Editing videos

@Mattific is right; Lynda.com has a wide range of tutorials. However, they require a subscription. If you're just tinkering around, a search in YouTube is usually better for the casual editor.

Editing looks good, nice and clean. For the photos, try using your editing software to zoom in and get rid of the ugly black bars on the sides.

Personal preference: I'd leave the music out of it. I'd rather hear the hum of the engines and reactions of people watching than wonder why it was all drowned out by some tune.

As far as shooting goes, try to get close to the action without putting yourself in harm's way. As a lot of what you guys were doing was high speed stuff, it's difficult to shoot something like that while getting close. The best solution there is to snap up a cheap, used GoPro camera with an assortment of mounts and experiment with them. You can get awesome deals on older HERO cameras through eBay. I've even set my HERO camera in precarious positions and walked away from it, letting Jeeps roll right over!

This is a video I did a few years ago (okay, seven years ago) when I first got my TJ and it was completely stock. Yes — I realize it goes completely against my "no music" suggestion, but it was my first video. :)

As an aside: there are so many videos out there with nothing but a shot of the windshield and hood because people are so afraid to lose their HERO camera. That's B-O-R-I-N-G. It's like duct-taping your passenger's head to their headrest! In order to make an interesting video, you cannot be afraid to lose it! The GoPro app has a function that will force the camera to beep constantly until a button is pressed on the camera. That way, if you lose it, you'll be able to hear the beep and easily find it.

Any other questions, just ask!

Source: am professional videographer/editor. :)
 
@Mattific is right; Lynda.com has a wide range of tutorials. However, they require a subscription. If you're just tinkering around, a search in YouTube is usually better for the casual editor.

Editing looks good, nice and clean. For the photos, try using your editing software to zoom in and get rid of the ugly black bars on the sides.

Personal preference: I'd leave the music out of it. I'd rather hear the hum of the engines and reactions of people watching than wonder why it was all drowned out by some tune.

As far as shooting goes, try to get close to the action without putting yourself in harm's way. As a lot of what you guys were doing was high speed stuff, it's difficult to shoot something like that while getting close. The best solution there is to snap up a cheap, used GoPro camera with an assortment of mounts and experiment with them. You can get awesome deals on older HERO cameras through eBay. I've even set my HERO camera in precarious positions and walked away from it, letting Jeeps roll right over!

This is a video I did a few years ago (okay, seven years ago) when I first got my TJ and it was completely stock. Yes — I realize it goes completely against my "no music" suggestion, but it was my first video. :)

As an aside: there are so many videos out there with nothing but a shot of the windshield and hood because people are so afraid to lose their HERO camera. That's B-O-R-I-N-G. It's like duct-taping your passenger's head to their headrest! In order to make an interesting video, you cannot be afraid to lose it! The GoPro app has a function that will force the camera to beep constantly until a button is pressed on the camera. That way, if you lose it, you'll be able to hear the beep and easily find it.

Any other questions, just ask!

Source: am professional videographer/editor. :)
Awesome Feedback! I was iffy on the music, but since i had a mix of pics and videos, plus the wind noise I used it....

As for gopro, i purchased a hero3+ and have used it multiple times, but its usally mounted on my dash, and i agree on how boring that view is.

I will have to go through all the footage I have and give it a shot!

Thanks!!!
 
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Well I have no idea what I'm doing, but puts some videos and pics into a YouTube video.

I need all the help I can get!! The link to the video I made is below.



Do you have a windows computer or a Mac? On Mac I know that there are plenty of free video editing programs what will allow you to get rid of the border around the pictures, and if you don’t know have to use them then your can probably just look it up on YouTube. If you have a windows computer I’m sure there are plenty of these same softwares as well. I like what @Jefferybomb said about getting some cheap GoPro mounts and and getting closer shots
 
Awesome Feedback! I was iffy on the music, but since i had a mix of pics and videos, plus the wind noise I used it....

The other problem with using music is that you can be hit with copyright claims. YouTube will remove videos and you could potentially lose your account if you receive enough infractions. It's best to steer clear unless you're using 100% royalty free music.

As for gopro, i purchased a hero3+ and have used it multiple times, but its usally mounted on my dash, and i agree on how boring that view is.

If you haven't already, you should definitely get the GoPro app for your phone. It's an awesome supplement to the camera!

I'm not sure how it is with the HERO3+, but the HERO2 doesn't have wifi capability without a BacPac. The BacPac unit drains battery power from the camera — and fast. If you're able to turn wifi off on the HERO3+ after you line up a shot, do so in order to extend the battery life. It takes a little more time to set up your next shot since you have to turn everything back on again, but you'll be able to squeeze more life out of the camera.
 
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Do you have a windows computer or a Mac? On Mac I know that there are plenty of free video editing programs what will allow you to get rid of the border around the pictures, and if you don’t know have to use them then your can probably just look it up on YouTube. If you have a windows computer I’m sure there are plenty of these same softwares as well. I like what @Jefferybomb said about getting some cheap GoPro mounts and and getting closer shots
Currently using a PC. I'll attempt to use my gopro on the next adventure!
 
The other problem with using music is that you can be hit with copyright claims. YouTube will remove videos and you could potentially lose your account if you receive enough infractions. It's best to steer clear unless you're using 100% royalty free music.



If you haven't already, you should definitely get the GoPro app for your phone. It's an awesome supplement to the camera!

I'm not sure how it is with the HERO3+, but the HERO2 doesn't have wifi capability without a BacPac. The BacPac unit drains battery power from the camera — and fast. If you're able to turn wifi off on the HERO3+ after you line up a shot, do so in order to extend the battery life. It takes a little more time to set up your next shot since you have to turn everything back on again, but you'll be able to squeeze more life out of the camera.
That's my biggest issue with the camera is battery life. I will probably buy a new battery to see if that helps as well.
 
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