A few months ago, I had little to no experience with videography. Then, our CEO John gave me a challenge: take the Fundamentals of Videography course by Impact Plus, learn the best practices, and teach the entire company how to create better videos.

As I worked through the course, I realized that with just a few simple fundamentals, I could completely elevate our video quality.

Whether you’re just starting out like I was or looking to refine your video strategy, this guide will walk you through the key principles that helped me go from beginner to a confident video creator.

The Three Phases of Videography

Every video follows three essential stages: Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production. Mastering these phases was a game changer for me, and I know they will be for you, too.

1. Pre-Production: Planning for Success

This was the most important phase for me. I quickly realized that a well-planned video is so much easier to film and edit. Pre-production is all about setting yourself up for success by preparing your equipment, script, and setup.

Know Your Equipment

When I first started, I was worried I needed expensive gear. Turns out, all I really needed was my iPhone! If you’re starting out, you can absolutely create great content with just a smartphone. However, I did learn that adding a microphone and a ring light made a huge difference in quality. These small upgrades improved our audio and lighting instantly, making our videos feel more professional.

Here's what I found most useful:

Script Writing & Storyboarding

A structured script keeps your video focused, engaging, and easy to follow. I started using the Video 6 Framework from the course, and it has completely changed how I create videos.

Here’s the basic structure:

• Teaser: Grab the viewer’s attention within the first few seconds.
• Logo Bumper: A quick brand introduction.
• Introduction: Outline what the video will cover.
• Segments: The main content.
• Call to Action (CTA): Encourage viewers to take the next step.
• Closing: End on a strong note.

For shorter formats like YouTube Shorts, I modify this structure slightly, but I always use it as my foundation.

Below is one of GK3's YouTube Shorts that showcases each of these elements in a real-world example:

Setting Up Your Space

At first, I just filmed in the same spot every time, but I quickly learned that variety keeps content engaging. Now, I switch up locations, angles, and even who is on camera to make our videos feel fresh and dynamic.

2. Production: Capturing High-Quality Footage

Once I nailed down my planning, filming became so much easier. Here are the biggest things I focus on during production:

Establishing Trust

Nobody wants to watch a stiff, robotic video. I learned that the best way to engage an audience is to be authentic and relatable. Here’s what helped me:

• Addressing real customer pain points.
• Being open and vulnerable (telling the real story of GK3 Capital’s journey made a huge impact).
• Showing confidence—even if it took a few takes!

Audio Quality

Even with great content, if the sound is muffled or full of background noise, people won’t stick around. Investing in a microphone was one of the best decisions we have made to make our videos better.

Lighting

At first, I relied on whatever lighting was in the room. Bad idea. Natural light is your best friend, but when that’s not an option, a ring light can make a world of difference.

Framing & Composition (The Rule of Thirds)

One small trick that made our videos look way better: the Rule of Thirds. Positioning the subject slightly off-center creates a natural, aesthetically pleasing composition. Once I started using this trick, our videos instantly looked more professional.

3. Post-Production: Editing for Impact

Editing used to feel overwhelming, but once I learned a few simple tricks, I realized it’s where a video really comes to life.

Editing Basics

We use CapCut Pro, and I love it because it’s simple but powerful. With editing, less is more—keep it clean and engaging.

Here’s what I focus on:

• Trimming unnecessary footage – Shorter videos keep people’s attention.
• Enhancing audio and color correction – Consistency matters.
• Adding subtitles and graphics – Makes the content more accessible and dynamic.

Optimizing for Different Platforms

I quickly learned that not all platforms are the same when it comes to video length. If I make a two-minute video, I know I’ll need a shorter version for Instagram. Here’s a quick guide I use:

• Instagram Reels: 90 seconds max.
• YouTube Shorts: Under 60 seconds.
• Full-Length YouTube Videos: 2–5 minutes for best engagement.

Closing with a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

This was another huge learning moment for me. Videos need a clear next step for viewers. I started always including a strong CTA. For example:

• Encouraging viewers to visit our website.
• Asking them to subscribe or follow.
• Directing them to download a resource or schedule a call.

Conclusion

When I started learning videography, I thought it would take years to create high-quality videos. But after taking the Fundamentals of Videography course and applying these simple principles, I saw an immediate improvement in our company’s video content.

The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience—just understanding the basic fundamentals can take your videos from average to professional-looking.

If you’re looking to improve your video content, start with these fundamentals!