How I Film FOOD Videos for INSTAGRAM Reels | Food Photography

Summary

In this video, Chris shares a behind-the-scenes look at how he sets up and films food videos for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. He walks viewers through the equipment used, including a C-stand, camera, and lighting setup, as well as his filming approach for creating visually appealing food content. He demonstrates the process of shooting a recipe, emphasizing the importance of framing, lighting, and consistency. The video concludes with Chris showcasing his final edit, offering insights into post-processing and inviting audience engagement for future video ideas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper setup and framing are key to filming high-quality food videos, including using a C-stand for stability and ensuring the camera is level.
• 😀 Soft, even lighting is essential for food videos. Two light sources, including a softbox, help eliminate shadows and create an inviting scene.
• 😀 Camera settings should be chosen based on the shot: use a higher aperture for depth of field, ensuring everything in the frame is sharp and in focus.
• 😀 Filming in vertical format (9:16) is important for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as these videos are best viewed in portrait mode.
• 😀 Consistency in how ingredients are placed in the frame (e.g., entering from the same direction) helps with smooth transitions and a cohesive look.
• 😀 For slow-motion shots, use a high frame rate (120fps) and a macro lens (105mm) for fine details like brushing sauce on food.
• 😀 Measuring ingredients beforehand streamlines the filming process, reducing editing time and making the video flow more naturally.
• 😀 Make sure all props and backgrounds are aligned and centered before filming to avoid having to adjust them later in post-production.
• 😀 Using a bubble level ensures that the camera is positioned perfectly flat to avoid tilted or awkward shots.
• 😀 When filming at high frame rates like 120fps, crop the video to 1080p in post-production and scale it back to 200% to fit the frame properly.

Q & A

What type of video content is the creator focusing on in this script?

The creator is focusing on food videos, specifically short-form content like Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. These typically involve a 90-degree shot down, showcasing the process of putting a recipe together in a short, engaging format.

Why does the creator prefer Instagram and Reels over TikTok for these videos?

The creator finds TikTok to be more of a playground rather than a platform for serious creators, whereas Instagram Reels is seen as a better space for showcasing food videos and growing their audience.

What is the purpose of the C-stand in the setup?

The C-stand is used to hold the microphone and two arms: one for the camera and one for a flat plain light. This allows the creator to position the camera and lighting effectively to capture the food video.

How does the creator ensure the camera is level during filming?

The creator uses a bubble level to ensure the camera is as flat as possible, allowing for a more professional and consistent shot throughout the filming process.

What type of lighting setup does the creator use for the food videos?

The creator uses two light sources: a softbox for a soft light and another light coming straight in to eliminate shadows, especially in the high-sided pot being filmed.

Why is the camera set up vertically for these videos?

The camera is set up vertically to match the format commonly used on Instagram and TikTok, which typically display videos in a 9:16 aspect ratio. This eliminates the need for editing and rotating the video in post-production.

What is the significance of the marble slab and quartz countertop in the setup?

The creator initially used a marble slab as the background but later switched to a white quartz countertop, which they felt provided a better visual appearance for the video, especially when filming the recipe preparation.

Why does the creator measure all the ingredients before filming?

Measuring and weighing the ingredients beforehand ensures a smoother filming process, reduces delays during filming, and minimizes the need for extensive editing later.

What is the creator's approach to filming the final shots of the cooked product?

For the final shot, the creator films the slow-motion process of brushing barbecue sauce onto cooked ribs using a 105mm lens at 120 frames per second to achieve a visually appealing, slow-motion effect.

How does the creator handle post-processing when filming at 120 frames per second?

When filming at 120 frames per second, the creator's camera crops the footage to 1080p. In post-processing, they scale the footage back to 4K to ensure the video maintains high resolution, especially for the final product showcased on Instagram.