Internet videos have come of age, and it can be a great way for artists and sellers to promote their work. Buyers too can show their support for indie artists by creating entertaining and snappy videos (people's attention spans on the web are pretty short!). It's relatively affordable and technically simple (even some still digital camera have video functionality!). Best of all — and contrary to the VHS home movie format of our yesteryears pictured above — digital online videos can reach a massive amount of people.

That said, it takes a bit of practice and below, you'll find some tips on how to get started.

Before you press that record button, here are a few DIY Video tips:

#1.    Know what you're going to say or do.  Do a little scripting or plan out what you want to say. This can save time and make the whole process go more smoothly, especially if you are working with other people.   Plan beforehand!

#2.     Prepare your equipment and the area for recording.  This means making sure your camera has enough battery power, enough stock (or tape) for what you want to film, batteries for your audio equipment if you are using a separate microphone, and lighting your subject in the area you will be shooting in.  Make sure your shooting area is quiet and you won't be interrupted.

#3.    Lighting is extremely important.  A good lighting set-up can really add a professional quality to your videos and make them easier on the eyes.  Especially on the web, where the image quality is much poorer than what you're used to on TV or film.  Check out www.3drender.com/light/3point.html for a quick tutorial on 3-point lighting and examples of what certain lighting techniques look like.  

#4.    Audio is equally important!  Make sure you test the levels (how the audio sounds) in your camera before you start recording.  If you are hearing any fuzziness, it usually means that your audio levels are set too high and your audio is "overmodulating."  Most consumer cameras have audio settings in the on-camera menus.  Also, if you are using an additional microphone, make sure it's on!  Even seasoned professionals can sometimes forget about this little step in the midst of filming.  Remember that the best place to record is in a quiet area that can be closed off from additional noise.

#5.  Start recording!  Have fun, experiment and just have a good time.  The beauty of video is that you don't have to get it on the first take!  

Here are some links to Further Resources for producing videos for the internet: 

youtube.com/video_toolbox

http://blip.tv/learning/

http://vimeo.com/131510

There's also this cool zine we found on Etsy! Ms. DIY Guide to Film and Video.