How to Build a Categories Page that Links to a List of All Your Posts

I posed this question to chatgpt.com

I need a page that list the categories using the ["catlist"] shortcode and when you click on the category it sends you to a page that I create. I have the List Category Plugin installed.

 (https://wordpress.org/plugins/list-category-posts/) 

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

If you want to use the [catlist] shortcode to list categories, and then have each category link to a custom page that you've created for each category, you'll need to implement a few custom solutions in WordPress. The [catlist] shortcode from the List Category Posts plugin is typically used to list posts within a category, not to list categories themselves. However, you can achieve your goal by combining some custom page setups and possibly some custom coding or additional shortcodes.

Here's a step-by-step method to achieve this:

Step 1: Create Custom Pages for Each Category

First, you will need to create a custom page for each category. Here’s how you can do it:

Create a Page: Go to your WordPress dashboard, and under Pages, click "Add New" to create a new page.

Name the Page: Name the page after the category (e.g., "Travel", "Technology").

Add Content or Shortcodes: Use the [catlist] shortcode to list posts from the specific category on each page. The shortcode might look like [catlist categoryname="Travel"] on the Travel page.

Publish Each Page: Make sure each page is published and note the URL of each page.

Step 2: Create a Main Categories Listing Page

Now, create a main page where all categories will be listed:

Create Another New Page: This will be your main category listing page.

Manually Add Links: Unfortunately, [catlist] does not support listing categories directly. You'll need to manually add links to each category page you created. You can format it with HTML or a visual builder depending on your preference:htmlCopy code<ul> <li><a href="/path-to-travel-page/">Travel</a></li> <li><a href="/path-to-technology-page/">Technology</a></li> <!-- Add more categories as needed --> </ul>

Publish the Page: After adding all category links, publish this page.

Step 3: Use a Plugin or Custom Code (Optional)

If you prefer a more dynamic solution that automatically updates when new categories are added, you might need a custom shortcode or a different plugin. Here’s a basic PHP function to create a shortcode that lists category links dynamically:

function list_categories_with_links() {    $categories = get_categories();
    $output = '<ul>';
    foreach ($categories as $category) {
        $page_link = get_site_url() . '/' . sanitize_title($category->name); // Ensure this URL matches your category page URLs
        $output .= '<li><a href="' . esc_url($page_link) . '">' . esc_html($category->name) . '</a></li>';
    }
    $output .= '</ul>';
    return $output;
}
add_shortcode('catlinks', 'list_categories_with_links');

Add this code to your theme’s functions.php file. You can then use the shortcode [catlinks] on any page to generate a list of all categories with links to their respective custom pages.

Step 4: Adjust Permalinks (Optional)

Ensure your permalink structure supports clean URLs for your category pages. You might set permalinks to "Post name" in Settings > Permalinks.

Final Testing

After setting up everything:

Visit your main category listing page to ensure all categories are listed and links are correct.

Click each link to ensure it takes you to the correct category page.

This setup provides a manual but straightforward way to link category lists to custom category pages in WordPress. If you're looking for more automation (especially useful for sites with many categories), considering a custom solution or exploring plugins that might offer dynamic listing capabilities might be necessary.

Here is the results: https://jeffcannon.us/all-articles-by-category

Create a Category Page Listing all Your Posts

I wanted to create a page in WordPress for all my categories and which using my plugin, inserting the following shortcode: [catlist name=%category%] where %category% is the category name. I asked chatgpt.com for help. I have the List Category Plugin installed.

 (https://wordpress.org/plugins/list-category-posts/) 

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

In WordPress, you can automate the creation of a page that lists posts from all categories using a plugin like List Category Posts, which seems like you're already using based on the shortcode you provided ([catlist name=%category%]). However, dynamically inserting the category name into the shortcode for each category on a single page requires a bit more customization. Here’s a step-by-step approach to achieve this:

Step 1: Create a Custom Page Template

Access Your Theme Directory: Use an FTP client or the File Manager in your hosting control panel to navigate to your theme's folder, usually located in wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/.

Create a New PHP File: Create a new PHP file for your custom page template. You might name it page-categories.php.

Add Template Name Header: At the top of your new file, add the following PHP code to define it as a custom page template

<?php /* Template Name: All Categories Page */ get_header(); ?>

Step 2: Insert PHP Code to List Categories

In your custom page template, you'll use WordPress functions to fetch and list all categories, and then dynamically insert each category into the shortcode. Below the header, add this PHP code:

<div id="primary" class="content-area">
    <main id="main" class="site-main">
    <?php
    $categories = get_categories();
    foreach ($categories as $category) {
        echo '<h2>' . $category->name . '</h2>';
        echo do_shortcode('[catlist name="' . $category->slug . '"]');
    }
    ?>
    </main><!-- #main -->
</div><!-- #primary -->

This script does the following:

Fetches all the categories.

