6 Must-Read Books for Aspiring Videographers

by | Reviews, Videography

If you’re an aspiring videographer or filmmaker, you know how important it is to find the right resources to help you hone your craft.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro looking to take your skills to the next level, there are plenty of great books out there to help you master the art of videography.

To save you time and effort, we’ve compiled a list of the six best videography books that are sure to inspire, educate, and improve your video-making skills.

So, keep reading as we dive into the world of videography books!

1. The Filmmaker’s Handbook

The Filmmaker’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in producing, directing, shooting, editing, and distributing video or film.

Whether you’re a professional, student, teacher, or just starting out, this book covers all aspects of movie making and is widely considered the “bible” of video and film production.

In the latest fifth edition, the handbook has been updated with the latest advances in HD and new digital formats, making it more relevant than ever.

You’ll learn about techniques for producing all kinds of videos and films, from dramatic features to documentaries, corporate videos, broadcasts, and experimental films.

The book covers everything from shooting with DSLRs, video, film, and digital cinema cameras to digital editing with the latest video editing systems. You’ll also find in-depth coverage of lenses, lighting, sound recording, and mixing, which are all essential skills for creating high-quality videos.

What sets this book apart is that it doesn’t just cover the technical aspects of filmmaking. It also delves into the business side of things, including funding and producing your project, and getting your movie shown in theatres, on TV, and on the web.

Steven Ascher, the author of this book, is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker who brings his wealth of experience to the handbook — making it an indispensable resource for anyone serious about film production.

Highlights

  • Covers all aspects of movie making, including techniques for producing different types of videos and films
  • Updated with the latest advances in HD and new digital formats
  • In-depth coverage of lenses, lighting, sound recording, and mixing
  • Includes information on funding and producing your project, and getting your movie shown in theatres, on TV, and on the web

2. The Art Of Lean Filmmaking

The Art of Lean Filmmaking is a refreshing take on independent feature film production.

Authors Kylie Eddy and David Eddy are siblings who combined their skills in filmmaking and software development to create Lean Filmmaking.

Together, they have tested and refined their Five-Step Method and shared their knowledge in their book, The Art of Lean Filmmaking.

The book challenges traditional filmmaking methods and provides a five-step Lean Filmmaking method that is efficient, inventive, and sustainable.

This book is perfect for anyone who is tired of the slow and expensive process of making a movie. It celebrates collaboration, experimentation, and early fan feedback, which can dramatically improve the filmmaking process.

With tested techniques and surprising strategies, you’ll learn how to create your own feature film without breaking the bank.

Highlights

  • Provides a five-step Lean Filmmaking method that saves time, energy, and money
  • Celebrates collaboration in non-hierarchical, cross-functional squads
  • Shows you how to work in ongoing iterative Make-Show-Adjust Cycles
  • Combines filmmaking experience and agile coaching expertise to re-imagine the development, production, and distribution of independent films
  • Offers tested techniques that will empower you to take action, bust through stumbling blocks, and ignite your creativity

2. The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own movie, The Digital Filmmaking Handbook: Seventh Edition is the book for you.

This comprehensive guide takes you through every stage of the digital filmmaking process, from pre-production to post-production.

The focus of this edition is on soft skills, such as project development, scriptwriting, working with actors, and directing.

Of course, the book also covers the latest in digital filmmaking technology, including advancements in digital cinema cameras, remote controllable lighting, GPS-based motion tracking, and live virtual sets.

The Digital Filmmaking Handbook: Seventh Edition is a top-rated bestseller that has been in print for over 20 years.

The Digital Filmmaking Handbook has become a must-read for anyone interested in independent filmmaking, whether you’re making a short, a series, or a feature film.

With the guidance of authors Sonja Schenk and Ben Long, both experienced writers, producers, and directors in their own right, this book will set you on the path to create your own film.

