When someone mentions "stock footage," what instantly pops into your head? For me, it's a vivid image of individuals seated in a call center, sporting dazzlingly white teeth and perfect smiles. It's almost as if I can see it right in front of me...
Kudos to pixabay.com for the image
The issue with this particular stock footage is quite evident: it's incredibly common. It's nearly impossible to create a high-quality video or presentation using images and video clips that appear so artificial and unnatural, even if you're looking to make a promotional video for a call center.
Another challenge is that this is the result you get when you search for "call center" or any similar generic term. It can be a daunting task to find the perfect image that conveys the idea without looking too cliché.
So, the question remains: how can one find and select the best stock footage?
One immediate solution would be to turn to big stock footage providers like Adobe. Unlike free websites such as Pixabay, these platforms have more resources to offer users in terms of high-quality content. However, even if you have a bit of extra money to spend on stock footage from Adobe or Shutterstock, you still need to know how to find the right image or video.
Now, you might be wondering what the best approach is when searching for stock footage.
Here are a few tips from Maria Cherepanova, our full-stack designer here at Wave.video.
How to Search for the Best Stock Footage
When embarking on the creation of a video, it's likely that you already have a clear vision of what it should look like. The more intricate and detailed this mental image is, the more successful your search for the perfect stock footage will be. Your task now is to transform this vivid image into a search term that will lead you to the right stock provider.
So, here’s the first tip: be as exact as possible.
For example, if you're creating a video featuring individuals in an office, don't settle for a generic search term like "office people." Instead, be more specific and search for something like "diverse team sitting around a table in the office enjoying a cup of coffee." This may yield fewer results, but the ones you find will be highly relevant to your video.
Use the power of allegory
Another approach to finding the best stock footage is to take a more general perspective and associate the topic with common symbols. For example, if you're creating a video about a new product idea, you could use a stock video of a light bulb to visually represent the concept. Similarly, you can think of other familiar associations, such as a heart for love, a dove for peace, or the sun for summer. While these abstractions may be considered overused and banal, they still effectively communicate the intended message.
Icons serve as a prime example of visual communication. Just like how we instantly recognize the "hamburger" sign as representing a website menu, when searching for stock videos or pictures, it can be helpful to imagine the image as an icon first and then seek out a visual embodiment of that concept. This approach allows you to find unique and compelling visuals that go beyond the clichés often associated with stock footage.
Get Creative
Discovering the perfect stock footage goes beyond simply finding high-quality visuals. It's about uncovering hidden gems that haven't been overused or seen by everyone else. After all, you don't want to fall into the trap of using the same "stocky" footage that everyone else is using.
To avoid this, it's time to get creative and think outside the box. Instead of searching for generic terms like "city," try abstracting your mind and searching for specific cities like "Perth" or "Berlin." This unique approach will lead you to visuals that are fresh and distinctive, setting your video apart from the rest.
In addition, make use of the filters provided by stock footage providers like Adobe or Getty Images. These filters allow you to fine-tune your search and find footage that matches your exact needs. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover the footage that perfectly complements your vision.
Lastly, consider searching for the same footage series from different angles. This technique adds depth and dimension to your storytelling, creating a more immersive experience for your audience.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you find the best stock footage that captures your vision and stands out from the crowd.
Use as many filters as possible
Take advantage of the filters provided by stock footage providers like Adobe or Getty Images to customize your search and find the footage that perfectly matches your needs. Experiment with multiple filters to see how the results vary, and don't hesitate to utilize as many filters as possible. Maria highly recommends this approach as it significantly enhances your chances of discovering the exact footage you desire.
Look for the same footage series
When crafting a narrative, consider exploring various angles by searching for the same video footage from different perspectives. By using compound search terms or phrases, there's a higher likelihood of finding video clips from the same filming session in the search results. This can add depth and dimension to your storytelling, providing a more immersive experience for your audience.
Notice how these video clips show the same girl from different angles.
Use these words in your search for the best stock footage
A successful search can make all the difference. Knowing what to look for and which words to use in your search can save you a lot of time and effort. Here are some key search terms that will guide you to discover stock footage from a unique and captivating perspective.
In the world of stock footage, various techniques and perspectives can bring a video to life and captivate viewers. One such technique is using different points of view (POV) to create a sense of immersion and engagement. By incorporating different perspectives, you can make your video feel more dynamic and give your audience a unique viewing experience.
POV shots allow viewers to see the video from someone else's point of view, putting them right in the middle of the action. This technique can be particularly effective in creating a sense of empathy and connection with the subject matter. For example, if you're creating a video about a thrilling adventure, using a POV shot can make viewers feel like they're right there experiencing the excitement firsthand.
Another powerful perspective to consider is the aerial or bird's eye view. This perspective gives viewers a bird's eye view of the scene, allowing them to see the bigger picture and get a sense of the scale and layout of the environment. Aerial shots are often used in landscape videos to showcase breathtaking views or in videos that require a unique perspective, such as architectural or cityscape videos.
On the other hand, a worm's eye view can offer a fresh and unexpected perspective. By shooting from down below, you can create a unique and visually striking effect. This perspective can be used to emphasize the height or grandeur of a subject or to create a sense of vulnerability or intimidation.
In addition to different perspectives, there are also specific techniques that can enhance the visual impact of your videos. For example, using a cutout shot can isolate a person or object on a plain background, drawing attention to the subject and allowing for easy integration of text or graphics. Similarly, using copy space in your footage can create room for text or other design elements, making your videos more versatile and impactful.
The use of blur can also be an effective technique for adding depth and focus to your videos. By selectively blurring certain areas, you can draw attention to specific subjects or create a sense of depth and dimension. This technique can be particularly useful when you want to emphasize a specific element or create a dreamy or artistic effect.
In terms of composition, landscape shots can offer a wide-format view that showcases the beauty and majesty of the environment. These shots are ideal for videos that aim to capture the essence of a place or convey a sense of awe and wonder.
To bring your subjects to life, consider using shots that show them at full height or from over the shoulder. These perspectives can create a sense of presence and intimacy, allowing viewers to connect with the subject on a deeper level. Conversely, close-up and extreme close-up shots can bring viewers up close and personal with the subject, highlighting details and emotions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
By incorporating these different perspectives and techniques into your search for stock footage, you can elevate your videos to new heights and create a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience. So go ahead, experiment with different angles and perspectives, and uncover the ultimate stock footage that will make your videos truly stand out.
