Creative focus

What began for Latasha James in 2013 as a YouTube channel to share fashion and beauty videos has grown and evolved into a creator business and marketing agency, James + Park, which has clients around the globe. Today, Latasha teaches entrepreneurship and content creation through a video podcast and vlogs.

Latasha explained that video is a powerful medium for content creators to utilize.

Video podcasting is great for creators because it gives a large amount of source material to repurpose from for short form platforms. It’s also great because YouTube SEO is incredibly powerful—around 80% of my traffic comes from YouTube! Lastly, podcast listeners tend to have higher intent than viewers on shorter form platforms. There’s not as much competition for limited attention spans when compared with something like TikTok or Instagram Reels.

On the other hand, vlogs can be a valuable way to connect with your audience and bring some levity to your channel. I find that vlogs really help me keep the creative spark alive and also offer a fun glimpse behind the scenes to my audience.

We asked Latasha to share a few tips on video podcasting.

• Podcasting: shoot a wide enough shot that enables you to crop in for short-form content repurposing.
• Podcasting: use a high-quality microphone so you can use your video for podcasting platforms, too.
• Podcasting: think SEO first! Long-form content is great for evergreen, longtail keywords as opposed to quick, trending content.

She also shared three vlogging best practices to keep in mind when creating your content.

• Remember that everything is content. Take detail shots that you can insert later as B-roll and capture anything that catches your eye.
• Be mindful of your background. Avoid shooting people in compromising situations (i.e. at the beach) or children.
• Sound matters! Use a microphone to maintain consistent sound no matter the location you’re filming in.

It isn’t as difficult as one might think, to build a content strategy and becoming an authoritative voice in the space that a creator might already be working in. Latasha explains that a longer form content series like a video podcast will give you a lot of content that you can repurpose easily for short-form video like TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, in addition to email content and more.

She also says, “Most creators know more than they give themselves credit for, so start by googling, searching Reddit, or using a tool like AnswerThePublic.com for the main keyword you’d like to rank for. Take a look at some of the common searches and start crafting a podcast around each of them. You can do the same thing with your most commonly asked questions that may come in through your website forms, social media DMs, or email inbox.”

Why the Z 30 is a Vloggers Best Friend

Latasha regularly uses her Z 30, NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 lenses for vlogging, both on the go and when she records video at home. The Z 30 Creator’s Kit, which includes the Nikon ML-L7 Bluetooth Remote Control, a RØDE mic and a SmallRig tripod grip make recording herself super easy. “On the go, it acts as a monopod and remote that enables me to stabilize my camera and at home, it folds out into a tripod that I can set on my desk for quick vlog clips.”

I love the 12-28mm lens for creating dynamic vlogs! Since it’s wide angle, it captures all of the action and backgrounds that help tell the story, while maintaining focus on my face. And, I use I use the 24mm f/1.7 lens for creating cinematic shots with a soft, blurry background and sharp focus on the subject. This lens is perfect for video podcasts and talking head videos.

One of the features of the Z 30 that is really helpful to Latasha is the front red tally lamp or recording light. “I love the red light that stays on—on the front of the camera, which really helps for self-filming. Previously, I’ve wasted time thinking I was rolling when I wasn’t.”