5 Tips for Your Adoption Video Clips
Tip #1: Don’t over think your video clips
A common road block in creating your adoption video is getting hung up on what video clips to send. Take a deep breath and remember, you aren’t making an elaborate movie, we’re making a simple, short video to show a glimpse of who you are in an authentic way. The goal of this video is to show a piece of your personality, a smile, a laugh, a hobby, etc. A simple video clip of you smiling and waving at the camera can connect with an expectant parent. Let’s dig deeper into what types of video clips to create in the next tips.
Tip #2: Interact with the camera!
Being in front of the camera can feel uncomfortable, but try your best to embrace this as part of your adoption journey. It may feel awkward to act out your favorite activities in front of a camera, but it could be what connects you with an expectant parent. As you record your videos remember to make sure your clips show your face clearly, bonus points for looking up at the camera. Also remember to have a good time, get a little silly and don’t be afraid to smile and laugh. You want your video clips to be short, to the point and engaging.
Tip #3: Look through your phone!
Chances are you might be holding onto a vault of old memories on your phone. Take a few minutes to dig through the videos you have saved on your phone. Do you have videos from a concert, sporting event, birthday or holiday celebration, family get together, vacation, or just a fun day trip? Upload those! Though they might not feel like the perfect video I can trim the best parts of those clips and add them to support the text in your video (for example, “John loves baseball!” written over a clip of John at a baseball game. “Birthdays are a big deal!” written next to a clip of a birthday celebration. etc.)
Tip #4: Think about your favorite things
If you’re struggling with ideas that show who you are ask yourself what your favorite things are. If you’ve created an adoption profile book chances are you’ve included a fun facts or favorites section, go back and read your answers and let them be the inspiration for video clips! Here’s an example:
Favorite Food: Pizza (Take a video of you grabbing a big slice of pizza and smiling or making your own pizza at home, just make sure you interact with the camera while you’re cooking, you should be the star not the pizza)
Favorite Hobby: Gardening (Take a video of you tending to your flowers or vegetables!)
Favorite Animal: My dog! (Record a video of you playing with your dog or taking your dog for a walk)
Favorite Dessert: Hot Fudge Sundaes (Record yourself assembling a hot fudge sundae!)
Favorite Place To Take A Child: The zoo (If you looked through your phone you might have found a video of you at the zoo, if not, this is a great excuse to go to the zoo and record a few clips!)
Favorite Family Tradition: Decorating Easter eggs (Family activities are a great occasion to record video clips! Take a few videos while you’re decorating eggs. If it’s not the season for your favorite family tradition, think of one that is in season and record that!)
Favorite Holiday: Christmas (Just like family traditions, holidays are perfect for video clips! If it’s Christmas season record yourself decorating the tree or baking Christmas cookies. If it’s not the right season think about what holiday is coming up and create a video clip showcasing that!
Tip #5: Keep it simple
Take an afternoon and record the simple activities around your home. If you have a friend who you could enlist to be your videographer for the day do it! If not, you can prop your phone up on books or purchase a phone tripod to make recording on your own easier. These simple moments often make the best clips! For example, prop your phone on the counter and record yourself pouring coffee, tea or juice to start your morning. Do you have a favorite place to relax at home? Record yourself snuggling up with a book or cuddling with a pet. Stand on your front porch, back deck, or balcony and smile and wave to the camera (yes, really!) Do you collect something unique? Show it off! The possibilities are endless, just remember to keep it light hearted and have fun!
Want to learn more about creating a video with Our Chosen Child? Click here!
