Internet Connection
- If possible, connect online via an ethernet cable
– If not, use a high-speed Wi-Fi connection.
- Make sure you’re in a quiet location.
- If possible, ask everyone connected to your WI- FI to avoid streaming on Hulu, YouTube, and any other streaming platforms.
Desktop and Laptop Setup
Camera: USB webcam or a camera built into your device.
Microphone: A desktop microphone or a microphone that is built into your device. If you are using a desktop microphone, place it close to you. That way it can pick up your voice clearly.
Light source: Natural light source, room lights, or webcam light. If there isn’t enough natural light be sure to place a lamp or webcam light directly behind the camera.
Cell Phone Setup
- To avoid shaky footage, don’t hold your phone in your hand while you are recording yourself.
- Use a tripod or a ring light with a smartphone holder. Set your stand up on a steady level surface.
- Keep your smartphone camera at eye level.
- A microphone isn’t necessary, but it will help if you have one.
*Note: For those who don’t have a tripod you can watch CNETs video on easy phone stand DIY solutions. (link)
Optimize Zoom Recordings for Editing
- Log in to your Zoom app.
- Click on your profile photo in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to Settings > Recording in the menu.
- Check all the boxes listed below. Once done, click Save to apply your changes.
Best Location
- Pick a quiet spot with plenty of sunlight or indoor lighting.
- If you’re going to sit down for the video, use a chair that doesn’t swivel or squeak.
- Avoid places that have an echo. For example rooms with hardwood flooring, tile, bathrooms, etc.
- Turn off any fans or air conditioners to minimize noise.
- Pick a non-distracting background.
Lighting
- Ideally you should film yourself in daylight.
- If you’re indoors, position yourself so that the windows are facing you.
- Avoid overhead lighting and backlight.
- Don’t use your phone’s flash. Clipon ring lights are a good option.
- If you’re indoors and there isn’t enough natural light, you could position two lamps at 45-degree angles in front of your face and place your smartphone in the middle.
- Pay attention to your lighting if its too dark no one will be able to see you and if its to bright the screen will be white.
Video Composition
Shoot in landscape mode
- A video shot in landscape format fits well on large screens.
Pay attention to your screen
- Don’t hold the camera so close that your face fills up the entire frame.
- Position the camera where it captures your head and chest.
- Look into the camera and position yourself in the center of the screen.
- Leave space for the top of your head in the video.
Appearance
- Plan your outfit ahead of time.
- Don’t wear clothes that blend in with the background.
- Avoid patterns like stripes and polka dots.
- Do not wear shiny outfits.
- Keep accessories such as jewelry to a minimum.
- Wear comfortable clothing that isn’t too big or small.
- Natural style makeup is the least distracting.
- Simple hairstyles will help the audience focus on what you saying.
Recording
- Have an idea of what you want to say before you hit the record button. It may help to write it down ahead of time.
- Take three deep breaths before hitting the record button. It will help you relax.
- After you hit the record button, wait five seconds then speak. This will ensure the full opening remarks are captured on camera.
- When you are done talking, pause for five seconds then hit stop the recording.
