How to Make Cooking Videos [From Beginner to Pro!]

Have you ever found yourself salivating over a cooking video and wondered, “How can I make cooking videos like this?” 

You're not alone.

With videos generating 1200% more shares than text or images, food vlogging has become an exciting avenue for culinary enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a food lover with a knack for cooking, making your own cooking videos is a brilliant way to share your passion with the world.

And the best part? You don't need any professional training or expensive equipment to get started! 

This post will guide you on how to make a cooking video from start to finish. And we'll include some delicious tips along the way to help you take those videos even further!

So let's begin!

1. Planning your cooking video

The first step is always planning.

Yes, you heard it right! Before you start filming your cooking content, a little bit of planning can go a long way. It looks more professional and prepared, which people love. And that means more money from online cooking in your pocket!

So here are a few tips to nail down your planning:

• Decide on a recipe: Think of your recipe as the lead actor in a blockbuster movie. It should be popular, easy to follow, and have a unique twist that makes it stand out from the crowd.
• Script your video: No, you don't have to write down every word you're going to say. But it helps if you have a clear idea of the cooking process, the ingredients you'll be using, and any tips or tricks you want to share with your viewers.
• Create a shot list: Decide on those key shots like a maestro, plan your camera angles like a seasoned cinematographer, and stir up some thoughts about lighting. Remember, a well-lit kitchen is the secret ingredient to a visually appealing cooking video.
• Prepare your cooking space: Tidy up your kitchen and scout the perfect spots for your culinary tools and key ingredients. A well-ordered cooking space is like a beautifully plated dish — it's a feast for the eyes and contributes to a seamless cooking performance.

Planning may seem like a waste of time because you have nothing to show for it at the end. But it'll lead to a much better video for your viewers at the end!

2. Essential equipment for making cooking videos

Okay, you've planned it out. But what kind of equipment do you need to get started?

Well, let's break it down: 

Camera 

A must-have tool in your toolbox is a quality camera. 

But wait, does this mean you need to break the bank for a top-of-the-line model? Absolutely not!

The essential ingredient here isn't the price tag — it's the ability to snap crystal-clear, razor-sharp images.

Got a smartphone with a decent camera? Perfect! That's a recipe for success right there. Your phone can be the secret sauce to making your cooking videos sizzle!

Tripod 

Have you ever found yourself in the whirlwind of a video so shaky it left you feeling like a blender in overdrive?

We don't want to put you, or your viewers, through that dizzying rollercoaster. A trusty tripod is your secret ingredient here. It holds your camera steady as a rock, adding that dash of professional polish to your cooking video.

Lighting 

Ever thought about the secret ingredient that turns a run-of-the-mill video into a visual feast?

It's as simple as this: lighting! Just like a pinch of salt can elevate a dish, good lighting can elevate your cooking video from bland to brilliant. Natural light serves as a superb sous chef in this culinary show, casting your creations in the best light.

But what if Mother Nature isn't cooperating? Fear not!

A modest investment in some spotlighting tools can ensure your food always looks ready for its close-up, no matter the weather.

Microphone 

Imagine you're crafting a mouthwatering soufflé, but the sound is as murky as a seafood bisque.

Hard to follow, right?

That's why crystal-clear audio is the unsung hero in your cooking video masterpiece. Your audience needs to catch every pinch, simmer, and sizzle of your instructions with absolute clarity. Think of a good quality microphone as the secret ingredient, the pinch of saffron in your paella, making a significant difference in your recipe for success!

Video editing software 

Remember, even a Michelin-starred dish needs a sprinkle of seasoning, and so do your videos. They crave a touch of editing magic! 

When it comes to slicing and dicing your footage, layering in the perfect soundtrack, or sprinkling in subtitles, you're going to need a reliable sous-chef in the form of video editing software. Taking the proper time to learn video editing techniques goes a long way.

Are you wondering, “Do I genuinely need all these kitchen gadgets?”

Well, my friend, just like how a chef needs the right utensils to create a culinary masterpiece, you need the right tools to cook up quality videos that will leave viewers craving for more.

3. Preparing your ingredients for filming

Before you hit that record button, it's crucial to ensure all your ingredients are camera-ready.

This is not simply about having everything in place; it's also about presenting your ingredients in a way that's visually appealing to your audience. 

Pre-measure and pre-cut 

First things first: pre-measure and pre-cut all your ingredients.

This not only saves time during filming but also keeps your recipe video engaging. Who wants to watch you measure out two cups of flour or dice an onion? 

