How To Shoot Video Like A Pro
With Your Cell Phone
April 2020
Ever look at somebody’s video feed when the camera was way too close, or at an awful angle? Or, what about when the subject of the video is completely in the shadows? In a time when social distancing is prevalent and live streaming is crucial to both social and business interactions, here’s a few hints on how to make your video look like a pro created it!
OUTDOOR SHOOTING
Avoid shooting in direct sunlight. This can cause the subject to squint and it also can cast unflattering shadows onto the face. Look for areas of open shade instead. Shooting your video on a cloudy or overcast day will also help to diffuse the natural light.
Find an interesting background. You want to create depth in the shot. Get creative!
Magic Hour – Shoot your video as the sun is coming up or as the sun is setting if possible. This is the most flattering light of the day.
Avoid noisy or busy areas when choosing a location to film. Audio is really important so you will want to choose a quiet location.
LIGHTING
One of the most important things about shooting video is having proper lighting. If possible, natural lighting is best, but if shooting outside isn’t an option, then consider shooting in a room that has a window with natural light coming through it. If neither of these work for you, you’ll need some type of artificial lighting that is NOT overhead florescent lighting in the office. No one looks good in those lights!
ANGLE
You want the person(s) you’re recording to seem as though they’re looking the viewer in the eye. This means that you want the lens to be at eye level and that you are not shooting from too high up or from down below. You may have to set the phone on a stack of books to get it to just the right height. If you’re shooting yourself with an iPhone or Android, check to see which side of the phone has the camera lens and look directly at that. People often forget which side the lens is on, and they are left with a video where the subject is looking “off camera.” Be sure the phone is level. Position yourself so that your face is toward the available light – so if you’re near a window, have the window behind the phone, with you looking toward the phone and window OR use a desk lamp, but bounce it off the wall onto your face. Never sit with your back against a window. People often have their phone crooked, at a slight angle relative to the doorframe or window or picture behind them. This is psychologically unsettling for the viewer. Distance is key. Be at a medium distance from the phone. People often set up close, so their hands are huge, or their face is warped. The viewer should be able to see your full head, shoulders & upper torso. Include your full face avoid having it so the top of your head is cropped, leave a bit of margin between the top of your head and the top of the screen.
ORIENTATION
Shooting horizontally is the best standard practice as it produces a wide-format video which is the best for viewing on a computer screen.
SCRIPTED OR NOT?
The best viewed videos are usually the ones that are the most natural, so that would mean non-scripted. However, that doesn’t mean you should trip and stumble through your recording. At a minimum, still write down bullets of the points that you want to make. This does a few things: It ensures that you cover everything, and it will keep you focused, on point. It also makes you less prone to rambling which cuts down on the number of times that you have to re-shoot the same video. You probably will want to use a script when you have a lot of information to get across that needs to be accurate or needs to have a more professional feel to it such as one that will reside on your corporate website. There are teleprompter apps you can download that will make this easier, but you’ll need to set up your camera and the “teleprompter” in such a way that it’s not so obvious that you’re reading. Doing several run-throughs of the script will also help with this.
KEEP IT SHORT
Your video should not be more than two minutes long. Attention spans are getting shorter and shorter every day, and you only have about seven seconds to get them interested and keep them watching. Additionally, depending on the platform you are using, there may be limitations as to how long your videos can be. Just because you CAN post a long video doesn’t mean you SHOULD. It is more effective to film a short video that gets the point across quickly than one that drags on for what seems like forever.
PERSONALITY
You want your video to be upbeat and engaging, so don’t be afraid to be your most genuine self. This can even mean that the person who “should” be delivering the video may not actually be the best person for the job. If their energy level is low, or if they’re soft spoken, or speak in a monotone, it will come across in your video.
AUDIO
Poor sound quality can easily be avoided if you just add an external microphone. if you’re not using a microphone, the sound is going to bounce all over the place, even if you are sitting right in front of the camera. Use a smart phone friendly wireless lavaliere microphone or a desktop microphone set up a little off to the side. Earbuds are a better option than nothing at all if you do not have access to microphones. This will make a world of difference in the quality of your video and how long people will actually watch it!
For more information on Live Streaming, click here
Wardrobe Do’s And Don’ts
What you wear should be an essential part of the planning process. Some items look better on camera than others. Plus, certain fabrics can actually pose technical challenges. Below is a list of guidelines for what works and what doesn’t when preparing for your shoot. As a rule of thumb always have two or three wardrobe options ready to go for your shoot. While you may be the star, always remember that your outfit plays a supporting role!
CHOOSE WARMING COLORS
Colors like teal, cobalt, purple and coral pop on screen. For women, wearing a top in one of these bright shades will really warm up your face. For men, neckties are your best opportunity to deliver a punch of color.
AVOID WHITE, RED & ALL BLACK OUTFITS
All three of these colors pose technical problems. A small amount of white is okay peeking out from under a jacket and tie, but your best bet is to opt for a light blue. Black can look too dark or “crushed.” The definition of your garment will be lost, so you’ll look shapeless. Bright red sometimes “bleeds” on camera, giving off a slight, hazy halo.
STICK TO SOLIDS
Big patterns are too distracting. Remember, the focus should be on you, not your outfit. Alternately, small, tight patterns (including even the subtlest plaid pattern in a suit jacket) can “buzz” on camera. On a necktie, opt for a medium-sized pattern, like stripes.
KEEP IT CLASSIC
Choose an outfit that will stand the test of time. Avoid any trends that will make the video look dated down the road. Always steer clear of shiny fabrics. Choose simple classic clothing. Sleeveless or short sleeves without a jacket should also be avoided.
KEEP JEWELRY SIMPLE
Dangly jewelry isn’t just visually distracting; it’s loud. Microphones will pick up your bangle bracelets or jangly earrings. Stick to studs and forgo the bracelets.
DON’T MAKE BIG CHANGES BEFORE A SHOOT
If you’re “casting” certain people to be in your video, make sure they understand that their style and appearance is one of the reasons they were selected and major makeovers before the shoot are unnecessary.
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