How to Choose Your First Camera

If you frequent this blog often, you know that I am very fond of camera gear. I have written several camera reviews from different camera manufacturers. Below is a quick guide on how to choose your first Camera.

Decide what you'll be shooting

Will your first camera be used for taking photos or video while traveling. Or do you planning on taking photos of family or friends or even pets? Deciding what type of subjects you will be shooting will impact your choice of camera. For instance, if you're choosing a camera for travel, you probably want something that's light and small to carry. Here are a few subjects to give you ideas:

• Events
• Family & Friends
• Street and Architecture
• Travel

Prioritize what Feature Matters to You:

Different camera features will affect which camera you decide to purchase. For example, I prefer cameras with swivel screens. Other people may prefer cameras to have uncropped 4k video qualities. Once you apply these filters to the camera that you're looking for you can narrow down your choices. Other features that may matter:

• Camera Sensor Size
• Ergonomics
• Multiple Card Slots

DPReview:

Another great resource for choosing a camera are websites such as DPReview.com. In addition to providing informative reviews on cameras and lenses, the site offers sample photos for the cameras they test. This can give you an idea of the types of images and video you'd expect from the camera.

Camera Rental Shops:

Once you have an idea of what type of camera you'd like to purchase, it's a better option to rent before buying that camera. Because cameras these days have both photo and video features, it does take a long time to learn how to use them.

Summary: How to Choose Your First Camera

In conclusion, I think these resources will help you decide what camera is right for you. In addition to the above, keep in mind that depending on what brand of camera you buy (Nikon, Canon, Sony) you are buying into that system. This means that accessories (lenses, flashes) for your camera will often be locked into that brand. If you found this article helpful or if there were any items I missed please feel free to let me know.

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How to Use YouTube for your Business

From major companies like Nike to small businesses like Peak Design, most brands have a presence on Youtube. In addition to these businesses, you will also find freelancers on this platform as well. The benefits of being on this platform provide another medium to explain your product and services to clients and consumers. Below is a guide on How to Use Youtube for your Business.

BEST PRACTICES:

Here are a few best practices that I use when creating Youtube videos.

• Piroritize Audio over Video Quality
• ‘Document don’t create’ Method
• Add relevant keywords in your videos’ titles, tags, descriptions, video files, and thumbnail files

From what I've noticed on Youtube is that people will forgive you for poor or average video quality. However, if you're audio quality is poor they are less likely to pay attention to your video.If you run out of ideas you can follow the Gary Vaynerchuk method and 'document don't create' method.

Youtube Content

The following are types of content that work well on Youtube:

• How To Guides and Tutorials
• Product Reviews
• Vlogs
• Shopping Sprees / Hauls
• Unboxing Videos
• Educational Videos
• Parodies

Youtube rewards creators for making longer video content by helping to monetize those videos with adds. Tutorials are among the popular types of videos on the Youtube platform. The problem with making a 10-minute long video tutorial is that people tend to tune out. I would recommend keeping tutorials short and straight to the point. Longer videos can be saved for content such as podcasts, interviews, reviews, or discussions.

Summary: How to Use Youtube for Your Business

In conclusion, the benefits of using a video platform such as Youtube is that it presents another way to digest content. When I search for ways on how to do a specific task I normally search for video content versus reading an article. If you're in the business of creating content, having video content in addition to written content will allow you to support all types of users.You can view my own channel here on Youtube

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How to use Instagram for your Business

While Instagram started as a photo app, it has evolved into a much bigger platform. Instagram is not just for photographers or videographers. Compared to other Social Media Apps, Instagram is restrictive on its content. However, because of its simplicity, it's also the most popular of all Social Media apps. Below is a quick guide on how to use Instagram for your business.

Best Practices:

Here are some guidelines that I typically follow when using Instagram:

• Use best content for your feed
• Post Often (You can always archive a post if you're not feeling it)
• Use Relevant Hashtags for Your Posts
• Use Stories to Experiement and Test New Content

I also think it's best to avoid automated bot programs that like, follow, unfollow for your Instagram account. These programs come off very spamming and might risk offending your followers.

Disadvantages of Using Instagram

Instagram is currently built on a system that incentives you to have followers. Once a user reaches ten thousand followers, they are granted additional features on the platform. One of these features is being able to use a URL on Instagram stories. This allows you to publish a URL from a website or another URL like a Youtube video.Because of this, many users go through a lot of problematic ways to increase their following. Some of these include using methods such as automated bot programs that follow and unfollow other accounts in hopes of increasing their following. This has caused a lot of spam and fake accounts on Instagram.

Using Ads on Instagram

Advertisements on Instagram is a way around having a massive following to link out to a blog or Youtube post. I have noticed a major difference in the amount of audience I reach when using an Instagram ad. This is because Instagram is using an algorithm that is now giving preference to sponsored content.

Summary: How to use Instagram for your Business

In conclusion, I think Instagram can be one of the most enjoyable of Social Media sites to use for your business. However, as with most Social Media sites, Instagram was designed to be addictive and keep you on the platform. If you're new to Instagram I hope this guide was helpful.

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How to Use Facebook for Your Business

Facebook provides one of the fastest ways to having a web presence online. Gary Vaynerchuk has pointed to the value of having a Facebook Business page and its ad system. I think it's best to view a Facebook Business Page as an extension of your existing website and not something that can replace it. Below is a guide on How to use Facebook for your Business.

Reasons Why it's a Good Idea:

As a majority of people are more likely to visit Social Networks instead of searching the internet, having a presence on both Facebook and Instagram makes sense. Because Facebook owns Instagram you can run ads on both platforms. Other benefits:

• A Great Staging Platform for Creating Content
• Backup in case your Website Crashes
• Leverage Facebook Groups and Existing Network

Drawbacks of using Facebook

There are always a few cons when it comes to using a free service such as Facebook. In the last couple of years Facebook has had its share of controversy from privacy scandals such as Cambridge Analytica and security breaches. However, if you're on a limited budget and can't afford to host your own website, a Facebook Page for your business makes total sense.

Creating a Facebook Business Page

Facebook provides a getting started guide on how to set up a Facebook Business Page. Some things you will need for a business page are:

• Your business name and description
• A profile photo and cover photo
• The action you want people to take

Summary: How to use Facebook for your Business

In conclusion, I think having a Facebook Page for your business is a great asset. I used to think having a Facebook Page for your business would make your brand look amateurish. However, as more businesses have created social media pages and incorporated Facebook icons into their websites that stigma has disappeared. If you have a new business and are looking to creating content around it, giving a Facebook Business page a shot.You can view my own Facebook Business page at https://facebook.com/moderrn.up

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