Loops through each category.

Prints the category name as a header.

Uses do_shortcode to process the catlist shortcode for each category by slug.

Step 3: Use the Custom Page Template

Create a New Page: Go to your WordPress admin dashboard, create a new page, and name it appropriately (e.g., "All Categories").

Select Your Custom Template: In the Page Attributes section, select "All Categories Page" from the Template dropdown menu.

Publish the Page: Publish your new page.

Step 4: Test Your Page

Visit the page you created on your live site to ensure that it displays all categories correctly and lists posts under each category as expected.

This solution automates the process within the confines of your WordPress theme and should serve the purpose of listing posts by category dynamically on a single page.

Here is the result: https://jeffcannon.us/all-categories/

How to Capture Professional Location Footage: A Videographer’s Guide

Location filming can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can create compelling footage regardless of your equipment or setting. Here are the essential elements covered in this comprehensive guide:

  1. Establishing Shots
  • Start with wide shots that give viewers context about the location
  • Avoid close-up shots that don’t provide enough environmental information
  • Position key subjects using the rule of thirds for better composition
  • Consider using a wide-angle lens or stepping back to capture more of the scene
  1. Shot Variety
  • Include a mix of wide shots, mid shots, and close-up details
  • Plan your shots in advance when possible
  • Capture more footage than you think you’ll need to ensure adequate coverage
  • Use different perspectives to maintain viewer interest
  1. Camera Movement
  • Keep footage smooth and stable unless intentionally going for a handheld look
  • Use stabilization equipment (tripod, slider, or gimbal) when needed
  • Incorporate basic camera moves like:
    • Push forward movements
    • Slider reveals
    • Jib shots
    • Orbital movements
  1. Depth and Foreground
  • Add visual interest by incorporating foreground elements
  • Use natural elements like trees or architecture to frame shots
  • Combine camera movement with foreground elements for more dynamic reveals
  • Create layers within your shots for added visual depth
  1. Cutaway Shots
  • Film supplementary shots that complement your main subject
  • Use cutaways to maintain audience engagement
  • Incorporate environmental elements to show context
  • Help improve pacing through strategic use of cutaway shots
  1. Storytelling Structure
  • Create a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Open with a strong establishing shot
  • Build the middle section with varied shots showing different aspects
  • End with an intentional closing shot (like a pull-away or drone shot)
  • Consider using transitions like fade to black for closure

The guide emphasizes that these techniques can be applied with any camera equipment, even a smartphone, making them accessible to filmmakers at all levels. The key is to focus on composition, movement, and storytelling rather than relying on expensive gear to create professional-looking location footage.

Source:

5 Proven Strategies for Rapid YouTube Channel Growth

Growing a successful YouTube channel requires more than just hitting record and hoping for the best. Here are the essential strategies that can help accelerate your channel’s growth:

  1. Strategic Video Ideation
  • Research topics people are actively searching for using YouTube’s search bar autocomplete
  • Focus on specific, niche topics rather than broad subjects
  • Create titles before recording to ensure clear audience targeting
  • Use tools like VidIQ or YouTube Studio’s research section to find high-search, low-competition topics
  1. Craft Compelling Hooks
  • Create strong openings that address viewer problems or pique curiosity
  • Get to the point quickly – avoid unnecessary introductions
  • Use the first 30 seconds effectively with engaging visuals and sound
  • Script your hooks carefully to ensure clear, concise delivery
  1. Optimize Watch Time
  • Keep content concise and valuable throughout the video
  • Organize information in clear, digestible segments
  • Use transitions and effects to maintain engagement
  • Always recommend another video at the end to encourage continued watching
  • Find the right balance between video length and content depth
  1. Focus on Quality Audio and Editing
  • Invest in good audio equipment – poor sound quality drives viewers away
  • Use professional background music and sound effects
  • Edit out unnecessary pauses and rambling
  • Develop a consistent editing style that matches your brand
  • Use quality editing software (free options like DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, or iMovie work well)
  1. Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails
  • Use high-quality, appealing images
  • Make text large and easily readable on mobile devices
  • Include clear branding elements
  • Use contrasting colors and strategic design elements like arrows
  • Maintain consistency across your channel’s thumbnails

The key to success is implementing these strategies consistently while focusing on creating value for your audience. Remember that quality content combined with strategic presentation will help your channel grow more effectively than rushing out poorly planned videos.

