Why Proper Music Choice Is So Crucial to Video Work

It's crucial to understand and respect the relationship between music and visuals in order to create compelling video work. This helpful video will show you how different music choices can completely change the mood and message of your video.

Coming to you from B&H Photo and Video, this great video examines the importance of proper music choice in video work. Often, I'll see some great, subtle video work that's just ruined by the use of loud EDM or something else totally inappropriate for the visuals. Filmmakers often make the mistake of choosing music that they personally like and would listen to as opposed to carefully evaluating and using what's most appropriate to complement the visuals (or juxtapose them, if that's the intention). While your personal preferences and listening history certainly inform the music you find, it's important to be able to separate yourself from those a bit and really be objective about what the visuals need from the sound that accompanies them to complete them. In general, it's best to err on the side of being a bit more subtle with the music, as you never want it to compete for the audience's attention; it should play a supportive role. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments