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Thinking about taking the plunge into vlogging? Well, there's no time like the present! If you've been holding back out of fear I've got my top-5 tips on how to make your first vlog. Check it out and get rolling. After you make your first vlog let me know how it goes. And for those wondering what camera I used - it's the Kodak Zi8.
33 Responses to “My Top-5 Tips to Start Vlogging”
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So what is "LizzieBtv" and why should you care? Well, I'm LizzieB - a former tv news anchor and reporter who spent 15-plus years working days, nights, early mornings, holidays and weekends to bring viewers the news of the day.
For a good long time, I thrived on reporting breaking news and anchoring from the set. The daily dose of heart pumping adrenaline was addictive. But several years ago I took a fabulous life detour. I got married, had a baby, quit my tv news job and ended up with a nasty dose of postpartum depression. (It's real Tom, just ask Brooke!)
In the blink of an eye, I went from a career woman dressed in snazzy suits with very big hair and camera ready makeup to a crazy lady who was constantly harried, unprepared and disheveled. I won't lie, I was a new mom and I was a mess.
Fortunately, my love for reporting kicked in and I delved into researching all things mom-related.
Look, I'm no expert. I'm a real mom, wife, friend and daughter trying to balance it all. I don't know everything and never will, but I have learned a few parenting tips and tricks along the way and I want to share them with you. And hopefully you can enlighten me with your motherhood triumphs and challenges as well.
Whether you stay for two minutes or two hours - thanks for dropping by LizzieBtv... the place where you'll always find "views of a real mom" not a super mom. Welcome to the journey!
It’s real, straight-up and motivational! Haa! I especially like tip #5… because you know that’s a real issue. Lizzie… this is just the beginning. Going big time girl!! You’re doing it… YaY!!
R, thanks for always rooting me on! Can we clone you??? Ha!
LOVE LOVE LOVE these tips sister!!
You are spot-on. Thanks for doing such a great vid that will really get people to just jump in and go for i!
Well done girl:)
Vloggers Rule.
So awesome. Great tips…still afraid over here!
What do you use to edit the videos? What camera do you use?
Yeah, I know I’m dork…but you said be me and I don’t know about these things!
Wow! We had such similar tips!
See ladies! It’s easy. Just go for it and have fun!
Great video Lizzy!
You know the first video`s I did, I had like a bazillion takes. Take 1, 2, 25, 78 Holy crap this is hard! I came to realize, maybe it would be useful for me to right things down and Voila!
Thanks Girl!
Linda, you’re so welcome! Yes, I think writing things down first really helps – at least it always has for me.
Sarah, thanks for stopping by – you’re a doll. And a total natural on camera!
Karin, just go for it. It’s get easier the more you do it. I use a Kodak Zi8 mini video camera and edit on Imovie. Nothing fancy shmancy. Give it a shot – you’ll be great!
Awwww, thanks Mer. You’re a great teacher as well! Check out Hoo_dee_hoo.com for her always killer vlogs.
Another awesome video. Love the 5 tips!
It was so great to talk video blogging with you at Blissdom!
FYI: I’m putting this in my weekly link love at SimpleVloggingTips.com.
Jendi, Jendi! Yes, meeting IRL was so much fun! You’ve got a heart of gold and it was so lovely to just sit and talk vlogging. Thanks for the link love:)
Lizzie,
I’ve been doing a blog for a while for my weight loss/healthy life journey & I’ve been thinking the past few weeks about starting to add in video. I’ve been looking at webcams & other video cameras to be able to do it & I’m not sure what to invest in. I looked at some information for the Kodak Zi8, but I’m kind of confused as to how you use that and know where it’s pointed & everything. I tried using my iPhone once & it turned out disastrous since I couldn’t see what it was recording when I was trying to hold it to tape myself. That’s why I was leaning more toward a traditional webcam because then I can see what it’s doing when I’m on the computer taping it, but even then I’m really not sure what specs to go for. I don’t really want to spend a lot on it because we really don’t have a lot of money to spend on one right now & I’d like to start doing video sooner than later. Any advice would be great!
