I’ve found that getting review products that apply to vlogging is a bit tougher than review products for daily life/mommy blogging. However, I do use office supplies for video blogging - paper for outlines, pens/pencils to jot down points, a desk, chair, speakers, sticky notes [great for sticking notes to front of camera], cords, headphones [so I can edit when my kids are in the room], and lots more!

When I was approached by AllModern.com I figured that there would be something applicable in their 200+ stores because they do have office products. Sadly they do not have camcorders. Right now they are featuring the Le Creuset Cookware; if you like bright colors check it out!

I’ll let you know what I pick!

Recently I’ve watched a couple episodes of Wipeout on Hulu. It’s the type of show that doesn’t require much thinking – or any thinking for that matter. So I did what I usually do. I started analyzing video technique, camera angles, etc. Here’s some things they did that are good to incorporate in any video or show.

1. Used a variety of shots – some were close only showing the faces and some were far showing the whole person and the area around them.

2. Switched between voiceover/talking and the  actual sounds or just music. Constant voiceover can get annoying.

3. Utilized outdoor light as much as possible.

4. Alternated between questions/interview type of film and the actual action. They put the interviews at different places. It wasn’t always interview then action. Sometimes it was action then interview or etc.

5. Didn’t bombard us with every little detail of every contestant, but gave us enough information to follow what was happening and feel like we knew what was going on.

Am I the only one that analyzes video technique? Have you tried any techniques after you’ve watched a show or movie?

Here’s a good article about the Old Spice Campaign from ReadWriteWeb on How The Old Spice Videos Are Being Made. 87 videos in 11 hours for an average of 7 minutes per video. So having a set stage can really save time.

Kimberley Blaine, The GoTo Mom is an amazing video blogger, but her real passion is parenting. Watch her video with Esther of ShePosts in which she talks about doing video for online.

Have you read/seen anything about VidCon? Not my normal crowd, but great videographers. They are some of the most popular people on YouTube. I can relate to part of this VidCon anthem – can you? I’m also curious how long it took him to edit all that – wow.

I just want to throw in one more video that’s another in the long list of proofs that you should ALWAYS take your camera with you. The dolphin actually came out of the tank.

Thanks to everyone who has given me nice comments on my new twitter profile pic. I put off getting a new picture for longer than I should have. I really needed one for the virtual assistant team I joined; so one night at 10:00 my husband and I went to the basement studio.

Here’s the “focus-the-camera-already” shot; a cheesy shot; and a mysterious shot.

|

|

|

|

|

|

Next is proof I don’t stop talking; proof I was really tired; and a smirk ’cause I’m filming him.

|

|

|

|

|

|

Last is the three good ones out of about 40 shots. These are going to be around for awhile!

|

|

|

|

|

|

They are all blog posts this week – about video. I’ll be back with more videos next week.

I subscribed to a new blog this week. Well, actually more than one, but I wanted to tell you about this one – especially the post “To Make A Remarkable Online Video Break The Rules.”

Turn Here posted their Top 5 YouTube Tips For Small Businesses. [My blog is like a small business to me.]

Lastly, I love this post about Why You Shouldn’t Buy New Gear Yet from Izzy Video.

My show about vlogging/video will be on MomTV on Friday at 2pm EST like normal. Come and chat live!

BUT – this week I will be a guest on Real Life Sarah’s show! The subject for her show is Tips for Family Home Videos.

Her show starts at 8pm EST on Wednesday night, but I will be late. I’m planning to be there by 8:30 so don’t talk about anything super exciting until I get there – ‘kay?

Here’s a funny video for these hot summer days - How To Bake Cookies On Your Car’s Dashboard.

Yoly wrote a review of Friendly Music. It’s a site where you can purchase music clips for your videos.

Did you ever watch “The Internet’s Only Frozen Food Review Show?

Here’s a fun video from Kadi Prescott. I don’t like the way she waves the camera around, but I like the way she gives points to make things better.  Notice that she went with the flex tripod later – I recommend Gorillapod Flexible Tripods.

Next I want to mention Shelly Kramer’s video debut. I love the fact that she stepped outside of her comfort zone and did a video. I do have to admit that I’m linking because of one sentence she wrote: “Plus, I truly believe that video blogging is — and should be — an integral part of smart social media strategies,” I wholeheartedly agree!

This last video link about Nick Vujicic is very inspirational! Wow. On the video side it’s a great production too! Notice how much it uses video to show what he can do; it doesn’t just hammer the watcher with words or a slideshow. You can find out more about him at his website Attitude is Altitude, but I couldn’t find that particular video there – just lots of other good ones.

P.S. Did you see how many video auditions are on this page for the Oprah network? Are any of you in there?

As my loyal followers know I got my hair drastically cut several weeks ago. I had taken a new profile picture right before that, but now I need it changed – again. I need a new profile picture.

My husband takes great photos, but he’s very busy. When he finally has time I’m wiped out. You know how it goes. I found another solution – I use my camcorder.

I set up my camcorder on a tripod. Check the background and push record. Then I can get in the frame and smile. I’ll admit it feels a bit silly, but it works! I’ll smile to the left, smile to the right, smile straight on, low, high, over my shoulder, etc. If you do this just make sure you don’t move too fast. Pause in each pose.

After importing my video into my editing program I can find which pose I like, pause it and get the screenshot. Voila! A new profile picture.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time you’ll know that I love Cali Lewis and Geek Brief TV. You might be interested in her video about editing on YouTube. I haven’t checked it out yet and have several questions. If you’ve used it let me know what you think!

These guys have an awesome show on MomTV with great toy giveaways. I recently started following their website and noticed the “play of the week” videos. In this video about Silly Bandz the camera starts with a close-up and zooms out at a nice speed. It’s a way to make the video interesting without editing.

Are you using video to further your business? You should be! Here’s some great tips from Your Media Moment and Beyond.