Taking the Leap on youtube!
Last week I launched my youtube channel! It sounds so sophisticated, but the logistics were easy. Youtube is owned by goggle. Google thrives on making things easy! To start a new channel you can use your existing google account or sign up for a new one and add the youtube channel. It really only takes a half hour or so to fill in the details. That’s the simple part. The for me came with posting that first video.
I’ve know for a while that I wanted to start a youtube channel. I did quite a bit of research, and I was confident that I could do it, but taking that step to actually posting the video was a much bigger leap than I expected. I enjoy this blog because I am familiar sharing stories through writing. I had zero experience filming, editing and creating a video to tell a story. I knew a video would make it easier for most of you to follow along, but it felt far more vulnerable.
I knew I had to jump in full speed in order to force myself to do it. I set the goal to film at least two videos on my trip to the Smoky Mountains a few weeks ago. I needed to try out my camera, figure out what to film and how much, and most importantly, how to be on camera. I knew my videos would hinge on explaining the experience first hand. It was intimidating! But I knew I had to start somewhere. And that start was by getting in front of the camera and talking through it.
Luckily filming the videos went smooth. Or at least as smooth as you can expect the first time. I was able to film 5 videos while I was in the Smokies. Two of them are already up! The footage isn’t smooth and I had to say things a few times to get it right, but I am excited that you can finally follow along! If you haven’t watched, you can check it out here:
In the first video I went to the Gatlinburg Skybridge and hiked to Laurel Falls. I spent a lot of time editing and searching for music. I wanted the first video to be the best starting point for the channel. I tried to watch and edit without critiquing, but I can not wait to film more videos! It seems like editing my footage is already giving me a better perspective for future filming.
In the mean time, there are 3 more videos on tap from this trip. I’ve edited a few of them already and I’m excited! You’ll notice some consistent themes in the videos including some out takes at the end. I want to be pretty straight forward with what happens as I film. When it goes wrong, look for the second takes logo at the end of the video. We can all have a good laugh!
Posting that first video was a huge relief. Over 200 people have watched it in the first two weeks! Which is twice as many as I expected and it feels like it’s just the beginning. I am excited that I started, and equally excited to get that first post out of the way! I truly hope everyone enjoys watching the videos and I’m excited to see where it takes us!
