How to Make the Most of Video

A chat with one of our editors about what you shared, what we saw, and what’s still missing on EyeEm Videography.

Just a month ago, we launched EyeEm Videography, inviting you to share your videos with us and start selling them. One month into this new adventure, I talked to our photo curator Jonathon to find out what the clips have been like – and what’s still missing.

How many videos have you reviewed so far?
At least 3000 – we’ve been getting a lot of submissions through our early creator program and I look at them all.

What’s the overall style of videos?
Most of the videos are uncut, meaning that they’re single, static takes of a certain scene. I guess you could call the style “Home Documentary” – community members have shared scenes from their homes, the food they make, and lots of videos of pets. But also a lot of nature clips, time lapses, and my personal favorite: Drone footage.

We asked photographers for scenic views, videos that look more like a ‘moving photograph’ than a movie.
And that describes the style of these videos very well: They are short glimpses into the photographers’ lives.

How is the quality of the videos?
It’s great. The majority of the clips submitted to us aretaken with a digital camera, even though we get the occasional clip taken with smartphones as well. Generally, that means the image quality is good, but there is one recurring problem…

What is that?
Stabilization. If the clips are taken with a handheld camera, they are often too shaky for us to be able to sell them. I recommend all photographers to either use a tripod when shooting or use software to correct shaky videos – you can do it pretty easily, using iMovie or similar free tools. I should also mention that we only accept clips in landscape format for now, so there’s no use in uploading videos shot in portrait format.

What has been missing in the clips?
We know that videos from travel destinations are always in demand, so I would love to see more of those – ideally shot from up close. I have reviewed a number of clips that looked like they were taken during a safari, but that means the subjects are often too far away for it to be impressive. Also, underwater and stop motion clips are great.

We often tell photographers that getting model releases for their photos drastically improves their chances of selling – how about videos?
The same is true with videos. If you’re showing people in them, try to get a model release – otherwise we can’t legally sell the clips.

Do you have any recommendations on what people should shoot?
People. Show us emotions in people’s faces. We could also use some well-thought out city scenes – something that captures the feeling of urban life, which means more than just a street with a bus going by.

To wrap up: What’s the quirkiest thing you have encountered in the videos?
laughs There’s a clip that I have shown to a few colleagues around the EyeEm Studio: It’s an overhead shot of someone scrubbing an octopus in the sink before cooking it. It’s a really unusual sight, and an almost visceral experience. I can’t wait to see what else comes my way!

Got your own clips to share? Head over to EyeEm Videography and start sharing your own clips.

Header image by Jack Pierce.