Hello, fellow hobbyists. Welcome back to my blog.

Starting a vlogging journey by just pressing record may sound easy, but it isn't always simple. Trust me.

Initially, I was apprehensive about delving into vlogging because I felt daunted by the expenses and the necessity for specialized equipment.  Moreover, my knowledge of vlogging and what it entails was almost nil. 

“Vlogging, or video blogging, is a form of blogging in which an individual creates and shares video content that documents various aspects of their life, interests, and activities. This can include anything from daily routines to travel adventures, hobby tutorials, opinion pieces, or personal stories. Vlogging provides an avenue for self-expression and allows individuals to share their passions with a wide audience. With the rise of platforms like YouTube and social media, vlogging has become an increasingly popular means of connecting with others and building a community around a common interest.”

Let's face it: As an introvert, I am immune to social media. While I do have a presence on social media, the act of sharing and posting is somewhat intimidating in its own right. It was not until I felt compelled to share my journey as a hobbyist that I finally mustered my courage to start a vlog—well, faceless for now.  Scouring online tutorials helped me overcome my initial apprehension, and I decided to start with low-budget equipment.

THE CAMERA : WHAT CLICK WITH LOW-BUDGET

I must confess I am terrible at taking photos or shooting a video. Between shaky hands and poor timing, my camera skills need a lot of work in progress. Humbly accepting my limitations, I believe my smartphone is the best choice for my “beginner phase” in creating social media content. I own a Samsung S24 Ultra with impressive camera technology and high-end resolution capabilities. Although I have not explored its full functionality, I believe this device is sufficient for creating media content for My Nimble Fingers.  Well, at least it's good enough to shoot Poe and Chomper shenanigans.

The price tag? Nil. The phone is primarily for communication, with the advantage of a good camera. While having a top-of-the-line camera would be a good investment, it may not be ideal for me now. After all, it is all about angles……..and filters (sheepish grin). 

THE MICROPHONE : WHAT SPEAK ON LOW-BUDGET

Ehem…ehem..let me clear my voice first. Testing one two three. Undeniably, a crystal-clear voice can elevate the perception of high-quality content. The voice often forms the initial impression before the visuals fully engage the audience. Although my Samsung S24 Ultra has an excellent built-in mic and is good enough for an indoor vlogging setup (or capturing Poe’s meow-ranting), having an external microphone would be more appropriate for voiceover and canceling any background noise distraction. I will need a microphone that is good enough to capture the voice modulation effectively. Moreover, before investing in a high-end microphone, I must focus on mastering projecting emotions with a well-paced voice. The microphone I bought from Shopee cost me only $11.51 (after discounts)—a steal bargain indeed.

Now, I need to make sure that my voice sounds crystal clear. Or was it screeching? That was probably Chomper whining like a baby.

THE LIGHT : WHAT BRIGHTEN A LOW-BUDGET

Those good old days (read: more than a decade ago) when my product photoshoots were amusing early morning adventures to the park, with the sun shining bright and promising a sunny day. I did not need lighting equipment, as the sun’s glorious energies cast a brilliant outcome, enhancing the product's aesthetic qualities. But of course, there were challenges faced while using sunlight as the primary source. Notably, the sun’s inconsistent lighting depends on the cloud shift and is a significant drawback when the weather defies the daily forecast.

Reliable and consistent lighting is critical for an ideal indoor vlogging setup. So artificial lighting comes to the rescue. I turned to YouTube for advice on the right equipment that fits my criteria for filming my hobbies content. Then, I scoured Shopee for budget-friendly lighting equipment and relied heavily on user reviews.  A ring light with an extended arm attached as a holder for the phone is the most appropriate choice. The ring light has three mode options for various lighting intensities and moods, and the extended arm will give clearance for filming at a top angle. The price tag? $28.27 (applying all the discounts). Was it worth it? Absolutely. For now.

So, how much did I spend on my beginning vlogging? I did not burn my pocket. Poe gave a total up in this video. Check it out.  

Creating engaging and enjoyable content may come easily to some, but it can overwhelm me. Learning all the techniques without a dedicated mentor is a challenge, so I truly appreciate the efforts and tutorials that provide insight into becoming a good vlogger. Thank you to all the YouTubers who have offered valuable advice!

After all, it is not about the equipment but rather about having fun creating content. Even though I am still an introverted hobbyist, I look forward to a beautiful vlogging journey.

Next, look out for my blog post about how I get intimidated by editing software I use after roll-and-action.

But right now, let’s take some videos of Poe and Chomper. Hit that record button!

Making it pawsible,

Noor

A pawsome hobbyist (add: introverted)