The arrival of warmer weather means we can all get back to some of our favourite outdoor activities. Some people look forward to long bike rides, while others are readying their canoes. Soccer balls, baseballs, and basketballs are making a return to playgrounds and playing fields. At Key West Video, those of us who work in video production are thinking about outdoor shoots. Although this winter was relatively mild in Southern Ontario, cabin fever definitely set in during the pandemic. An opportunity to shoot outside makes physical distancing possible, giving us a bit more freedom. Virus transmission is greatly reduced outside, thanks in part to fresh air, sunshine, and lots of open space. So if you’ve been thinking about a video to help promote your business, spring is an ideal time to book an outdoor shoot.

Demo Videos

Demo videos are a great way to help an audience understand your product and imagine themselves using it. This kind of video works especially well for products that would be difficult to explain without a visual element. Plus, 72% of people would rather learn about a product or service via video than read about it. A good video production house will work with you to identify your goals and suggest the best way to meet them using video. We can discuss your target market, scripting, a shoot location, the best call to action, and more. The finished video can live on your website, be linked to in an email, or uploaded to social media channels. And if you have a product that is particularly large or needs a lot of room to assemble or display, outdoor shoots make a lot of sense. Did we mention that a demo video can sometimes also be used as an instructional video?

Outdoor Shoots Shine in Natural Light

The sun is nature’s lighting kit and we embrace its brilliance during outdoor shoots. But direct sunlight can be harsh. Did you know that shooting on a cloudy day or finding some shade often produces a better result? We like to bring some shade with us when we shoot outside or use equipment that helps us direct and harness natural light. Using a neutral-density filter also helps. When it comes to the perfect light, most camera operators will agree that magic hour is the sweet spot; shooting outside just after the sun has set or just before the sun rises makes for some pretty spectacular lighting.

Recreational Promos

Do you own a golf academy, boot camp, or bicycle touring company? Then shooting outside is probably your best option. Viewers will be able to truly appreciate your business when they see recreational services in action. Pictures are great, but video works especially well when it comes to activities that involve movement. A good DOP will be able to find the best angle to show off that golf swing or capture happy cyclists riding through beautiful scenery. People are anxious to get back outside after winter, so speak to their active yearnings with a video that showcases your recreational business. Like this video we made for Gone Sailing Adventures.

Location, Location, Location

Outdoor shoots are all about location. One of the many advantages of using a production company is our ability to source locations and take charge of details. Here are some of the questions we’ll ask and address:

• Are we shooting on company property?
• Do we need more open space like a parking lot or a park?
• How noisy is the location?
• Can we check a community calendar to be sure there isn’t an event in the area on the day you want to shoot?
• Do you need a permit to shoot in the location?

The first step is deciding what location makes sense for your video. You want something that aligns with the video’s message. When we worked with Neat Jug, we wanted to show our actors in the wild. We could have tried to fake this in a park or a smaller location, but our DOP wanted to get long shots and really make the viewer feel like the couple was far away from modern conveniences. We found a spot that checked all the boxes.  See the results below.

Embrace the Outdoors

Shooting outside this spring means a new video to kick start a new season of business. The Key West Video crew has ample experience with outdoor shoots, and we know how to plan a day that has the best chance for success. We’ll be prepared in case of inclement weather, ready with a back-up plan or second location. Give us a call if you’re interested in talking about how an outdoor shoot can benefit your business.