How to plan an edit from low-light footage

Choose the clearest low-light takes and preserve the atmosphere. Editing cannot guarantee recovery of details that the camera did not record.

Start with a clear direction

Use recognizable silhouettes and complete movements. Avoid building the explanation around a small object that disappears in shadow; use another supplied angle for that detail.

Put it into your edit

Upload your clips to Shorty and describe the result you want. Add a reference if it helps show the pace or visual treatment. Play the first cut, then use chat to shape the next version.

An instruction to make your own

Use this direction for my video: Use recognizable silhouettes and complete movements. Avoid building the explanation around a small object that disappears in shadow; use another supplied angle for that detail. Check whether a brighter treatment makes noise more obvious or changes the intended mood.

Check the detail that matters

Check whether a brighter treatment makes noise more obvious or changes the intended mood.

Keep the next change focused

Name the moment, say what should change and describe what you want to keep. For a title, supply the replacement words. For pacing, identify the shot that needs more or less time. Play the surrounding sequence after the revision to hear and see how the change fits.

Questions, answered.

How do I apply this in Shorty?

Upload your clips to Shorty and describe the result you want. Add a reference if it helps show the pace or visual treatment. Play the first cut, then use chat to shape the next version.

What should I look for in the result?

Check whether a brighter treatment makes noise more obvious or changes the intended mood.

Your next video starts here.

Bring the footage. Tell us the idea. Shape the edit.

Start editing