Recording yourself on video can be a daunting task on a number of fronts especially if you’re new to the world of video content creation.
It doesn’t really matter whether you’re doing it to create a vlog, a tutorial or some other type of presentation there are several factors to consider to ensure that your videos look and sound professional.
So here are some things you should try to keep in mind when doing this.
Investing in the right equipment is crucial for creating high-quality videos however you don’t need to break the bank in doing so.
Start off modestly, learn the tools you have very well and only when you have exhausted all possibilities go for more professional equipment.
Remember that even if someone gave you a $300,000 Panavision camera you would still not be able to get good footage because the camera is just a tool.
The key is in the person operating the tool knowing what they are doing!
Nowadays most smartphones have decent if not excellent cameras that can produce good-quality high definition videos.
Yes, investing in a dedicated digital camera whether it is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) or MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera) with video capabilities will offer better image quality.
On top of that they have more precise manual controls and a wide range of lenses to choose from however they come with a steep learning curve.
The goal here is to get started and not become engaged in an endless learning runway.
Audio quality is just as important as video quality and some would argue that it is even more important.
Using the built-in microphone on your camera or smartphone will often result in poor audio quality especially in noisy environments.
These microphones are designed to pick up everything and the bad news is they do!
An external microphone such as a lavalier mic or a shotgun mic to capture clear and crisp audio is vital and again no need to break the bank on this one.
$20 to $40 on a lavalier or shotgun mic like these ones is more than enough to do the job.
Boya Lavalier Microphone and Boya Shotgun Microphone
Proper lighting will make a huge difference in the quality of your videos especially if you are using a smartphone or a cheaper camera.
These devices will have a lower ability to deal with low light or challenging lighting conditions.
Natural lighting can be great but it’s not always consistent or controllable.
You can invest in some basic lighting equipment such as LED panels or softboxes to ensure consistent and flattering lighting.
Your recording space can significantly impact the overall quality of your videos as well as making the entire recording experience smoother and faster.
Having to set up and break down a recording area every time you shoot can get very tedious, very fast!
Choose a place that is quiet, well-lit, free from distractions and if at all possible does not have too many hard surfaces that can “bounce” sound around.
Background noise can be a major distraction in your videos so try to record in a quiet room or use noise-canceling equipment to minimize unwanted sounds.
Fans and air conditioning can be used to cool the room but when you are ready to shoot, turn them off.
Your background can either enhance or detract from your video’s overall appeal.
Consider setting up a simple backdrop or creating a visually appealing space that complements the topic of your video.
Most modern video editing software will allow you to use Green Screen to replace your background with anything you like.
While this sound appealing it relies heavily on a very good green screen setup for shooting with careful attention being needed for lighting the green screen itself.
If the green screen itself is not lit perfectly then the effect of adding the background can appear fake or unnatural so be careful with this one.
Proper framing is essential for creating a professional-looking video so make sure you have planned out what you are going to do before you shoot.
An example of this is that you shoot yourself front on in the center of the frame.
That’s all fine until you want to perhaps add some text or an illustrative image as an overlay to add further information to your presentation.
That text or image has to go somewhere in the frame but with you centered it has to go either to your left, your right or below you with the result appearing cluttered or “squashed in.”
Experiment with different camera angles and positions to find the most flattering angle for your subject but most of all shoot with the final edit in mind.
Preparation is key to creating a successful video so take the time to plan your content, practice your delivery and ensure that you’re comfortable in front of the camera.
Having a script or outline will help you stay focused and organized during your recording.
Speaking to a camera is a very unnatural activity and it is easy to get lost in the whole process an forget where you are in the presentation.
Having at least an outline in front of you can help you stay on track and focused.
This is especially important if you’re creating educational or instructional videos where the audience needs to be able to follow along with you in a logical manner.
Practicing your delivery can help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera and can help you identify potential scripting issues or areas that need improvement before you start recording.
Writing a script or outline and reading it silently to yourself is no match for actually reciting out loud because that’s when the inconsistencies or mistakes will be revealed.
If you struggle with memorizing scripts or staying on track you might want to consider using a teleprompter.
This can help you deliver your content smoothly while maintaining eye contact with the camera.
Very reasonably priced solutions are available these days and are a great way of smoothing out your delivery.
