Pittsburgh Photography, Video & Video Editing

In the realm of editing, it is essential to decide the most suitable program for your needs. Many options are available, each designed for specific tasks or offering a range of functionalities. It is important to consider the nature of the work at hand. Some individuals have the skills to do minor edits using mobile applications. Others must more advanced tools that can only be accessed through a computer.

At times, I struggle with patience, particularly in the context of learning. There are many talented editors whose creativity and skill with various software are commendable. I believe that the most exceptional ones are those who can navigate multiple programs effectively. Although I have attempted to become proficient in several applications, I ultimately chose to focus on mastering Adobe Creative Cloud. My experience with DaVinci was less favorable, as I found myself lacking the patience to learn a new system. This is not to say that DaVinci is inferior. It is indeed a robust program. I know professionals who create outstanding videos with it. Similarly, I have a favorable impression of Final Cut Pro. If I were to pursue another software, it would likely be Final Cut Pro. I base this on my earlier experience with it.

In my view, these are now the most popular options available. Whether they are the best choices is uncertain. For newcomers with a limited budget, I recommend considering DaVinci or Final Cut Pro. They offer a one-time buy for the software. Adobe, on the other hand, operates on a subscription model. My preference for Adobe stemmed from the extensive range of applications included in the package. By paying a monthly fee, I gain access to Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Lightroom. After Effects, Media Encoder, and Professional Acrobat Reader are also included. There are also several other tools that I do not use.

Are there any formal courses available to help me in learning to use these applications? Indeed, I have considered enrolling in a college course focused on video editing. But, the advancements in technology have provided other resources. YouTube serves as an excellent repository of information, yet effective video editing often requires specific videos to practice with. While having access to the right videos is beneficial, locating the appropriate course on YouTube can be quite difficult. I have utilized a platform called Udemy. It offers a variety of classes for a fee. They often give discounts that make the courses more affordable.

I enrolled in several courses with UDEMY, with the most notable being the Premiere Pro class. Some instructors lack dynamism. I was fortunate to have an engaging trainer. This trainer effectively facilitated learning and information retention.  It seems that the majority of these courses will give specific resources. These resources can be videos or photos. Students can download them if required. Udemy offers a wide range of courses beyond video and photo editing. Learners can explore virtually any the of interest. If a course is available, it can be learned. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning is another valuable resource. It does come at a higher cost. I have benefited from it through my employer’s provision of the service. This resource has enhanced my professional development.

Conduct thorough research when selecting the appropriate applications for your needs. Investigate pricing, explore online resources for learning about specific applications, and make sure your computer is compatible with the software. Additionally, consider the specifications of your computer, including its size and speed, before acquiring any program. I personally did not concern myself with storage limitations. An external hard drive can discuss storage issues. I recommend at least 1 TB of storage and 32 GB of RAM. The choice of processor is crucial. This is especially true for video editing. Performance can vary significantly with lower RAM speeds and less capable processors. I use a MacBook Pro, which offers limited processor options, but I opted for the highest specifications available. It is possible to use your existing computer. But, you must evaluate the software requirements to decide the most suitable hardware. Be mindful that your current system struggle with larger projects, resulting in slower processing times.