Society of Professional Journalists

First, you must remember that this is not YouTube.

So says Anne Herbst, a runner-up for the 2012 NPPA Video News Photographer of the Year.  Herbst works as a video journalist for The Denver Post.  Her work goes online, but it’s beautifully shot and edited.

Herbst spent several years shooting TV news, but she says she has 5 tricks that have helped her be better at shooting for the even more immediate nature of the Web.

1. Your phone is your friend.  Herbst says Voice Memo or Voice Recorder can be used to create voice tracks as they come to you, or to record reminders of a great shot you’ll want to be sure to use when you begin editing.

2.  Know your weaknesses. “Budget more time for what you’re weakest at,” said Herbst.  She knows she’s a fast video editor, so she leaves less time for that and more time for writing and crafting the story.

3.  Be organized. Whether it’s making sure your gear is in perfect working order or that you have all the information you need before you head out the door, this is critical.

4. Find a mentor.  “Nice critiques don’t help,” Herbst said.  She suggests you find someone who will be tough on you when you show him or her your work — constructive, but not afraid to hurt your feelings.

5.  Tight shots are your BFF.  Herbst suggests you cluster 10-15 tight shots all together when you’re shooting.  You can come back to that section of your video in a pinch and much more quickly finish editing on deadline.

Herbst took part in a day-long workshop and webinar called Video Storytelling with the Pros: Creativity on a Deadline, sponsored by NPPA and hosted by Poynter.