This blog article was written prior to LEO Learning becoming part of GP Strategies.
Large-scale, broadcast-standard video productions may not be feasible for your organization, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still create video content that resonates with your learners. Adapting your video content requires flexibility, but the good news is you don’t need to be a pro to make it work. Individual contributors can record messages that form a powerful part of your learning blend.
Interviews, hints and tips videos, and leadership messages can all be recorded and delivered at distance. If you’re interested in bringing a professional feel to your efforts, these tips on video recording will help you polish your content.
Setting Up Your Home Studio
While you don’t need a fancy studio space, putting some thought into how and where you shoot will greatly improve the quality of your videos.
Essential Equipment
Use Your Phone, Not a Webcam
Modern-day mobile phones tend to produce much better image quality than a webcam on a laptop, so use these where possible. Phones are, of course, small and portable, giving you greater flexibility in positioning them and creating the best possible framing for your video. And flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to finding the best spot possible for a home recording.
Make Sure you Record in Landscape
The dimensions of a landscape screen are similar to a standard filming frame (1920×1080). This immediately gives a more professional output compared to shooting in portrait orientation.
Stabilize Your Device for a Steady Recording
A video with too much motion can be hard to watch, so make sure your phone is static when recording. A degree of lenience towards overall quality tends to be given for home recordings, but a shaky image is hard to ignore. There are a variety of commercial phone stands and mounts that are made specifically for shooting video, although you can achieve the same effect by propping your phone up with books or resting it against a mug. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure that the device is securely positioned and is not tipping backward or forwards.
Choosing the Best Location
When filming, be mindful of what’s in your background. Shooting with a white wall or plain backdrop can look dull, while unnecessary clutter can distract your viewer. Utilize colorful spaces and interesting interiors.
It is likely you’ll be using the phone or tablet microphone when recording, which means you need a quiet space. It’s recommended that you film inside to avoid as much background noise as possible (we’ll cover more on audio quality below).
Set Up to Allow for Depth of Field
To get the best image possible, you need to create depth of field. This will help separate your subject from the background. If possible, place the subject roughly six feet away from the background. Standing too close to a wall will put everything in focus, when all you want in focus is the person on camera, with the background blurred out.
The camera should be roughly three feet away from the subject, with the interviewee stationed around six feet away from the background wall.
Improving Video Quality
Now that you have set up your home studio, it’s time to focus on the quality of your videos. These video recording tips will help you improve how your content looks and sounds.
Lighting Tips
Shooting in a room with a window is an effective way of obtaining enough light for your interview. The use of natural light will also help you avoid unwanted color hues that may appear with artificial lighting. Be sure that the window is out of shot, ideally to the left or right side of the subject’s face, and, whatever you do, do not place your subject directly in front of the window, as they will appear silhouetted.
Camera Placement
The camera on the back of a phone or tablet is almost always better than the one on the front, meaning if you are the subject of the video, you won’t be able to see yourself.
To get around this, get your camera set up and take a few photos using the countdown timer to make sure you’re positioned correctly. You ideally want to be centered in the frame, with just your head and shoulders in shot, although you may want to play with the placement of your subject in the frame (more on that below).
Enhancing Audio Quality
Choosing the Right Location for Audio
Try to give yourself some space when recording video. A small room can create a “boxy” sound with reverberation or echo, so finding a decent-sized room is better. It’s also important to remember that bare walls and empty rooms without furniture will create a stark sound. Your best bet is to record in a room with plenty of soft furnishings to help “deaden” the audio.
Best Microphones
Whether it’s an external microphone or one in a phone, tablet, or laptop, try to find the best distance from it. Ideally, the speaker’s mouth should be about a foot away from the microphone. With an external microphone, this may mean mounting it on a stand. When shooting, be sure to pay close attention so that the microphone does not appear in the frame.
Reducing Background Noise
We get used to the hustle and bustle in our lives, to the point where we’ve learned to ignore certain background noises. Make sure you are in the quietest spot you can find, avoiding places with recurring or “sudden” noise pollution.
Filming Techniques
Performing for a camera may not come naturally to everyone, but these next tips are always worth remembering, whether your subject is a seasoned pro or just starting out.
Framing and Composition
Off-center compositions can be more interesting than placing your subject in the center of the frame. You can make your videos more visually appealing by using the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds divides the frame into a nine-panel grid. Placing your subject along the intersection points of this grid will help you balance your subject with negative space to create visual interest.
Appearing in Front of the Camera
Bringing the right energy to your clips will have a significant impact on the success of your approach. Your subject normally won’t be on screen for very long, so make it count by making sure that they are:
- Clear
- Energized
- Emphatic
Consider the differences in tone between an academic lecture, a radio ad, and reading a child’s story. They all have very different pacing and energy. Consider what’s right for you, your message, and for your audience.
Make Sure the Subject is Comfortable
When someone is filming you, it can be intimidating. Have your subject take their time when speaking to the camera and don’t worry about executing everything perfectly in one take. The beginning and the end of your clips can be cropped, leaving the “meat” in the middle. So, give your subject a moment before they start speaking to collect their thoughts and focus. Any extra footage at the beginning and end of your recording can easily be cut.
Optimizing Your Home Filming Setup
Creating quality videos does not require a professional studio or advanced equipment. By focusing on key aspects like lighting, audio, and framing, you can produce engaging content that resonates with your audience. These tips will help you elevate the quality of your videos, making them more polished and impactful. With a little preparation and attention to detail, your home videos can achieve professional-grade results.
Are you interested in upgrading your video efforts? Our team of video specialists can help bring your learning content to life.
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