Viewfinder: Where Do Ideas Come From?

Like any other hobby, making video is a process. In most cases, the final product (the edited videotape) is a result of our commitment to seeing the process through to the end, and tackling the obstacles that we face along the way. For many, the learning curve that accompanies videography is challenging. That's why we're here to help. Making good video is fun, rewarding and something to be proud of. This special edition of Videomaker is dedicated to the beginning videographer who's eager and excited about the possibilities that video presents.

Most of us start making video by pulling out our camcorders and shooting footage of our friends and family. Because videotape is relatively cheap and camcorders are easy to use, we wind up shooting lots of footage--good and bad. Then comes viewing time. Most likely, you position yourself with remote in hand, and fast-forward through the bad or boring parts, playing just the best footage for your audience. Whether you realize it or not, you have begun to edit.

It doesn't take long to figure out that inserting and ejecting tapes and fast-forwarding to the special moments gets old very quickly. Soon, you begin to grasp that life would be a lot easier if you just removed the footage you didn't like. You might even want to rearrange the order of the scenes you've shot into a more coherent composition. You become curious about really editing your videos.

In your search for information on products and information in the video editing field, you might find that the resources available to you are not as abundant as you first thought they'd be. But don't let that scare you off--that's why we're here. Every month Videomaker gives you the tips you need on shooting, editing, lighting--even ideas on what to shoot. Our Buyer's Guides list the features and prices of current products in the field--all in an effort to help you make informed purchases.

Thanks to advancements in technology, editing video is much easier than it's ever been. Sure, you might find that there are still a few bugs to work out, and the editing process is still a bit harder than it needs to be. Only some camcorders and VCRs have editing connectors on them, and those that do aren't necessarily compatible with each other. But desktop video editing has helped us solve some of these glitches, and it has become an extremely promising application. The bottom line is that Videomaker's dedication to solving these editing obstacles have helped millions of readers like you produce top-notch productions while having a great time in the process.

You can edit video. It requires no more of commitment than many other pastimes demand. Once you've learned the basics, like you did with your camcorder, it's very easy to improve your skills. Plus, it's fun to teach others.

If you have never tried editing video and are curious about the possibilities, there's never been a better time to get started. There's a learning curve involved, but the process is getting easier every day, and equipment is becoming more user-friendly. If you're willing to make the commitment, editing can be extremely rewarding and lots of fun. Together, we can make a difference. Good luck, and keep Videomaker handy as your home video guide!