Don’t stress too much about lighting
When you’re starting out, just make sure your subject is visible. Think like a viewer: would you want to watch a video that’s too dark or too bright? Probably not. So just adjust your light so it looks natural, that’s enough for now.
6. Add music that fits the mood
I usually find royalty-free tracks on Pexels.com or YouTube Audio Library, both have amazing options for beginners. Music can completely change how your video feels, so experiment a little and trust your instincts.
When you’re done, put your video together and watch it fully. Ask yourself: Does this make sense? Do I like how it feels? It’s okay if it’s not perfect. What matters is that you’re creating, learning, and improving. That’s how I started, slowly and steadily.
Looking back now, I realize it was never just about learning how to edit or shoot. It was about finding my voice, building confidence, and trusting the process even when it felt uncomfortable. Every project, every mistake, every late-night edit shaped me into who I am today.
If you’re at the beginning of your journey, don’t rush it. Celebrate your small wins, keep experimenting, and stay curious. You never know, one day you might look back, just like I did, and realize how far you’ve come.
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#videography #contentcreation #storytelling #creativejourney #AnlaExplores