• Pre-measure: Use clear glass or plastic containers to show off your pre-measured ingredients. These allow your viewers to see what's inside without guesswork.
• Pre-cut: Your pre-cut ingredients should be neatly arranged on your cutting board or in bowls. Keep them separate to avoid confusion.

Arrangement is key 

Now, let's take a moment to consider your kitchen counter — it's the stage where your ingredients will perform their culinary ballet.

How will you arrange them? 

Do you envision them lined up like eager actors, waiting for their cue in the order they'll be introduced? Or perhaps gathered in clusters by type, like a harmonious symphony of flavors?

What do you think will be the most intuitive and visually appealing arrangement for your viewers?

Create a clean and clear space 

Finally, ensure your workspace is clean and clutter-free.

A messy kitchen not only distracts your viewers but it can also put them off your recipe.

Remember: 

1. Wipe down all surfaces before you start filming.
2. Ensure all unwanted items are out of the shot.
3. Make sure your lighting is focused on the food and ingredients, not the clutter.

By putting time and effort into the preparation of your ingredients for filming, you're not only setting yourself up for a smoother filming process, but you're also taking the first steps to creating a visually compelling cooking video.

So, let's get chopping, measuring, and arranging!

4. How to film cooking videos: Camera angles and shots

So, you've perfected your recipe and are ready to share it with the world.

But how do you capture it in a way that's engaging and visually appealing?

The key lies in understanding camera angles and shots.

Let's dive in! 

Start with the basics: Camera angles 

Camera setup can make or break your online videos. Here are some suggestions: 

• Elevated Angle Shot: This is an overhead camera shot that provides a clear view of your workspace and the ingredients you're using.
• Medium Shot: A medium shot can focus on you and the food. Use this angle to show yourself chopping ingredients or stirring a pot.
• Close-Up Shot: A close-up shot is perfect to showcase the fine details of your dish or to highlight specific techniques.

Next, focus on the shots 

Once you've mastered the camera angles, it's time to focus on the shots. Here are our top three tips: 

1. The Establishing Shot: This is the first shot of your video. It should give viewers a glimpse of your kitchen or workspace. It sets the scene and establishes the environment where you'll be cooking.
2. The Process Shots: This includes all shots that demonstrate the cooking process, like overhead cooking. Be sure to capture every step, from chopping the ingredients to the final plating.
3. The Final Plating Shot: This is the last shot of your video. It showcases the final dish in all its glory. Make sure it's well-lit and visually appealing.

Remember, practice makes perfect.

The more you work with these shots and angles, the better your videos will become. But what if you want to take your videos to the next level?

Let's find out! 

Going beyond basics: Advanced techniques 

Ready to add a little extra sparkle to your cooking videos? Here are some advanced techniques to try: 

• Point of View (POV): A POV shot gives viewers the feeling that they're the ones cooking. Strap a camera to your head or chest and film away!
• Time-lapse: A time-lapse can show a long process, like dough rising or a stew simmering, in just a few seconds. It's a great way to keep your videos engaging and fast-paced.
• Slow motion: Use slow motion to highlight key moments, like pouring sauce over a dish or sprinkling finishing salt. It adds a sense of drama and anticipation.

With these tips and techniques, you're well on your way to creating engaging, high-quality cooking videos.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your passion for cooking shine through!

5. Lighting techniques for filming cooking videos

Good lighting is like the secret sauce to a great cooking video.

It's not just about making your video bright, it's about setting the mood, showcasing your food, and making everything look deliciously inviting!

So, how exactly do you achieve that? Here are some techniques: 

1. Use natural light 

Nothing beats the beauty of natural light.

It is soft and diffused, delivering a warm and appealing look to your dishes: 

1. Find a window: Set up your filming area near a window where plenty of natural light can come in. The best time to film is during mid-morning or mid-afternoon when the light is most flattering.
2. Diffuse the light: If the light coming from the window is too harsh, use a white curtain or a diffuser to soften it.

2. Invest in good artificial lights 

What if you need to film at night or live in a place with little natural light?

Here's where artificial lights come in handy: 

• Softbox lights: These are large, diffused light sources that provide soft, even light.
• Ring lights: Ring lights provide uniform light directly from the direction of the camera. These are better suited for close-ups rather than wide shots.

3. The Three-Point Lighting setup 

We cannot talk about video lighting without mentioning the classic three-point lighting setup: 

1. Key Light: This is your main light source, usually positioned at a 45-degree angle to your subject (the food).
2. Fill Light: Positioned opposite the key light, the fill light softens the shadows created by the key light.
3. Back Light: Also known as the rim or hair light, this light is placed behind the subject, adding depth to your shot by separating the subject from the background.

