So your company boss taps you on the shoulder and asks you to take on a new project: videotape your company awards show and make some DVDs.   And since there is no budget to hire a professional video production company, you get to do it yourself. What do you do? My best answer is the same phrase that I end every email that I send: “use the right tool for the right job.” 

But what IS the right tool?  What is the right camera for your company awards show? First consideration should be to get a decent video camera that will suit your needs. 

Let’s face it - there is a plethora of books, magazines and online articles about the latest and greatest video cameras to purchase.   The information can be overwhelming.   So what do your do?  The event deadline approaches!  The job becomes manageable when you begin with a list of camera features that match your objective.   My experience has told me that if you get all the features you want at the cost you can afford, the brand name rarely matters.

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A short guide to videotaping your little one

Remember when a picture was worth a 1,000 words?   Today you’re more likely to hear parents say that “video is worth 10,000 words” – especially if the video stars are their own precious toddler.

Ironically , many viewers of these “DVD moments” might have just one word for those timeless pieces of family history: BORING!!!!   What can a professional parent who is an amateur camera-hound do to capture those priceless moments so that they remain priceless forever?   It’s easy if you just follow a few camcorder rules.

You are already an expert.
If you watch television, you are already an expert in knowing what will capture viewers and hold their attention.   Television may not always offer the best programming in the world, but it does offer you insight into how to use your camcorder to take professional-quality video pictures of your toddler. 

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20 “real world” tips to get you there

Keeping costs down in this economy means that sometimes you are asked to perform duties that you didn’t learn in college – like creating a company marketing video or product demo.   Making an effective company website video can help your company prosper while an amateur video can bring down the good reputation of that same company.   Let’s face it – viewers will judge your company by the video that you present –so it better be a good one!

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