Editing Tricks for Amateur Vacation Video #130

China 2001:  Yonghe [Lama] Temple

This 90-second looks at a Tibetan Buddhist temple in the heart of Beijing is quiet and informative.  Looking at it today, I am distracted by shakiness at 00:25.  If I were re-editing I'd try some stabilization, cuts, or other tricks to minimize that distraction.
The video consists is assembled from just a few clips and stills, they are reasonably well sequenced together.  That unhappy monk at 01:17 scared my camera hand in 2001.  I used a still frame at that spot so we can get a better look -- he still looks pretty fierce! 

Lessons Learned:

I remember editing this a few years ago.  I was on a roll, quickly knocking out many chapters for the trip DVD.  The audience should never have seen the shaky camera mentioned above, but in my rush to finish I likely decided it was "good enough".  That editing mistake does not haunt my dreams, but I wish I had taken the time to review this movie more closely.

Suggestion:

If you're like me, this video production stuff is just a hobby.  Deadlines are self-imposed.  Grant yourself enough time to do some quality control and audience previews before finalizing the edit.
But don't agonize over the movie.  It's equally important to finalize the edit before it becomes an unwanted chore.

FYI:

All of the China trip vignettes are already loaded onto YouTube.  They may be viewed on one of my YouTube channels: HENBCtravel

I have three other channels that might be of interest:  HENBCvideo (miscellaneous videos that try to look professional, with particular respect for copyrights), RAGEAIR (advertises the licensing availability of my newsworthy videos), and this YouTube Channel of Shame (an odd collection of stuff, not respectful of others’ copyrights).

Music Copyright Considerations:

This original audience for this video was friends and family who would view the DVD in my living room.  It contains identifiable music that is regrettably used without permission.  

Today, with digital distribution, artists' rights deserve more attention.  Since this video is intended for non-profit illustration and educational purposes only, I believe that valid arguments can be made for its "Fair Use" in this situation.  Please understand that I do not encourage improper use of copyrighted material.