Highlights

  • Comprehensive guide to every stage of the filmmaking process
  • Covers the latest in digital filmmaking technology, from digital cinema cameras to live virtual sets
  • Divided into three parts: Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production
  • Top-rated bestseller that has been in print for over 20 years

4. How To Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck

How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck by Steve Stockman is an insightful and concise guide that can help amateur videographers improve the quality of their videos.

The book emphasizes the importance of thinking like a director and communicating through shots, rather than just focusing on the camera equipment.

The author draws from his extensive experience as a director of commercials, TV shows, music videos, and short films to provide valuable advice on framing, lighting, sound, editing, and other aspects of video production.

The book is structured into many short chapters, each with practical tips and advice that can be immediately applied in practice.

Additionally, the book comes with a website that features video clips that illustrate various production rules, techniques, and situations.

Whether you want to shoot a family gathering, a music video, or a promotional video, this book has got you covered.

Highlights

  • Provides practical advice on framing, lighting, sound, editing, and other aspects of video production
  • Emphasizes the importance of thinking like a director and communicating through shots
  • Structured into short chapters, each with practical tips and advice
  • Accompanied by a website with video clips that illustrate various production rules, techniques, and situations

5. Basic Videography For Real Estate

If you’re interested in breaking into the real estate videography industry, Nathan Cool’s book “Basic Videography for Real Estate: How to turn motion into money” is an excellent resource.

This book, the eighth in Nathan’s real estate series, covers everything you need to know about capturing and creating basic real estate videos.

Real estate videos have become increasingly popular since the pandemic of 2020, providing agents with an intuitive tool to market a property remotely.

Nathan’s straight-to-the-point style of instruction covers the principles, gear, camera settings, compositions, movements, and footage commonly used in real estate videos.

Additionally, the book discusses how to edit these videos to make an impactful presentation with music, deliver the media, and how to price and market your video services.

At a professional level, Nathan provides the tools to demonstrate to your clients that you’re a pro when it comes to providing real estate videos.

The author, Nathan Cool, is a professional photographer specializing in real estate and architecture. He is the author of several best-selling books on Amazon and provides in-depth yet easy-to-understand details on the technical and business aspects of this industry.

Highlights

  • Covers everything you need to know about capturing and creating basic real estate videos
  • Provides principles, gear, camera settings, compositions, movements, and footage commonly used in real estate videos
  • Discusses how to edit videos, make an impactful presentation with music, deliver the media, and how to price and market your video services
  • Suitable for both real estate photographers and those not familiar with photographing properties

6. Wedding Videography Start To Finish

If you’re an aspiring wedding videographer, “Wedding Videography: Start to Finish” by Joanna Silber is the perfect guide to help you navigate the unique challenges of wedding videography.

The book explains how to balance the expectations of the bridal couple with the realities of single-take shooting, teaching readers how to select the right gear and set up shots effectively, even in poorly lit conditions.

Silber also covers how to work with bad angles, audio, and light, and how to improve and stylize footage through editing and post-production techniques.

Beyond technical skills, the book also delves into the business aspects of the wedding industry, including client expectations, wedding etiquette, legal issues, and product delivery.

As a freelance producer, editor, and writer with over a decade of experience in wedding videography, Joanna Silber is uniquely qualified to guide readers through every aspect of becoming a successful wedding videographer.

Highlights

  • Teaches readers how to balance the expectations of bridal couples with the realities of single-take shooting
  • Covers gear selection, shot set-up, working in poorly lit conditions, and improving footage through editing and post-production techniques
  • Includes information on the business aspects of the wedding industry, such as client expectations, wedding etiquette, legal issues, and product delivery
  • Provides a complete guide for both amateurs and professionals new to wedding coverage.

Final Thoughts

These six videography books are great resources for anyone looking to improve their video-making skills.

Depending on your experience and interests, some of these books may be more useful than others. However, each book offers valuable insights and practical knowledge that can help you take your videography to the next level.

By checking out these books and applying their teachings to your work, you’ll be able to refine your technique, spark your creativity, and produce videos that truly stand out.

Happy shooting!

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