7 tips for when you vlog for the first time

Okay okay, I'm not a professional vlogger at all, but I do think it's cool to put together a vibe video abroad and babble a bit in front of the camera. In fact: since I got my new Nikon vlog camera , I'm going all out on my travels. Planning to pick up the camera soon? Then these 7 tips are for you.

Don't care about the awkwardness

The first time you sit down to chat in front of the camera feels a bit awkward, I know, but you just have to push through it. Try out everything, pick up the camera outside as well, and don't care about the rest. And after doing it ten times, you won't find it embarrassing anymore, bet?

Be yourself

That was quite a struggle for my first three videos as well. I can really become ‘the clown’ when I'm being filmed. So always watch your footage back critically and check if it aligns with your personality. Does the image match who you are? There are already so many ‘yay’ vlog types copying each other, while surprise is exactly what triggers people to watch your vlogs. Just stay your authentic self!

Ensure you have a professional camera

Of course, you can film quite well with an iPhone these days, but if you really want to present yourself professionally, good equipment is step 1. I personally use the Coolpix A900 from Nikon, a super compact vlog camera that allows you to film in selfie mode and also take amazing photos. I connect the camera to my phone via the SnapBridge app, so I can immediately post a razor-sharp photo on Instagram if I'm standing on top of a mountain. Handuuuhhg.

Too lengthy videos. Long silences, unnecessary repetition, and little variation are fatal for your vlog

Pay attention to the background noise

An ugly shot can still be cut out during editing, but ugly sound? You can hardly do anything about that afterwards. So make sure you are clearly audible and double-take if there's a loud background noise. I've had times when I couldn't use a nice shot because of a rumbling truck. Not cool.

Pay attention to your hand gestures and facial expressions

Remember that a camera magnifies everything, so if you're waving your arms around a lot, it comes across as quite exaggerated, even if that's not your intention. The same goes for your face: keep it calm. If you want to come across as really natural, see the camera as your best friend to whom you're telling something.

Get comfortable for that editing

An attractive video naturally starts with strong visuals, but maybe editing is even more important. Not much of an editing whiz (just like me)? There are tons of tutorials on YouTube that explain it easily. From what I gather, most vloggers use Final Cut Pro as their editing program. What you often see with beginner vloggers? Too lengthy videos. Long silences, unnecessary repetition, and little variation are fatal for your vlog. Keep it interesting. And kill your darlings!

Choose a catchy title

Finished with the editing? Then it's time to publish your vlog on YouTube (if you want to, of course). Choose a catchy title and balance it a bit on the edge. Know which keywords are highly searched and use them in your title and description. Just make sure the title truly reflects the content of your video, otherwise, you risk disappointing viewers and they might not return next time.

Ready steady go? Grab them, tigers! And please, don't take yourself too seriously, because vlogging is also about having fun. Good luck!