5 Simple Tips to Shooting Your Own DIY video

Everyone is eager to create video content because of how effective it is at delivering messages across all social media platforms. According to TechInAsia, 68% of internet users in Singapore watch online videos every day. Producing video content could give your business a much-needed advantage.

Hiring a professional video crew would be ideal to help you in producing the best quality video. However, the core of any good video content is the message. And if you have a precise and concise message, all you need is a smartphone camera, a well-lit room and you’re good to go!

Here are Venuerific’s 5 Simple Steps to Shooting Your Own DIY Video.

1. Camera

Smartphone camera lensImage credit Mika Baumeister 

Get your video recording device of choice. Or in other words, just get your smartphone out. These days, the cameras on some of our smartphones are so good that the quality is comparable to professional cameras. However, to ensure the best quality, the video settings should be set to full HD or 1080p at least.

Camera orientation is important depending on which platform you are shooting for. For most platforms like Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, the camera orientation should be horizontal. If you are shooting for TikTok or Instagram story, your camera should be positioned vertically.

Vlogger shooting video of herselfImage credit Videoblocks

Once the camera positioning is decided stability is the next step. The ideal situation is if you had a tripod to hold your phone while filming but if you don’t, simply secure your phone to a stable surface, leaned against a box or something heavy for support, or even against a wall. Some people even improvise with the use of masking tapes or cable ties. But be very careful not to damage your phone. When positioning your device, you should ensure that it is at the eye level of the subject.

Another key tip is to select the subject in autofocus so that the exposure and focus do not keep shifting throughout the recording. 

 

2. Lights

Perfect studio lighting on modelImage credit @rw.studios

Lighting is a very important component in shooting a video. The better the lighting on the subject, the better your video turns out.

To begin with, shoot in a room that is already well lighted. You could allow natural lights in through windows or turn on the room lights, or both. If more focused lighting is required, you could use another light source, like a table lamp, flashlight or even the flashlight function on another phone. Direct the light towards the subject. 

Harsh studio lighting panning across face

Image credit Videoblocks

However, the use of focused lights may sometimes be a little harsh. In such a scenario, you could cover the light with a tissue or parchment paper to reduce harshness and provide a nice, balanced glow.

 

3. Audio Recording

Audio recording app on a Samsung s9+

Good audio is vital for delivering your message clearly. When you record with your primary recording device, it will pick up your voice but for better audio quality, it is best to have a secondary device dedicated to recording the audio. 

For this, you would need another smartphone. Every smartphone comes with an audio recording app. Open the app and place the device near the subject, with the microphone directed towards the mouth but out of the video frame, so that the audience cannot see it.

Lips talking

Image credit Videoblocks

The room in which you are recording should also be free of ambient noise. Try to make the environment as quiet as possible. Turn off any electronic devices or appliances that emit noise. 

 

4. Shooting

Camera mounted on tripod recording video of vlogger.

Here’s a pro tip before you proceed.

Once you’re ready to shoot, start recording on both the video and audio recording devices. The subject should look at the camera and clap once, wait for 2-3 seconds before starting to talk. 

At the end of your recording, wait for 2-3 seconds after the last sentence or action is performed before hitting the stop recording button. Repeat this process for every single take. These steps make it easy during the editing process in syncing the audio, video and transitions.

 

5. Editing

Adobe Premiere Pro on an iMac.Image credit Jakob Owens

The quality of editing can make or break your content’s success. With all the messaging in place, the right duration, the right amount of space between segments, the right transitions, audio effects, music are all vital in creating engaging content for your audience.

Sometimes, usage of animated text, infographics and lower thirds are important in sending the right message across. It is an advantage if you are familiar with video editing but with many video editing apps in the market providing free templates, you can easily edit your content and post it on social media. However, if you require personalisation and brand identity to reflect on your content, it is best to hire a professional editor that you can share your ideas and concepts with to achieve your desired goal.

This is where Venuerific can help, with our professional video editing services!

Shoot your own video with our guidance* and send us the raw footage.Our production team has produced over 300 videos and provides top-notch editing and animation services to raise your content to the next level. 

Furthermore, it comes with 1 hour of FREE consultation by the Production Director for optimised settings for shooting!

Well, looks like you’re all set. Now time to create some content!

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