Not QUITE brace enough…..maybe someday I’ll get the nerve up.
I meant BRAVE !!!
Michelle, capturing your weight loss for your viewers would be great. Such a fabulous visual of you reaching your goals. I have a few rec’s for you so will send you a longer email. But I wouldn’t waste too much time worrying about the technical stuff. Keep it simple. Check e-bay and craigslist for used webcams or clearance webcams or even used flip cams. I shoot all my stuff myself. Often times I use a tripod, hold the camera myself or place it on a steady, flat surface. Framing the camera will take a lot of trial and error. Just remember to center yourself to lens of the camera and have lens around eye level. Hope that helps. I’ll be in touch!
Emily, you’d be a great vlogger! If you can handle 8balls in the air on a daily basis – I’m sure you can handle vlogging!
Lizzie,
Loved your 5 tips… especially #5! I just did a video review this afternoon for Mom Bloggers Club and totally had to get over the fact that I wasn’t going to get it done if I worried about my roots showing, wearing stripes and not having makeup on. Thanks for reminding me that it’s okay to be super-mom and not super-model!!
I absolutely loved your vlog! It is straight forward and very simple……thanks for sharing those valuable tips!
Hi. I’ve known for months that I need to start doing some short videos for my blog, and seeing your post motivates me! You make it seem so easy. Now, I just have to figure out where to start.
Thanks for the tips.
I just did my first vlog two days ago. I did it in one take and if I had watched your vlog first, I would have kept it to about 3 minutes. I’ll work on that! Thank you!
Elizabeth, you nailed it! We can’t be all things – at all times. A lot of times I don’t even watch my vlogs after I record them or else I’d find something wrong with them. Start letting go and it’ll get easier.
Myrah, Thanks so much for the kind words. I think a lot of time we tend to over think and complicate things – the reality is – vlogging is pretty straight forward once you get over the fear of seeing yourself.
Kristen,
Hope I gave you a burst of motivation that you needed. It is easy – you just can’t over think it. If you have a mac – start with your webcam. If you have a digital camera – you may be able to take videos with that. Work with what you’ve got.
Brenda,
Kudos to you for doing your first vlog. And my tips are just a guideline to starting to vlog – nothing is set in concrete. I do believe there is a time and place for long vlogs but for those just starting – staying brief is best. Check back next week I’ll be posting more and more tips on how to vlog.
Thanks so much for your Vlog! I have been contemplating doing videos for my blog. Is it okay to turn a text blog into a Vlog? I ordered the Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 HD, and it is on it’s way to me. Can’t wait to get started!
I never thought I would do vlogs. But now that I’ve done a few.. I’m loving it!!
Thanks for all the great tips!! Love it and love your site!
Mikki & Stayathomemom, Kudos to you both for checking out the tips. I’ve got plenty more in the works. In the meantime, enjoy vlogging. If you run into any questions/problems feel free to send me an email.
Thanks for sharing this! It really helps. I’m used to blogging w/ words and keyboard and my thoughts, so throwing video into the mix is definitely gonna be interesting! I really appreciate your candor and honesty.
So happy to connect w/ you on Twitter too!
Best,
@AndreaVLewis
Fantastic!! Love this – think simple tips are always the way to go!! I know you are helping people to shake off their fear and get started! xoxo
Aww, thanks Danielle. I think we former tv folks take for granted that talking on camera isn’t easy for everyone. But once you get over the fear it’s smooth sailing.
Lizzie,
Thanks for the tips. I started the Vlog….and tip numbers 1 and 5 were incredibly helpful.
Here is the link. Please let me know what you think. Thanks! http://drcarolynmiller.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/getting-good-at-life-vlog/
LOVED tip 5. I am just getting into vlogging. Have done 2 so far and reading tips like crazy to impove. Don’t know if anyone pointed it out though as well I am too lazy to read the comments but you got a typo. In the paragraph it says my top-5 tops. Just saying… we all do typos so no biggie. Anyways off to watch more of your tops errr tips