Everyday Video Tips: Turning Simple Habits into Cinematic Wins

I’ve spent a decade behind the lens—shooting championship celebrations, backyard passion projects, and everything in‑between—and the same lesson keeps slapping me in the face: the basics are never basic. They’re the difference between a clip you scroll past and a story that stops people mid‑thumb swipe. Today I’m handing you my everyday, non‑negotiable video habits. They’re quick, they’re practical, and they flat‑out work.

1. Wipe the Window to Your Story 

A crystal‑clear lens is video’s version of showing up with a firm handshake. Dust, smudges, or last night’s fingerprints soften sharpness, kill contrast, and tank credibility before you even hit record. Make it a ritual: lens cloth in your pocket, quick wipe before every shot, no excuses. You wouldn’t film through a foggy windshield—don’t let grime haze your message.

2. Dial in the Canvas: Settings & Light

Great videography starts long before "action." Know your frame rate (24 fps for cinematic, 60 fps for buttery slow‑mo), exposure, lock white balance, and give your sensor enough light to breathe. I’m not asking for a Hollywood rig—just intention. A single softbox or a sunny window can sculpt a face, reveal texture, and whisper, “Yeah, they know what they’re doing.”

Pro move: Set custom picture profiles for recurring environments (office, gym, school, etc.). Consistency = brand trust.

3. Start with the Finish Line

Shooting without a goal is sprinting without a lane. Why does this video exist? More sales, stronger community, behind‑the‑scenes authenticity? Define it. When you know the destination, every camera move, music cue, and text overlay becomes a strategic step instead of random guesswork. Strategy is the secret sauce separating "nice video" from "I need to hire these people."

4. Let the Background Tell on You

The setting quietly testifies about your brand. Use it. Line up shelves of fresh‑baked pies, the skyline through a studio window, or that worn‑in basketball on your desk. Straight lines in architecture make fantastic guides—tilt your frame until doorframes stand tall and horizons sit level. Suddenly your video feels intentional, not accidental.

5. Compose with Sight, Sound and Soul

I always ask three questions before rolling:

1. What do we want to see? (Key visuals that prove the point.)

2. What do we want to hear? (A crisp voice, ambient crowd energy, the fizz of fresh‑poured cider.)

3. What do we want to feel? (Excitement? Calm confidence? Urgent hope?)

   
   

Feel is the beating heart. It guides music, pacing, color grade, and even the length of a pause before the final line. Hit all three senses and you’ve built an experience, not just a video.

6. Publish with Pride

The final step is the one most creators flinch at—sharing the work. Perfectionism loves to disguise itself as "just one more tweak," but impact demands daylight. Post it to Instagram, embed it on your website, fire it out in your newsletter. Then watch the data, listen to feedback, and evolve. Momentum beats hesitation every single time.

Wrap‑Up: Mastery in the Margins

Giant cranes, cinema lenses, and six‑figure ad buys are fun, but they’re not the reason videos resonate. Master the margins—the tiny, repeatable disciplines that stack into professional polish. A clean lens, thoughtful settings, purposeful composition, and a crystal‑clear objective will elevate your everyday content faster than the flashiest gear.

Inspiration Captured. Stories Shared. Impact Made. That’s the RGP promise, and it starts with honoring the basics. Grab your camera, respect these fundamentals, and let’s flood the world with stories that feel as good as they look.

Ready? Roll tape and own your narrative.