Recently, my business has taken on more videography work. This was not intentional, but along came a random month in which many of my clients simultaneously began wondering about getting video work done. Meanwhile, independently of all of this, I have made investments into more video capable equipment myself, including GoPros and Panasonic Lumix micro four-thirds cameras (which often do video work really well.) I believe the universe has a funny way of opening new doors for a person when the time is right, so I always step through those doors when they present themselves.

Broadly, I think video is going to play a stronger part within design in the future. Online speed is increasing, video quality is vastly improving across all devices, and video itself provides more dimensions for a designer to play in. I am a strong proponent of the power of a still image, be it a graphic design piece or a photo, but the magnitude of video should not be ignored.

With this in mind, I have early thoughts regarding video work, and especially how it compares to photography.

• If you are a photographer, you can be a videographer. The principles of video are extremely similar to photo. If someone has the proper training and eye towards layout, sense of depth, and color within a photo, he can easily reapply that knowledge towards the moving image. The concepts are the same, and the transition into this medium will come intuitively.
• Videography adds additional dimensions to design. As much as the layout of a video and a photo are the same, there are also big differences to keep in mind. Bokeh and depth of field can be applied to the background and foreground within the same presentation. Panning and transitions must be considered in the presentation of a subject. Focus is important but the blurriness of a slow shutter speed is no longer an issue. For video veterans, these are all common sense statements. For photo veterans, these are all enormous changes to the way they work.
• Most of the work for a videographer is after the moment. Editing is the most important aspect in presenting video work. The greatest footage in the world is still at the mercy of a skilled editor.
• Equipment doesn’t really matter. Like photography, and many creative fields, one doesn’t need to spend thousands of dollars to begin putting out great work. If one is properly versed in the principles of design and has a great foundation in the visual arts, one can make appealing work with any equipment. Having a solid sense of layout, form, and color is far more valuable than anything else.

I don’t know how much more video work I will be getting involved in in the future but I am intrigued at this new medium for me to work within. A confluence of events has presented this opportunity to me, and I intend to delve into it further.