These are just the basics, so feel free to play around and see what works best for you!

Never know, you may even discover the next great technique!

6. Sound quality and editing tips for cooking videos

Sound is just as important as visuals in a cooking video.

Remember, you're trying to create an immersive, engaging experience for your viewers. A great video with poor sound can turn viewers off. 

So, what can you do to ensure that your sound quality is top-notch? And what about editing?

Sound quality tips 

First off, ensure that your environment is as quiet as possible.

This means turning off all external sources of noise like fans, air conditioners, and even your phone.

Here are some more tips: 

• Invest in a good microphone: In-camera microphones often don't cut it. Consider getting a lavalier microphone or shotgun microphone for better sound recording.
• Watch your distance: The closer the mic is to the sound source, the better the audio quality. Be mindful not to get it so close that it picks up unwanted sounds.
• Use an audio interface: This is a device that connects your microphone to your computer, improving the sound quality in the process.
• Consider post-production audio editing: Software like Audacity can be a lifesaver when it comes to enhancing your audio quality.

Editing tips for cooking videos 

Editing is where your cooking video comes to life.

It’s the process of stitching together your video clips to tell a story. But how can you edit your videos like a pro?

Here are some tips: 

1. Storyboard beforehand: This is a visual representation of your video sequence. It helps to make the editing process smoother.
2. Use professional editing software: Video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie can take your videos to the next level. Don’t be afraid to explore these video makers and learn how they can help your video.
3. Add transitions wisely: Transitions can help maintain the flow of your video. You can also add text. Just remember it can be distracting if you overdo it.
4. Keep it simple: Avoid flashy effects and stick to simple cuts. The focus should be on your cooking, not your editing skills.

If you want a more in-depth guide, be sure to check out the video below:

7. How to improve your cooking videos over time

So, you've started your journey into the world of cooking videos. But how do you go from being an amateur to a pro? How can you take your videos to the next level? Let's dive into some effective strategies that will help you improve your cooking videos over time. 

1. Focus on quality, not quantity: It's easy to get caught up in the idea that more is better. But when it comes to creating cooking videos, quality should always come before quantity.
2. Understand your audience: Who are you making these cooking videos for? Understanding your audience is key to creating engaging content.
3. Practice makes perfect: Like in any art form, practice is essential in cooking video production. Don't get discouraged if your first few videos aren't perfect. Keep experimenting, learning, and improving.
4. Engage with your audience: Engagement is key to building a loyal following. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage your viewers to share your videos.
5. Collaborate with others: Collaboration can be a powerful tool for growth. Reach out to other food bloggers or chefs for collaborations. This not only provides fresh content for your viewers but also exposes your channel to a new audience. 
6. Share them online: Sharing your recipe videos online is the fastest way to spread them. But don't stop at a YouTube cooking channel. Start a food blog and share it through writing as well! And with plugins like Tasty Recipes, you can show off your recipes in a beautiful way (it even includes recipe videos)!

Improving your cooking videos over time requires dedication, understanding, and a willingness to interact with your audience.

But with these tips, we're confident that you will make the leap from amateur to pro in no time!

Frequently asked questions about making cooking videos

1. What do I need to make a cooking video?

You don't need a lot to get started with a cooking video. You can get started with as little as a:

• Camera
• Tripod
• Lighting
• Microphone
• Video editing software
• A social media channel (YouTube channel or something similar)

That's your basic equipment list.

With this, you have everything you need to record, edit, and publish your videos to the world.

2. How do you make high-quality cooking videos? 

Creating high-quality food videos isn't something that comes easy.

It takes practice and repeated mistakes. But if you follow these basic tips, you're on your way:

• Plan Your Recipe
• Use High-quality Equipment
• Have Perfect Lighting
• Have Crisp Sound
• Create Engaging Content
• Make sure your editing is clean

Ready to make a cooking video?

You're now fully equipped to dive into the world of cooking videos. It might feel like a soufflé — a little intimidating, but oh-so rewarding when it rises beautifully. But remember, even the best chefs have had their soufflés collapse a time or two.

The key is not to be discouraged. Instead, grab your spatula and whip up another batch!

Remember, every great chef has their unique style. Julia Child was famous for her buttery voice and hearty laugh, and Gordon Ramsay for his fiery temper and high standards.

What will be your signature in the kitchen of cooking videos? Only you can decide! 

As we wrap up this culinary journey, remember that making a cooking video, like cooking itself, is part science, part art.

With the right mix of preparation, passion, and persistence, you'll be serving up delicious video content in no time.