DIY VIDEO: With fewer opportunities to step onto a real film set, this year is one where more and more users have opted to create their video content with the most accessible camera at their disposal – their smartphone. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: a smartphone is a perfectly useable means to create video content for yourself. The name of the game sometimes is just getting your content out, and in many contexts, if what you have to share is meaningful enough the quality can be lower like on a phone than on a professional-grade camera. That said, here are some of our tips to getting more out of your smartphone shooting.
Find a good spot to shoot in:
Look for a neutral background to shoot against – such as a solid white wall, or a clean space. Avoid clutter at all costs.
Equipment:
This one gets more people than you’d think. Ideally, you’ll want to shoot your video horizontally on a smartphone. Even better if you have a friend or colleague holding the phone. The reason for shooting with your phone on its side is because this will ultimately result in a larger frame on a laptop, on most social platforms. Shooting vertically means you’ll usually be met with those huge black bars on the left and right.
Deliver your content concisely:
This point is one of the most important and applies not just to video, but anything you deliver to an audience. Keep it short, and simple.
OTHER BEST PRACTICES FOR BEING ON CAMERA
Here are some recommendations to ensure you’re looking your best, and delivering your material well.
- Look straight into the camera and try not to let your eyes waver
- Give a nice smile at the beginning and end of your answer. Or better yet, all throughout! And give it some space before and after your take. Should you ever edit your own video, you’ll find that this will save a lot of headaches later on
- Try to use the camera on the back of the phone as this tends to have better quality than the front-facing “Selfie Cam.”
- Close the door, and find a space far from the sounds of construction, other people, etc.
LIGHTING
How you use your lighting is critical. Here are some simple steps to get a nice shine without any unwanted shadows.
- Try to use the natural daylight from a window, or find a well-lit room
- Avoid hard lighting or direct sunlight on your face
Do’s and Do Not’s of Lighting:
| Tip | Example |
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Do NOT position yourself that hard shadow appear on your face
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Do not have your main light directly behind you, as this creates a dark contrast on your body
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DO position yourself angled with, or directly in front of, your primary light source
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Interested in taking the next step with your self-made video content? Try out our course here and become and an in-house expert for video production!
Ready to take a hand at making your own video content? Check out our extensive online course to become your own DIY video making expert. Prefer to let a professional team handle your video content? Contact us here to get started with Arc and Crown Media!
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