Film Your Art & Techniques with my 5 Top Recommendations

Do you want to video tape your art for online classes? I'm frequently asked what I use to film my online classes and other videos so I thought I'd compile a list of what I use.  Not everything is the newest model as I only tend to upgrade every couple of years.  I'm almost ready to upgrade this year adding on new microphones and MAYBE a new camcorder. I'm debating getting one with 4k but honestly, it's not really necessary for what  I'm doing.  I'd be curious to hear if anyone has one they use and would recommend.

(This post does contain links where I'll get a referral commission at no cost to you if you purchase. Your support helps me keep my content and classes developing for you!)

1. With live video becoming such a hot thing for spreading the word about what you do, having a tripod that can hold your phone/camera easily is a must.  Here's one that's affordable for most.  I'll also share one that is a little more top of the line.   Create your Facebook Live posts or Instagram stories with ease!



A little more top of the line:




2. This lighting kit is probably more than you need, but a bargain with all the extras!  I found it to be a good starter set, the tripod lighting stands aren't the sturdiest I've seen but for occasional filming, they do the job.  I've had the same bulbs for  2 years now.   The only thing I might add is a table top light, but that's just me.








3. After working with the 39.99 standard tripod you find at most electronic stores, I finally invested in a much sturdier product that also had an overhead arm.   I purchased this a few years ago and it's made all the difference in the world to me.   My filming angles are much better, set up options are infinite with the Vanguard model.  There may be newer models out there but if you can catch this on sale,  snag it up!



4.  Probably the most asked question is what camera do you use. I suggest getting a camcorder that is the best you can get within your budget.  Mine is middle of the road, it is a bit more pricey but not super expensive. One of my main requirements is great audio and super clear picture (haha, who doesn't want that), but you'd be surprised at the difference in sound and picture clarity between brands.  I wish this bundle was available when I made my purchase-it has everything you need and more to get filming!




5.  Now that you have the equipment, you need some software to edit with.  If you have a mac-well you are already taken care of with imovie, but I am a PC hold out (and in no hurry to change over), so additional software was necessary.

 I chose a program for me that has more than I will probably ever use,  because as I grow in my own understanding of more complex editing options, I want a program that can grow with me.  There are a lot of video tutorials on the manufacturers website that should be more than enough to get you started.   

Honestly though, in addition to having a robust program, you really need a fast computer to render your files.  If your speed is too slow, you'll find producing your videos akin to stirring molasses.  Very thick molasses!

  Internet--well suffice to say you need to have lightening fast service to upload your video files as well.   Trust me on this one, after spending 4 hours uploading a 10 minute video on DSL--upgrading to the turbo charge cable internet surface was a HUGE blessing, that same video size now takes me about 7 minutes or so to upload if not faster.

   I'm not an expert on how fast is optimal for your computer/internet, but my method is to get the fastest you can afford.  You'll be glad you did!





I hope you found some of these suggestions helpful as you get started filming your craft or hobby.  It's a big investment,  but you are worth it!

As I find new things or think of additional add on items you could use, I'll update this post.  Until then, hit record and have fun!

Gratefully yours,

Jodi Ohl

In The Quiet of the Night....Reflections from the studio

 

One of the things "They", forget to tell you or talk about when you work alone and from home...is how lonely and isolating it can be, even if you are doing what you love and couldn't think about doing anything else.  The freedom of being able to walk right into my studio any time, day or night is glorious and amazing.  It's also very quiet at times and extremely, well...solitary.

There are times when I relish the quiet moments, escaping from the noise and clutter of the world as I paint away and make peace with my mind and allow my heart to open up so I can create without boundaries.

And then there are times when the quiet is deafening. I wonder in my head what am I missing, not really wanting to find out truthfully because I've come to feel safe in my studio and getting out would require me to become unsafe and to be seen once again.  

As I finished this set of paintings I started as demos for my last class....one of the few times I really have been around a group of people in quite some time...I reflected back on the slight anxiety I had about leaving my studio for something other than a quick jaunt to the store or out to dinner with friends.  It is becoming quite clear to me just how isolated my world has become the more and more I grow as an artist and as my business grows.    