Source:

https://youtu.be/ks5B7wtfYvw?si=SQR11WYVs_6kF3lV

7 Creative Smartphone Gimbal Moves for Professional-Looking B-Roll

A smartphone gimbal can transform casual footage into professional-looking B-roll. Here are seven essential gimbal techniques that can elevate your video production:

  1. Match Cut Transitions
  • Track the subject from the side while keeping them centered
  • Film the same movement in different locations
  • When edited together, creates a seamless environment change around the subject
  1. Tracking Shot Variations
  • Film from multiple angles: front, behind, high, and low
  • Vary the speed between fast and slow tracking
  • Combine different angles in editing for dynamic sequences
  1. Wipe Transitions
  • Use foreground elements like trees to naturally wipe through the frame
  • Film a matching reveal shot at a new location
  • Can be enhanced with masking and keyframes in post-production
  1. 180-Degree Orbit
  • Circle around the subject while keeping them centered
  • Film both clockwise and counterclockwise movements
  • Use different lenses (wide and standard) for variety
  1. Vortex Mode
  • Use the gimbal’s vortex mode for spinning movements
  • Combine push-forward and pull-back shots
  • Add speed ramping in editing for dramatic effect
  1. Extension Pole Techniques
  • Use a long extension pole to mimic crane or jib shots
  • Create aerial-style shots from elevated positions
  • Incorporate foreground elements for added depth
  1. Black Frame Transitions
  • End and begin consecutive shots with black frames
  • Creates clean transitions between scenes
  • Can be combined with extension pole shots for dramatic reveals

The real magic happens in post-production, where these shots are enhanced with careful editing, color grading, music, and sound effects. Proper sound design, including ambient noise and transition effects, helps create mood and emphasize movement. These techniques can significantly elevate the production value of smartphone footage, making it suitable for professional-quality videos.

Music Source: epidemicsound.com

Source:

How to Edit a Cinematic Travel Video: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a cinematic travel video requires careful planning, editing, and attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to help you craft a captivating short film that resonates with your audience.

1. Clip Selection and Visual Editing

  • Start by reviewing your footage and trimming it down to the most engaging moments.
  • Look for dynamic shots with movement, such as a bike passing or birds flying against a scenic backdrop.
  • Ensure smooth transitions between clips by paying attention to the direction of panning or movement within the shots.
  • Organize your timeline with only the best clips, and delete the unnecessary ones to focus on the strongest visuals.

2. Building the Hook

  • The first few seconds are crucial for grabbing the audience’s attention.
  • Craft a sequence with rapid cuts and engaging visuals that immediately communicate your video’s setting and theme.
  • Integrate dynamic clips like people, iconic landmarks, and action shots, making the audience want to re-watch for details.

3. Choosing and Syncing Music

  • Music sets the tone and enhances the emotional impact of your video. Select subtle tracks that don’t overpower the visuals.
  • Lay the music track on your timeline and start syncing clips to the rhythm, enhancing the flow of the video.
  • If you need specific sound effects, platforms like Epidemic Sound can provide soundtracks tailored to your video’s mood.

4. Sound Design and Effects

  • Use natural sound effects like traffic, nature, and city sounds to add authenticity.
  • Add creative sound effects such as risers, whooshes, or subtle transitions to boost the cinematic experience.
  • Always make sure the audio levels are balanced and don’t peak or distort.

5. Color Grading

  • Color grading is essential to give your video a polished, cinematic look. Apply LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to create a consistent, stylized aesthetic.
  • Adjust colors to match the mood of your video, whether you want a warm, bright vibe or a cooler, moody feel.
  • For a professional look, apply the color grade to an adjustment layer for consistency across clips.

By following these steps—clip selection, creating a strong hook, choosing the right music, enhancing with sound design, and applying color grading—you’ll be able to transform raw footage into a cinematic travel video that captivates your viewers.

