D.I.Y. Video Tips

Step #1. Framing Your Shot

Set yourself up for success by placing your camera and subject correctly.

• Stabilize your camera on a hard surface or with an affordable tripod and phone clamp mount. Shaky video is an unacceptable amateur move — and it's easily avoided!
• Place the camera at your subject's eye level
• Frame the shot by placing your subjects head near (but not at) the top of the window. They should have some "head room" between the top of their head and the top of the frame. Too much head room makes your subject look short. Not enough head room makes them look cramped. Find that middle ground.
• Center your subject in the frame
• Have your subject look directly into the lens

Step #2. Find Good Lighting

Good lighting immediately separates the pros from the amateurs. You literally want to cast your subject in the best possible light. If you don't have a studio light, you can easily find your own natural light.

• Find a big, soft light source like a window. Find one where the sun is not shining directly through. Direct light will create really hard (harsh) unflattering shadows on the face.
• Stand directly in front of the light source for even lighting. Don't put it behind you or right beside you. You can, however, slightly angle the light to one side for a more dynamic look.

Step #3. Capture good audio

This step often goes overlooked, but it is arguably one of the most important!

• Consider using a lav (clip-on) microphone for the best quality, isolated sound. Your on-camera mic will always capture more room echo and background noise.
• Find a quite space to record. Before you begin, take a moment to listen for background noise, talking coworkers, or road noise. You may even want to turn off your AC temporarily.

So there you have it! Video isn't just for the pros. You too can create a clear, engaging casual video with our top D.I.Y. video tips.

As always, let us know if you have any questions about scripting, editing, or using professional video to up your own marketing.