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Skiers, skateboarders and cyclists have known about it for years. You see them everywhere with a GoPro camera strapped to their helmets. First person point of view video has become hugely popular among athletes whether they are pro or amateur.

The trend has now spread to DJs.

Point of view video is really exciting to watch because it puts the viewer front and center in the action. If feels like you’re right there spinning the tunes. You become the DJ.

Using a GoPro, or any other camera, looks easier than it actually is. There’s little worse than watching a video that makes no sense or gives you a headache. Follow these tips for great video:

  • Keep it steady. Yes, the camera is attached to your head, and you have to move your head in order to do your job. Still, try really hard to move your head as little as possible. Definitely don’t do any head bobbing.
  • Audio. Ok, I know it’s obvious, but a lot of people still don’t get it. Cameras are great for recording video, not audio. Record your set in the usual way then add it to the video in the editing room.
  • Light. This one tip is absolutely true for every kind of camera you might own. Lighting is key to good photographs and video. The camera lens perceives light in a completely different way than your eyes do. Read the suggestions in the manual that came with your camera to understand how to make the most of dark environments.
  • The editing room. Don’t just upload your film to YouTube without putting it through the rigours of editing. A 30 minute recording should probably be cut down to its most interesting parts. Remove or fix any camera shake, attach the audio to the video, make full use of all the tricks that everyday editing software, like iMovie, offer.

Have you tried video recording your own gigs yet? What kind of camera do you use? What were the challenges?