Self-Recorded Video Guide
Make the most of a self-recorded session. Below are a few guidelines to consider when setting up your own video shoot: Location, Sound, Lights, Camera and Action.
Location
The location becomes an extension of your presence online so choose one that is as aesthetically pleasing as possible. If your space isn’t particularly photogenic you might try using Zoom’s background replacement feature with a designed background.
Sound
Sound is often the most overlooked part of video but it’s the most critical part of this kind of communication. It’s worth taking the time to get it right. Its a good idea to let others around you know that you're just about to start filming. If other family members are in the house then be sure to close the door.
- Find a quiet location free of distractions.
- Mute or turn off any devices that may make a sound such as your phone or your computer.
- If you're outside consider the following
- How windy it is? That wind might completely blow through your audio.
- How loud are the birds? At SIUE the geese are so loud we struggle to film anything outside during breeding season.
- Are the neighbors outside? Will they be playing with loud distracting power tools in a minute?
- If you're at home and your neighbor is about to start their lawnmower, wait until they finish and shut any windows.
Lights
- Facing natural light from a large window is preferred over using a lamp.
- The camera should be placed somewhere between you and the light source. Imagine the camera you're facing is at 12 o'clock. Lights work best anywhere between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. If it's too far to the side it likely wont be effective.
- Ensure the light is at least three feet in front of you, at eye level or just slightly higher than your head. Avoid sitting directly under a light. This is especially true with recessed lighting which can be the most unflattering light in your home.
- Look in the monitor. If you’re squinting without a relaxed face, then the light is too bright. Try adjusting one of the following:
- Pull a shade over the light.
- Turn the light so that it bounces off a nearby wall instead.
- If it's a bare bulb it will likely need to be placed further away.
Camera
It's likely that you're filming with your laptop camera and your laptop is probably sitting on the table. A camera this low and close a person makes them look distorted. This angle is unflattering for just about everyone.
- Raise the camera lens to a height somewhere between the bottom of your chin and eye level. The easiest way to raise the camera would be to place a few books under your laptop or monitor.
- Make sure your head is completely in the frame with room to spare on all sides.
- Check for any distracting items you are wearing or in your background.
Action
Most people aren’t cinematographers. Give yourself the time to learn. Do your best. An hour spent applying these guidelines is guaranteed to make you look and sound better in the future.
- Plan on speaking for no more than 1-2 minutes. Shorter videos almost always do better than longer ones.
- If you are delivering a speech, reduce your script to a simple outline. A script will make you want to read the page rather than express yourself naturally. It might be helpful to write a script as an exercise but when it’s time to record, use only an outline as reference. Your goal is to connect with the viewer and they'll need to see your eyes to do that.
- Strive to look in to the camera. The lens can be intimidating at first. Imagine you have a tiny best friend sitting inside the lens and they can't wait to hear what you have to say. Seriously. Hold this in your mind and it will help you through the awkward feeling of starting your speech.
- If you're incorporating other software in to your presentation, give yourself time to become familiar with the controls. Often this can be reduced to a keyboard arrow button or mouse click. The click of a mouse is much louder than the keyboard and may take your audience out of the moment. Try to use the keyboards arrow keys or perhaps set up your outline so it’s fully in view on screen.
- Keep mobile in mind. If you will be presenting content/slides in your video we recommend switching between you and the content/slide to get a full-view experience.
- Captions are required for accessibility. If you will be pre-recording your video, be sure to include captions. You can easily do this using Techsmith Relay. ITS can provide support if you should have any issues.
