Working from home has brought to light a few new trouble areas to navigate, including learning how to shoot great videos with your phone. Between constant video conference calls, video interviewing, and the ongoing hesitancy to gather in large groups still present, we’ve shifted to a very digital world. Although we may no longer see our world in 3D as often, that is no excuse to fall flat when it comes to your digital appearance.
Earlier, we talked about why video is an essential part of your marketing strategy. Now, let’s talk about how to do it. Producing professional-quality videos to promote your business and stay connected to your audience is easier now more than ever with just your smartphone — and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! Follow these easy tips for great lighting, sound, and filming to help shoot the best video on your smartphone.
Lighting
There is a reason the famous quote, “Lights, Camera, Action!” is in that order — good lighting is the start of it all; bad lighting can be a distraction from your message.
Start by placing a light source in front of you. Natural light is usually preferred, so if you have a window with good light coming in, we recommend readjusting your setup to have you facing the light source. If you cannot rearrange, cover the light source with curtains and use artificial lighting in front of you.
Artificial light, such as a ring light, can be a great replacement or supplement to your remote-work or home studio setup. Some even come with a tonal adjuster and dimmer so that you can adjust the lighting to best suit your skin tone or balance out competing light sources in the room. However, if budget is a problem, try adjusting your phone’s features and camera settings, including brightness level or focal point, to change the lighting directly from your device.
Audio
Sound is another huge element to the success of your videos. Extraneous noise pulls focus from your message and can turn viewers off. A few key points to consider when creating videos are background noise, audio input, and planning.
- Dampen echoes and background noises by using soft surfaces to absorb excess sound (e.g., blankets, rugs, or soundproofing).
- Use a microphone or headphones that come with a built-in microphone. A good investment is a lapel microphone that attaches to your phone and clips onto the lapel of your interviewee.
- Silence your devices and watch for loud noises while recording (e.g., clapping, typing, slamming hands down on a table, etc.).
- Always opt to record at a time when there is very little traffic or outdoor noise going on.
Script
Planning your messaging and what you want to communicate to your audience with your video is crucial to its success. The internet loves candid moments occasionally sprinkled in; however, not having an end goal with your content can lead to mixed messages.
Questions to ask yourself before starting: What are you aiming to accomplish with your video? Teach? Advertise? Broadcast? Entertain? Who are you trying to reach? It’s necessary to know your goal and your audience.
Lastly, write a script. This will help you stay focused and keep your message concise. You can always use the script as a rough layout and then fill in the gaps from point A to B, but it will help you stay on track.
Apply these tips and tricks during your next content creation session and see the difference it makes when shooting great videos with your phone. Happy Recording!
And if you still have questions or need help, contact us today. We would love to help!