Audio quality is often overlooked but it can make or break your video and this cannot be stressed enough.
There is an old adage in the world of video that the most important part of video is audio!
Just about any audience will forgive substandard video if the content is good.
What is never forgiven is bad audio.
As mentioned earlier, using an external microphone will significantly improve your audio quality compared to built-in microphones.
Pay attention to your audio levels during recording to ensure that your voice is neither too loud nor too quiet.
Most cameras and recording software have audio monitoring tools to help you maintain optimal levels and in fact most camera apps for smartphones also offer this feature.
Audio that it too quiet can be boosted in editing software up to a point but if it is too quiet there will be a level where distortion will start to be introduced and you don’t want that.
Conversely audio that had been recorded too loud with already have distortion in it and it is almost impossible to remove that distortion.
Try to record in a quiet environment or use noise-canceling techniques to minimize ambient noise, such as turning off fans, closing windows, and eliminating other sources of background noise.
Indoors try to set up in an area where you do not have a lot of open space, bare walls, uncovered floors and ceilings.
That sort of setup will result in what is called “room echo” or “reverb.”
What it actually is is the sound of your voice hitting those surfaces and bouncing back to the microphone milliseconds after you have spoken.
The result is that kind of booming “empty room” sound that is very unappealing to an audience.
Proper lighting and framing can elevate the overall quality and professionalism of your videos.
The three-point lighting technique involves using a key light (main light source), a fill light (to reduce shadows), and a backlight (to separate the subject from the background).
This technique can create a more flattering and professional-looking image and you would do well to check out some online tutorials on the subject.
You don’t actually have to have three professional lights to pull it off.
It can be achieved with one main light, a window with natural light coming in and a well lit wall behind you to get separation.
You can save a lot of money but learning how to execute this technique with what you have!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different camera angles and framing techniques.
Try shooting from different heights, distances and perspectives to find the most visually appealing and engaging shots.
You can also shoot your presentation or at least parts of it twice with the second “take” being used to change the angle when you get into the editing stage.
Additionally you can shoot in 4K then edit your project into 1080p which will allow you to zoom in and out without losing quality.
Editing is an essential step in the video creation process allowing you to polish your videos, add visual elements and create a cohesive and engaging final product.
Invest in a good video editing software, such as CyberlInk PowerDirector, Filmora, Movavi or VideoStudio.
These programs offer a wide range of features and tools to help you enhance your videos.
Transitions and visual effects can help make your videos more dynamic and engaging.
However it is best to think of these as seasoning rather than the meal itself.
Use them sparingly and appropriately remembering they are designed to further the story and retain attention not distract the viewer from your content.
Color correction and grading can help improve the overall look and feel of your videos.
These techniques can enhance colors, adjust exposure and create a consistent visual style throughout your video.
Titles and graphics can help provide context, highlight important information and make your videos more visually appealing.
Building a connection with your audience is essential for creating a successful video presence. Encourage engagement and interaction.
Take the time to respond to comments and questions from your audience.
This shows that you value their feedback and helps build a stronger connection with your viewers.
Actively seek feedback from your audience.
Ask them what they liked or didn’t like about your videos and use that feedback to improve your content and delivery.
Don’t get all offended if people criticize your content.
If you are posting online it is inevitable that there will be both constructive and non-constructive criticism.
When you receive any criticism look at it objectively and ask yourself if the person is genuinely trying to be of assistance or if they are just trying to troll you and get a reaction.
If it is constructive, take the it onboard and use it to improve.
If it is just trolling, ignore and move on with your life.
Consider collaborations by reaching out to other creators or industry experts.
You would be surprised at just how many successful creators are more than willing to spend their time in helping others.
Building a successful video presence takes time, consistency, and persistence.
Consistency is key when it comes to building and maintaining an audience so establish a regular upload schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
A large part of this is looking over your process for creating a video from start to finish and even withing it out as a bullet point list.
Identify actions that can be automated or turned into a repeatable process or even created as a template for all future projects.
Don’t get discouraged if your early videos don’t perform as well as you’d hoped.
Just keep going but as you do analyze what works and what doesn’t and using that information continuously strive to improve your content and delivery.
Passion and authenticity go a long way in connecting with your audience so stay true to your interests and personality and let your enthusiasm for your topic shine through in your videos.
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