Content is King in the Marketing world, and Video is one of the most engaging forms of content you can get. Obviously there are professional videographers who shoot amazing things, but there are many situations where shooting your own video is necessary. We’ve put together some tips and tricks as to how you can make sure that this video content still looks slick, professional and gets your message across, even if you’re shooting it on your phone! These tips also apply to things like zoom calls/interviews, and can help you make the most of this new normal of all things video conferencing.
Sound is key
Sound is one of the most important parts of video, and you want to make sure that the only sounds in the video are ones that you add – your voice, voiceover, music etc. Find the quietest spot you can to limit background noise and be sure to avoid spots with echos. Invest in a microphone, it won’t break the bank and it makes a significant difference compared to the one on your iPhone.
Lights, camera, action!
The right lighting adds another level of professionalism to a home video. Squinting your eyes to get through a dimly lit video is not ideal. There are affordable lighting solutions that would be worth the investment if you’re shooting content regularly, however this isn’t the only option. Natural lighting is a great choice if you use it correctly. If shooting outside, ensure you have a quiet space with limited shadows. If shooting inside, find the brightest room and spend a day assessing where the sun is at what time, and what time of day would work best. Generally morning and evening have a softer, more flattering light and fewer shadows.
Show your best side
Kidding, but angles are critical. No one wants to look up your nose in your video, or be focusing on the top of your head. You want the viewer to be looking straight at you as they would if they were sitting across from you in person. Use a tripod if you have one, or make one out of a stack of books. This will also help you avoid any shakiness in the video. Also remember to try to be as natural as possible, and smile!
Make the most of your phone camera
If you have a camera, great! If not, your phone camera can generally still do a good job, if you use it correctly. Remember to:
- Always use the back camera, it takes better quality video.
- Use the grid feature if you have one when setting up, this will make sure your tripod or makeshift stand is keeping the phone straight.
- Record in landscape (horizontal) mode, this will give you more flexibility with the footage later.
Plan your content
Plan your video as much as you can in advance, think about what message you want to get across and the best way to achieve that. Write a script if you need to, and remember to keep your video brief and to the point. Consumers are served hundreds of pieces of content every day, you want to capture their attention and hold it. And most importantly, do a test run. Or do 5 test runs, however many you need until you feel confident and natural.
Choose your setting
Remember people can see what is behind and around you, so ensure you have a nice clean background when shooting. The best option is a solid coloured wall to avoid distraction. This is increasingly important on video conferencing calls, don’t get too comfortable and decide to take that zoom call laying in bed.
If you’re taking the time to shoot video content for your brand, you want it to be as professional looking as possible, and hopefully these tips will help you achieve that! You should be proud of any content associated with your brand.
Get in touch with us for more tips on shooting your own video content. Or if you haven’t ventured into video for your brand yet, it doesn’t have to be daunting, we can help you plan and capture your content!