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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
Once I nailed down my planning, filming became so much easier. Here are the biggest things I focus on during production:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Editing used to feel overwhelming, but once I learned a few simple tricks, I realized it’s where a video really comes to life.
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:
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:
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:
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!