There are many little details to consider when creating a news story, such as your video. How do you position your video with the subject and background or how do you frame up your subject?

There are just as many things to consider when writing your story as well. In fact the two really go together. The lesson is, how to combine your elements to create a presentable story and give your story life.

The old axiom holds true here, "less is more." Sometimes the more you include in your story, both by video and in your writing, the more it detracts from your main point or focus. Try to say as much as you can with as little material as possible, again, both with video and in your writing. Keep in mind your focus and dont stray too far away from that. This is also true when you are shooting video and creating a story for social media.

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We are all aware of how much the social media trend has changed the way people communicate and do business with each other, and we are becoming more aware of the change in the field of journalism. With the cost of cameras, video cameras, and video editing software more and more people are taking to the streets with their video cameras to report the news, both local and national.

Not only is this an interesting hobby for people, but its actually affecting the world stage of media and how the news is reported. There has always been an attempt to suppress the media in various countries, but now that everyone has a camera in their pocket with the new cell phones, it has become much harder to suppress the news and its become easier for people to report on whats important, both to them and to the world.

This is not just important for the user, but it has become an instrument of freedom, its a political instrument, both of capturing wrongful doings and of syndicating helpful news. The trend has already changed the face of broadcasting and news coverage. Its important to learn some basics of how to shoot video, how to conduct interviews and cover the news. Its empowering to know that we can all continue to contribute to world knowledge.

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When shooting a video for your MLS you can just take video of the home of property or you could get a little more creative and go out in the community and show the surroundings. People really do like to see whats in the area and the neighborhood. If a family is moving into an area they will want to see the lay of the land. If you provide these types of videos your service has increased and you will become known as the realtor who provides an above and beyond service. This type of thing makes a lasting impression. Its a good idea when competing in todays market.

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photo credit: Big C Harvey

The computer debate rages on, Mac or PC? Many people engage in this debate because they feel passionately about their stuff, and they think their reason for using one over the other is the biggest reason to consider and the main point of the debate. But the real reason is that we like teams, we like to think our side is the best and the most just side, and the other team needs to loose because we have the moral high ground. Every social group does it, every one, without exception. It may seem trivial to form groups over a piece of technology, but there it is.

photo credit: Matt Woolner

If you look past the debate and realize that the computer is a tool and the things on the computer are tools as well, we might be able to stop the debate and get to work. Both computer systems come with movie editing software that everyone these days should be at least a little familiar with.

photo credit: Ulli©graphics

Real Estate agents also need to know this due to way homes are sold these days. You almost have to post on an MLS in order to sell a home. More and more people wont even look at a property unless they watched a video on the internet of it first. What ever system you are comfortable with use that one. There is no real magic to it. They both work, just pick the one you like best and go with it.

photo credit: Bruno Fontes

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With the new rage of social media also comes video integration. A lot of the videos we see are shot with a hand held video camera. We see so much of it these days its important for everyone to learn some basics of how to shoot good video. We dont have to become experts, but if were going to be shooting video on a regular basis maybe we should take the time to learn a bit about the craft.

This video about video shooting tips will demonstrate how to make your video look less like an armature home video and give it more of a pro look and feel.

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photo credit: tommy.chang

Youtube has launched a video frenzy. Like Rock N Roll, video is here to stay. We see more and more citizen journalism and even more interviews by every day people, which means we all need to learn a bit more about how to shoot video and how to conduct a good interview.

Katie Couric is famous for her interview skills. She has conducted some of the most famous interviews in our recent history. Here, she is gracious enough to offer some advice and tips on how to conduct good interviews and what makes a good interviewer.

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photo credit: stevegarfield

As video becomes ever more popular, it is clear we all can use some tips on how to capture the moment with video cameras. This was not that big of a deal a few years ago, but now there is video for everything, we see it all the time, so its important that the quality of our video shooting improve as well, technology has, so lets keep up. Also, keep in mind that sound quality is just as important. Have you ever watched a video you thought was going to be interesting only to be irritated by the sound quality? I have too!

There are a lot of options out there for shooting video. You can even use your cell phone these days, the iPhone really takes great video for a phone. There are point and shoot cameras that now shoot video and are compact and easy to use. There are a bit more expensive video cameras that are also small and compact, but offer great quality. There are a thousand options for video these days, so theres no excuse for not being ready with video.

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