Source:

How to Shoot Cinematic Travel Videos on Your Phone: 5 Essential Tips

A comprehensive guide for creating professional-looking travel videos using just your smartphone. Here are the key techniques:

  1. Celebrate Your Location
  • Focus on unique elements that define the place (landmarks, cultural icons)
  • Use seasonal elements and foreground objects to add depth
  • Think in layers to create more interesting compositions
  1. Master Camera Movement
  • Use two-handed push-forward shots for smooth motion
  • Follow moving subjects (vehicles, birds) while keeping them centered
  • Capture flags for natural movement and sound opportunities
  1. Keep Clips Short
  • Limit shots to 5-10 seconds maximum
  • Use brief clips to maintain energy and viewer engagement
  • Focus on capturing different angles rather than long takes
  1. Create Dynamic Transitions
  • Film custom transition shots (quick pans in busy areas)
  • Use whip pans following fast-moving subjects
  • Incorporate sound effects and music to enhance transitions
  1. Include People
  • Add human elements to make footage more relatable
  • Ask locals to participate when possible
  • Use pedestrians and crowds for natural movement and creative transitions

Additional Tip: Carry a portable power bank to avoid battery issues during extended shoots.

The key to success is combining these techniques with appropriate music and sound effects during editing to create a cohesive, engaging final product.

Source:

10 Essential Video Editing Tips for Better Content

Video editing can transform ordinary footage into compelling content. Here are the key techniques:

  1. Organization: Create clear folder structures for footage, music, and assets to streamline workflow
  2. Speed Ramping: Gradually accelerate or decelerate clips for dynamic transitions, adding motion blur for natural look
  3. Ken Burns Effect: Add subtle zooms to static shots to create movement and guide viewer attention
  4. Sound Effects: Use whooshes, ambient sounds, and effects to enhance transitions and add production value
  5. Music Selection: Choose appropriate tracks to set mood and atmosphere – same footage can convey different emotions
  6. Creative Transitions: Go beyond basic cuts with meaningful transitions that serve storytelling purposes
  7. J and L Cuts: Overlap audio between clips (J-cut: hear next scene before seeing it; L-cut: previous audio continues)
  8. Templates/Presets: Save time with pre-built effects for logos, titles, and color grading
  9. Jump Cuts: Remove dead space to maintain pace and viewer engagement
  10. Music Editing: Create shortened versions of tracks that end naturally by finding matching beats

These techniques can elevate production quality while maintaining viewer engagement. Their effectiveness comes from thoughtful application that serves the story rather than just adding effects for their own sake.

Reference video from YouTube:

10 Common Video Editing Mistakes to Avoid

Video editors, especially beginners, often make mistakes that can detract from their final product. Here are the key mistakes to avoid:

  1. Overusing transitions: Transitions should serve a creative purpose and help progress the story, not just be used for visual flair.
  2. Poor organization: Keep footage, music, and assets organized in dedicated folders before importing into editing software.
  3. Editing with distractions: Work in a distraction-free environment to achieve flow state and better creative decisions.
  4. Neglecting B-roll: Use supplementary footage to add visual interest and support the main footage.
  5. Poor pacing and storytelling: Avoid maintaining the same pace throughout. Create narrative arcs and remove unnecessary shots that don’t serve the story.
  6. Inappropriate music choices: Select music that matches the tone and emotion of your scene.
  7. Ignoring sound effects: Use sound effects to create realism and enhance viewer immersion.
  8. Poor color grading: Maintain consistent colors and natural skin tones. Avoid over-saturation or excessive desaturation.
  9. Using cheap-looking graphics: Invest in quality motion graphics templates for a professional finish.
  10. Breaking the 180-degree rule: Keep the camera on one side of the action for clearer visual flow, unless intentionally breaking this rule for style.

These guidelines help create more professional and engaging video content while maintaining good storytelling principles.

From the Video:

Mastering Low-Light Videography: Turning Darkness into Art

Shooting in low light can be both a thrilling challenge and an opportunity to create stunning, atmospheric images that stand apart from the ordinary. Whether you’re capturing the warm glow of a city at night, the magic of a candlelit scene, or the mystery of shadows, low-light photography pushes the boundaries of creativity and technique. It’s not just about cranking up your ISO or relying on artificial light—it’s about embracing the mood, finding unique compositions, and using the available light to tell a story.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential tips, tools, and techniques to help you capture captivating photos even when the lights are dim. Get ready to transform the way you approach photography in the dark! Following are some videos and guides I have found to help you get the best shots in low lighting.


In this video Jeven Dovey discusses how to shoot in low light and reduce noise. The video explains that noise in your footage comes from bumping up your ISO, which is how sensitive your sensor is to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the sensor is to light, which means it takes less light to make an image. However, this also means that the image will be noisier. The video then goes on to explain how to avoid noise by using the correct settings on your camera. These settings include keeping your ISO at its base, not going above double that of your shutter speed, and using lenses that open up super wide. The video also explains that you can find areas that have some light to help you get a good exposure. Finally, the video explains that you can use color grading to bring up the exposure in post, but this will also bring up the noise level.

