Inspired by the changing of the season, in this post, we’re exploring some of the ways you can capture the more pastoral beauty of summer in your videos, without having to travel too far from the office. Throw on your straw hat and let’s get started!

Hazy, lazy days of summer

For some reason, memories of childhood summers in the country remain forever hazy in the mind, like they’ve all been put through Instagram’s Mayfair filter. How can you achieve that same effect in your videos? Well, if you’re sharing your video on Instagram only, you can go ahead and simply use the Mayfair filter! Job done. However, if you want a higher resolution or longer version of your video, this is achievable with applications like PhotoShop and Chromic.

View from above

Have a picturesque panorama to show off? A sunset over a remote lake, or perhaps just a particularly rural-looking view of your neighborhood park? Try getting some shots from up high. Head to the balcony, a fifth-floor window, or if you’re brave, do some experimentation with a GoPro or a drone.

The flora and the fauna

Throwing some of the more iconic wildlife of summer into a shoot is enough to turn a park into the 100-acre wood. Classic summer flora would be things like daisies, sunflowers, baby’s breath, black-eyed susans, and pink peonies. A generous helping of bright, small-headed flower varieties strategically propped among tall grasses can create the effect of a wildflower meadow in July, especially using a soft focus. For fauna, think critters that are most active in warmer months, like birds, squirrels, dogs, or deer (if you can spot them).

The experience video

Camping scenes, fishing scenes, picnics—these are experiences that say summer to almost anyone. Use the video to take your audience on a summertime adventure, even if it’s filmed among the trees in your backyard—who’s going to know?

The carefully-placed prop

Ever worked on a theatre set? Then you’ll know how a single prop can communicate a whole world of information. In this case, you want your props to communicate summer. Think about things like picnic blankets, vases of summer flowers, straw hats, sunglasses, flip flops, bamboo wind-chimes, a deck chair.… you get the idea. Just make sure everything is in context.

Country sounds

One thing you can add in post-production that helps turn the backyard into a summer wilderness are summer noises: buzzing bees, crickets at dusk, birdsong, maybe an acoustic guitar track if you’re feeling bold. Filter out the noise of city life and filter in something a little sweeter.

Have any other ideas for creating a wild summer in your own backyard? Leave us a comment, visit our page on Facebook or tweet to us!

The post Into the Wild: 6 Ideas for Capturing the Beauty of Nature on Film This Summer appeared first on SproutVideo.

Have you been thinking about running a summer video campaign? The great news is that you can definitely produce something that has that summer feel just in time for actual summer to arrive—and you can start right now!

Here are ten fresh ideas to help you get started.

1. Out and About

What do people in your city like to do in the summer months? Is there a famous hill people rollerblade down? A festival? Sunbathing on the beach? Boating on a nearby lake? Go to the prime spots for the summer crowds—even if it’s still a bit early—to get recognizable footage that will remind people that summer is soon to be in full swing!

2. Special Events

If there is an annual event that can only be caught during the summer months, collecting footage of flyers, advertisements, or people talking about their anticipation of it makes for excellent B-Roll that can be used time and again. Then, capture the spectacle as it unfolds in its full glory. Think of emblematic events like Austin’s bats emerging from the bridge, WaterFire in Providence, or Manhattanhenge – something your city is really known for.

3. The Summer Glow

Everyone knows about filming during the “golden hour,” that time just before sunset when the sun is fairly low on the horizon, giving your shots a burnished look. Go out on a clear afternoon for this, maybe with a little bit of cloud cover but only a little, and start shooting about an hour before sunset.

If you’re finding the sunlight isn’t quite right, you can use post-production filters to help achieve the light you want. In the city, you can also look for creative ways to use the light to your favor—for example, glinting off of window glass on skyscrapers, or reflecting off pavement stones.

4. Sports!

Whether it’s volleyball, pickup soccer, or basketball, outdoor sports are a hallmark of warmer weather. Capture some of the action, along with some glinty summer rays, also know as lens flares, and your footage will be instantly classic.

5. The Flora and Fauna

Seasonal sights and sounds make great backdrops and B-roll. Look for flashes of green and bright natural colors, like you’ll find in urban gardens, city parks, and window boxes of summer blooms. To capture the city “wildlife,” set up in a busy area, just out of the way, and record the bustle of street scenes.

6. Water Works

Whether splashing in fountains, playing in an open hydrant, or swimming in a pool, most of our favorite summertime activities evoke the essence of the season for viewers. Consider investing in a waterproof kit for your camera, and enjoy some worry-free filming. GoPros and iPhones are particularly suited to this type of shot.

7. Summer Food

Nothing says urban summer like street food! Kids with ice cream, sizzling hot dogs, shish kebabs, you name it. You can also get a lot of sensual mileage out of summer classics like outdoor barbecues and fresh cut fruit. And cold drinks—think beer, cocktails, or Coca Cola, with plenty of condensation—are pretty much the most evocative “summertime” visual there is.

8. Nightlife

When you no longer need to bundle up to show your face outdoors, it becomes a lot more appealing to be outside once the sun goes down. Late night music at outdoor arenas, people on a romantic stroll along a harbor, or young people bar-hopping are all symbols of summertime.

9. Warm Weather Duds

Are you going to be on camera? Dress for summer! Light, flowy materials in white and pastels, for both men and women, work well for this. Depending on the style of the video, you might throw in a pair of sunglasses, a splash of fake tan, or a pair of flip flops to give a relaxed, summery feel.

