SYOV - Shoot Your Own Video

 

You've already got a great camera in your smartphone so it makes sense to use it when possible.

 

There are certainly times when you should hire a pro (and we're happy to help) but If you need something more professional than a handheld shot under questionable lighting, it's still not difficult to shoot the video yourself and get markedly improved results by following a few simple tips. 

 

Shooting is one thing. Editing another. So put your focus on shooting to get good quality and let us handle the editing if you don't have time for that. 

 

Our shooting tips assume you are the subject of your video, but the same general rules apply when shooting someone else, places or things. 

 

Let me know if you'd like more of these tips.

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RULE #1 - DON'T RUSH

Haste makes waste is especially true when capturing high quality video that makes you look good. But if you're really pressed for time - scroll to the end of this article.

 

STEADY UP 

Steady your shots with a tripod unless you've got to be moving to follow the action OR if you want that free-form, always active and moving look. 

 

For a steadier shot when hand-held, keep the phone close to your body (extended arms amplify movement). Find something to brace your elbows or body - a table, car top, street sign, fire hydrant. I've even used garbage cans and one time, a cooperative cow.

 

SOFT LIGHTS, PLEASE

Choose a spot with lots of natural light, NOT including direct sun if you are shooting a person. Indirect sun, such as shade on the north side of a building, can be great.  

 

AND PLEASE - NO BACK LIGHT

Don't sit or stand in front of a window or you'll look like a silhouette. There is a purpose for something called a "back light." We'll discuss in more advanced SYOV tips.

 

NO SELFIES

Don't use the selfie-lens if you want to look your best and get the best possible video. The selfie lens produces lower quality video and is often a mirror image.

 

DON'T ZOOM 

Position the camera rather zoom in to compose your shot. You'll have better resolution and higher video quality. 

 

SOUND GOOD 

This goes with not zooming. My iPhone has amazingly good sound when I do two things - position the camera within 20 inches of myself, and record in a quiet room, free of background sounds and outside noise. Clap your hands to check for echo. Listen carefully to check for HVAC noise and outside sounds. Rooms with lots of soft surfaces like carpets, couches and curtains often have great acoustics. Like a bedroom. Note - audio editing software can eliminate various background noises - especially those that are continuous. But the best sound is free of extraneous audio.

 

LOCK IN EXPOSURE 

This will keep exposure (and possibly focus) from changing in mid-shot. Here's how:

 

iPhone: Touch and hold the focus area until you see AE/AF Lock; tap the screen to unlock.

 

Android: Tap and hold on the area of the screen where you want to focus, which usually locks both focus and exposure. You might see a dedicated exposure lock option in your camera settings as well. 

 

TRANSFER TIME

Don't text or email your footage from your phone. It will be compressed during the process, lowering quality. Instead, plug your phone into your computer OR use AirDrop, if you're using an iPhone. (My personal favorite).  

 

EDITING 

Why bother? Send your video to me via WeTransfer or DropBox and I can edit it for you - as simple or complex as you wish. We can add spiffy animated graphics and titles, music, sound effects, stock footage, stock photos, motion graphic effects and more!

 

RULE #1 - WORTH REPEATING

 

DON'T RUSH -  But let's be practical. You might be in a hurry.

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Here's the Cliff Notes version Quick Start Guide:

 

• Turn on all room lights. Open curtains or blinds if it helps light the room.

• Sit at a desk or table in front of a nice background that's not a window. 

• Hit the selfie button (Yea, I know I said not to - but you're in a hurry!)

• Prop the phone up - about 15-20 inches away from you on a stack of books (or use a small tripod if available.)

• Frame your shot.

• Smile, hit the ON button and record. 

• For best on-camera presence and eye contact, look at camera lens, on the edge of the camera, while talking. Not sure where it is? Move your finger in front of all the spots where you think it is until you find it. 

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Dennis Dean is Chief Creative Officer, Head Chef and Bottle Washer at Story Vision Video. He may be reached by phone, text, email and now and then by shouting.

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