Key Points:

Here’s a summary of the document on shooting low-light photography:

The key to capturing clear night footage without excessive noise involves understanding and managing the exposure triangle: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

Key Recommendations:

  1. ISO Management
  • Keep ISO at its base level (around 800 for many cameras)
  • Avoid bumping up ISO, as this introduces noise
  • Most cameras produce noisy images at higher ISOs
  1. Shutter Speed
  • Maintain shutter speed at 1/60 for 30 fps or 1/48 for 24 fps
  • Staying at this speed provides cinematic motion blur
  • Slower speeds can create excessive motion blur
  • Can adjust slightly depending on subject movement
  1. Aperture
  • Use prime lenses with wide apertures (1.2 or wider)
  • Wider apertures allow more light without increasing ISO
  • Primes also encourage more intentional filmmaking by forcing you to physically move and think about shot composition

Practical Shooting Tips:

  • Seek out areas with some existing light
  • Cannot shoot in completely pitch-black environments
  • Avoid trying to dramatically increase exposure in post-production, as this will amplify noise

The overall goal is to maximize light intake through lens and camera settings while keeping ISO as low as possible to maintain image quality.

For Action cameras consider this:

Action Camera Low-Light Shooting Modifications:

  1. ISO Management
  • Action cameras typically have fixed, smaller sensors, so noise is more pronounced
  • Look for the camera’s native/base ISO (for Osmo Action 5, likely around 200-400)
  • Avoid pushing ISO beyond 800 if possible
  • Consider using the camera’s built-in noise reduction settings carefully
  1. Shutter Speed
  • Action cameras often have fewer manual controls
  • If possible, use 1/60 or 1/120 sec shutter speeds for smoother motion
  • Some action cameras have automatic shutter adjustment
  • Use “Low Light” or night modes if available
  1. Lens/Aperture Considerations
  • Unlike traditional cameras, action cameras have fixed apertures
  • Rely more on:
  • Positioning near light sources
  • Using camera’s built-in low-light optimization
  • Avoiding direct backlighting
  • Using external light sources when possible

Additional Action Camera Specific Tips:

  • Use the widest lens setting (typically the default)
  • Enable any image stabilization features
  • Check if your specific model has a dedicated night/low-light mode
  • Consider using manual white balance in low light
  • Use a tripod or stable mount to reduce motion blur
  • Avoid digital zoom, which can degrade image quality

Limitations to Accept:

  • Action cameras will never match full-size camera low-light performance
  • Some noise is inevitable in very dark conditions
  • Expect some quality loss compared to professional cameras

Experimental Techniques:

  • Try using the camera’s RAW mode if available for better post-processing
  • Experiment with different scene modes
  • Use external LED lights or smartphone lights to supplement lighting

Osmo Action 5 Specific Low-Light Strategies:

  1. Camera Specifications
  • Sensor: 1/1.7-inch sensor (larger than many previous action cameras)
  • Native ISO range: Likely 100-3200
  • Recommended max usable ISO: Probably around 1600-2000 before significant noise
  1. Camera Settings
  • Night Mode: Use the dedicated low-light shooting mode
  • Pro mode: Manually adjust:
    • ISO: Keep under 1600 if possible
    • Shutter speed: 1/60 to 1/120 sec
    • White balance: Use preset night/tungsten settings or manual
  • Consider using D-Log M color profile for better dynamic range in low light
  1. Shooting Techniques
  • Avoid complete darkness
  • Seek out:
    • Street lights
    • Ambient city glow
    • Reflected light sources
  • Use steady, deliberate movements
  • Mount on a stabilizer or use built-in stabilization
  • Position near light sources when possible
  1. Post-Processing
  • Use DJI Mimo app’s noise reduction tools
  • Avoid extreme exposure adjustments
  • Use color grading carefully to minimize noise introduction
  1. Accessories to Consider
  • External LED light attachments
  • Waterproof housing with minimal light interference
  • Neutral density filters for controlling exposure

Unique Osmo Action 5 Advantages:

  • Excellent electronic image stabilization
  • Dual screens for precise framing
  • Robust low-light performance compared to previous action camera generations

Limitations to Understand:

  • Still a small sensor camera
  • Cannot match full-frame or mirrorless camera low-light performance
  • Some noise will be inevitable in very dark conditions