10. The Sounds of Summer

There’s nothing like a bit of sonic ambiance to stir up the summertime nostalgia. Think buzzing bees, kids playing outside, baseball cheers, classic summer tunes (“Under the Boardwalk,” anyone?), maybe even seagulls if there’s a harbor.

Can’t get the right summer sounds on film? Never fear – you can always add sounds in editing! Get free sound effects from sites like Freesound.org.

Have an idea for great summer ambience? Leave us a comment below!

The post Summer in the City: 10 Ideas for Capturing the Ambience on Film appeared first on SproutVideo.

Okay, maybe it’s not quite time to break out the flip flops, but if you’ve got a video marketing strategy, chances are you’re gearing up to do some filming this May. While summer shooting might sound like a walk in the park, it has its own unique set of challenges to keep in mind.

What you definitely don’t want is to miss out on the great opportunity to shoot some fantastic summer footage because you didn’t know how to prepare, so here’s what to keep in mind as you scout locations for your first shoot of the season.

There is such a thing as too much ambience

Summer videos offer plenty of latitude for nostalgia: think grassy fields, festivals, the beach, summer sunsets, national parks, drive-in movies, picnics—you get the idea.

When filming on-location, pause to really take in all of the noise surrounding you. Ideally, to evoke “classic” summer ambience, you’ll want to find a place that has a nice hum and air of excitement, but probably not the sounds of a crowded, heavily trafficked recreational area.

Especially if you’re recording for sound, less is more. You can add ocean waves and seagulls in post-production, but it’s hard to get rid of, for example, cars driving by or a noisy ice cream truck.

Scout at a few different times

The look and feel of a location can change significantly on different days of the week and different times of day. Check it out at least two or three times to see when the optimal time to shoot will be. You just might be able to avoid the crowds on a beach, for example, if you shoot on a Monday before 9 am. Check local papers to make sure you’re aware of any events in public spaces that might interfere with your shoot schedule.

Baby your camera

Video cameras don’t respond well to sand, salty beach air, or moisture from the sea or rain, so make sure you keep your camera stowed away when not shooting, and bring cleaning materials with you. Also be careful not to leave your camera lying in the sun, as dark-colored camera bodies can absorb the heat and get overheated pretty quickly. If you’re worried, bring an umbrella for shade.

Lighting should be easy, but it might not be

The usual problem we have is not enough light. If you’re trying to film something at the height of the day in summer, you might actually end up with too much light, so do some test shoots at different times of day to ensure the shots don’t have harsh shadows, or appear overexposed.

If you need or want to film in full sunlight, you can create beautiful effects using the rays of the sun filtered through the leaves of trees, or reflected off of a body of water. Another smart way to take advantage of the full sunlight during the summer months is to use a white foam board as a portable, lightweight fill light. Bonus – it won’t require a power source to operate!

Take care to avoid smooth bright surfaces in full sunlight outdoors, as the reflected light that bounces off of them can cause shots to come out overexposed. Be mindful of backlighting too, such as bright windows, since that can silhouette your subject, obliterating all visual detail in the shot.

Shooting outside? Power up

Most outdoor locations lack power supplies (though there’s no harm in asking). Make sure your kit is all fully charged and ready for a few hours of shooting. If you have a solar charger, get it out of winter storage and bring it along!

What are you planning to film this summer? We’d love to hear about it!

The post Prepping for Your First Shoot of the Summer appeared first on SproutVideo.

It shows your fans and followers that your brand is more than the products and services you offer. You are a team, and your team holds many of the same interests, concerns, and values they do. When your customers can relate to you on an authentic level, they are more likely to turn to you when it comes time to buy.

Here are four summer holidays you can incorporate into your online video strategy:

1. Memorial Day

Memorial Day means many things to many people. For a lot of families, it signifies the start of summer and school letting out. It brings to mind barbecues and picnics, beach vacations, and patriotic parades.

Showcase how your team celebrates. Consider offering a financial incentive for your customers to buy during Memorial Day weekend with a special holiday code.

2. Father’s Day

Father’s Day evokes feelings of love, and oftentimes funny memories of Dad. People use this holiday to reflect on quality family time they’ve spent with the paternal head of the family.

Depending on what your company sells, you can approach this holiday in many different ways. Sweet and endearing, or comedic and silly videos could all be appropriate. Whichever approach you take, don’t be afraid to get personable.

3. Independence Day

Independence Day is smack dab in the middle of summer. Keep any videos you create for it light, fun, and energizing!

Much like Memorial Day, this holiday is comprised of your typical “summer” activities. Think picnics, barbecues, and patriotic parades, as well as fireworks, outdoor concerts, and baseball.

4. Labor Day

Sadly, the summer must come to an end. But, that doesn’t mean your online video has to be sad! Use a Labor Day video to end the summer on a high note, and to rev your audience up for the transition from summer to fall.

Keep in mind that this is a time when the weather begins cooling down, students are heading back to school, and the NFL and college football seasons are beginning. Any commentary, tips, or deals you can offer surrounding these events will be appreciated.

In addition to the following four summer holidays, consider religious holidays, charity and cause-related holidays, and special occasions being celebrated in your city. While a video simply wishing them a happy holiday is effective, you can also use the opportunity to offer a special deal, or to promote your features.

Lastly, if you’re comfortable doing it, you can give your audience a “behind the scenes” look at how your team will be enjoying the holiday as a way to develop a sense of community.

Do you incorporate holidays into your online video strategy in a unique way? Share your ideas and tips with us here, on Facebook, and on Twitter (@sproutvideo)!

The post Four Summer Holidays to Incorporate Into Your Online Video Strategy appeared first on SproutVideo.