At times, its' a bit disconcerting.   I wonder if I'll always feel this way.  It's not a bad or a good thing truthfully. I don't regret anything I've done or not done...but I still wonder if the trade off for doing something you are so passionate about, you care less and less about other things...or am I just putting a wall up as someone suggested so there is no hurt or chance of vulnerability.

Maybe the hibernating/isolation/is merely a result of a long cold winter, one where the comfort of home is really the only company I've needed.   

As I completed each Angel (there are others in this group)...I had a slow soft tear wander down my cheek. It was as if I knew that these were not mine to keep, they belonged to someone else in the world, that person unknown for the moment, but they are out there.   Nothing created is truly my own...nor is it any artists. We are all vehicles.  I think there is great joy in knowing that..and a touch of sorrow too. 

 Letting go isn't easy.  When you are in the quiet of your studio, painting in isolation..the revelation that you can't hold on to anyone or anything forever is repeated day in and day out.  It can be an emotional roller coaster sometimes.  

The  release isn't just about the art.

It's about life in general.

One must feel the bad to feel the good. Experience the pain, to know the elation of joys that come our way.  We must truly feel isolated to understand the comfort of being surrounded by love. 

We must feel it all...there's no escaping it, no matter what path you choose in life.

I see how it's not living in any extreme for too long that saves us from the pitfalls and the climaxes that can put us over the edge at any moment in time.

Late night musings as she paints in the quiet of the evening.

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See more additions to my Angelic Inspiration Collection by visiting my Etsy shop:

Special-Coupon code to my shop:  happypaddyday15    Save 15% off your order from now until St. Patricks Day 2015.   Enjoy!!

See my Studio!

Cloth Paper Scissor's Summer "Studios"

I'm so excited!  The Summer issue of Cloth Paper Scissors has finally arrived and it's chock full of inspirational spaces. I might be a little partial though because my studio space is featured in the vignette section!!!!  WHOOHOOO

In addition, there are several art sisters in this issue as well, be sure to pick this HOT publication up and get inspired!

See other fab studio spaces from your favorite artists:  Pam Carriker, Kim Geiser, and Risa Tritabaugh, 

And a special studio redo by the lovely editor, Cate Coulacos Prato. 


When I think about how different my world is from just a year ago, it brings tears to my eyes, it really does. I had moved into a rental home in 2006 after my fire and although it was good for the price and suited our immediate needs, it was run down and  pretty ricketedy no doubt.  I really hated anyone to even come over to be truthful, I was a bit embarrassed by it.     However, any roof over one's head is better than no roof and I was very glad to have a place to live, especially after everything I had gone through.

I had an extra bedroom which started off as my studio, but as my supplies grew with my passion for creating, I used the bedroom for storage and my dining room to create in and any nook or cranny I could find for additional storage.  You know what?  I did just fine creating in my dining room.  The fact I didn't have a dedicated studio space in no way hampered my ability to create.    In fact, I did pretty darn well in that dining room if I do say so my self.

Now that I have a new home, and a studio space all to my self that isn't over taking every inch of the house, I feel more centered and ready to pursue my new career.  I have a place for everything.   Still, the moral of the story is that your creative side doesn't come out because of your space, it comes out because of what's inside of you. It has more to do with your desire, your determination, your passion, and commitment to your art--not so much as just where you do your art.

Whatever you do...just do it....just do it wherever.   That said, I'm grateful, joyous, and proud of where I'm at right now.  I'll never forget where I've been though and the road I've taken to get here.  I'm really excited about where it's all going.    
Please do pick up this issue of Studios and visit my space and all of our other Art Sisters!   
 Let me know what you think--the one thing I do have to say though about the space, it's still a work in progress.  A friend told me that a studio isn't set up, it's grown into.   So true.

Have a creative week!

Grab a cup of Coffee and Come Join Me in My Studio~

Stop over to Stacey Merrill's Art Snark's Artifacts for a little tour of my Studio!
And...enter to win a $25.00 gift certificate to my Etsy Shoppe!
Thank you Stacey for inviting me for a visit in your fun studio series!
While you are out visiting links, be sure to stop by Stacey's Etsy shop as well and enjoy a delightful assortment of mixed media art from this talented individual and dear friend that I admire :) Enjoy!