I get asked quite often about what programs/softwares I use to edit. Here is a list of the programs I use as well as some Pro‑Tips!
NO. 1
After Effects
This is the one everyone asks the most questions about. This program has transformed the way I edit video. After Effects is quite an intimidating software at first, but it is a breeze once you get used to it. The program has a ton of effects built into it out of the box; most of my videos use effects all native to After Effects. However, there is a plethora of plugins available to enhance your videos, some of which are free! Other plugins do cost quite a bit of money though, as they are either expensive one time purchases or expensive subscriptions. They are not necessary by any means, but do keep that in mind.
If you are interested in learning how to create effects like this, use code “MastroMedia” at checkout on Djordanmedia’s website for a discount! Visit the "about MM" page and click the link to Djordanmedia's site there.
If you are interested in learning how to create effects like this, use code “MastroMedia” at checkout on Djordanmedia’s website for a discount! Visit the "about MM" page and click the link to Djordanmedia's site there.
NO. 2
Premiere Pro
I use Premiere pro to export my videos as well as color correct/grade. Premiere is a MUCH more stable application than after effects, but I find it is quite limiting in terms of speed ramping as well as other effects. I compose most of my videos in After Effects, however I export through Premiere. I compose longer, feature film videos in Premiere and sometimes bring certain segments into After effects when I need to add more spice to the videos.
Color grading is where Premiere shines for me. The lumetri scopes and other color tools are quite configurable, and the program is better equipped to handle these sort of tasks. Sometimes I need to adjust certain clips, so I will add lumetri color as an effect in After Effects and adjust according to what I see fits best.
Color grading is where Premiere shines for me. The lumetri scopes and other color tools are quite configurable, and the program is better equipped to handle these sort of tasks. Sometimes I need to adjust certain clips, so I will add lumetri color as an effect in After Effects and adjust according to what I see fits best.
NO. 3
Lightroom Classic
I’m my experience, I find Lightroom Classic to be an overall better program than Lightroom CC, especially with recent updates. The UI is very simple and organized, everything is where you expect it, and I find it runs smoother than CC (at least in my experience.) The only major downside to Classic is the inability to edit over the cloud. If you tend to edit a lot on your phone or across devices, CC is more likely better suited for you. I tend to only edit on my PC, so this is not an issue for me.
NO. 4
Photoshop
Photoshop is a necessity when it comes to really committing to enhancing images. From removing poles and distracting objects, to fixing a visible scratch or two in a vehicles paint, or even completely transforming the scene around your subject, Photoshop is an incredible tool to have. Lightroom does have some healing tools which can help in a pinch, but Photoshop is where you want to go to truly transform your photo. Photoshop works wonders to clean this image up and take away those distracting objects.
Pro tips
Here is a list of some other little Pro Tips I picked up along my creative journey:
‑ Be aware of your computer specs. Sometimes you may find yourself running into situations such as crashes, slowdowns and reboots. As bad as this seems, don’t rush to upgrade right away. Check your preferences menu and read up on other peoples issues and how they resolved them, sometimes you may only need to need to check off one box or simply clear your cache. If you would like to see my computer specs, I have it listed in my “Equipment Checklist” guide!
‑ If you have the ability to capture content in 4K, do so and downscale to 1080 in post. Instagram and most social media platforms only use 1080 resolution (aside from full length Youtube videos) I have found that downscaled footage is always better looking than footage shot at a lower resolution, and this resists social media compression better. It also gives you more room to play with in post, just keep an eye on your storage and computer specs, as 4K footage is taxing on your devices as well as your hard drives/SD cards.
‑ Don’t neglect sound effects! The right SFX at the right time can make your videos much more dynamic and make your audience feel more immersed in your content. Keep an eye on the waveforms and be sure the audio is not clipping, and be sure the sound effect adds something to the video, unnecessary SFX or even VFX can actually take away from your video and make it feel unnatural.
‑ Be aware of your computer specs. Sometimes you may find yourself running into situations such as crashes, slowdowns and reboots. As bad as this seems, don’t rush to upgrade right away. Check your preferences menu and read up on other peoples issues and how they resolved them, sometimes you may only need to need to check off one box or simply clear your cache. If you would like to see my computer specs, I have it listed in my “Equipment Checklist” guide!
‑ If you have the ability to capture content in 4K, do so and downscale to 1080 in post. Instagram and most social media platforms only use 1080 resolution (aside from full length Youtube videos) I have found that downscaled footage is always better looking than footage shot at a lower resolution, and this resists social media compression better. It also gives you more room to play with in post, just keep an eye on your storage and computer specs, as 4K footage is taxing on your devices as well as your hard drives/SD cards.
‑ Don’t neglect sound effects! The right SFX at the right time can make your videos much more dynamic and make your audience feel more immersed in your content. Keep an eye on the waveforms and be sure the audio is not clipping, and be sure the sound effect adds something to the video, unnecessary SFX or even VFX can actually take away from your video and make it feel unnatural.
‑ Stay consistent, but don’t burn yourself out. Creative block is bound to happen and sometimes when you are under pressure to create (weather that be self created or deadline pressure) it can take a toll. Don’t rush the process; find a workflow that works for you, and if you have to, take little breaks in between sessions or while waiting for long renders to complete.
‑ Always look for inspiration and allow yourself to be inspired. There are a ton of amazing creators on these social media platforms that all make content we can look up to. I look up to quite a few myself, and draw inspiration from the content they have created. However, don’t just stop at what you see on social media. Be inspired by things in your own life. Take a second at times to look around and take in where you are, where you plan to go in the near future, and what you really want out of your own content. You may be surprised where you find inspiration!
‑ Always look for inspiration and allow yourself to be inspired. There are a ton of amazing creators on these social media platforms that all make content we can look up to. I look up to quite a few myself, and draw inspiration from the content they have created. However, don’t just stop at what you see on social media. Be inspired by things in your own life. Take a second at times to look around and take in where you are, where you plan to go in the near future, and what you really want out of your own content. You may be surprised where you find inspiration!
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