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I realize that not every business has a budget for hiring a professional video crew to create your web videos (though this is something you should be aspiring to!) and doing it yourself is sometimes the only option. I recently had a business associate sheepishly confide in me that he and his partner tried to shoot some videos of themselves for their website, and they were extremely unhappy with the outcome. The lighting was unflattering and the sound was inaudible.
While only a professional camera and lighting can really make you shine, sometimes DIY video is your most economical option. Lately, I've noticed a lot of videos that could use some small tweaks to exponentially up the quality. Below, some quick and inexpensive tips for improving your DIY video.
Know Your Angle
I don't mean knowing which is your most flattering side. This tip is directed right at you iPhone users! Firstly, I would like to state that I don't care if the iPhone claims to shoot HD video-- the quality will simply never be the same as even a decent camera that does one thing: shoot video. Ever hear the term "Jack of all trades, but master of none"? That's the iPhone. If you do insist on using your iPhone, please make sure you hold it sideways! Think of the shape of your TV- it's wider than it is tall. This is the angle you need to have to make your video match the shape of the devices it will be viewed on: a TV, computer screen, or the YouTube video window.
Keep it Steady
Don't try to hand hold your recording device whether it be a camera or a phone. Unless you're a practiced pro, holding a camera steady sounds a lot easier than it really is, and you won't realize what a shaky hand you have until you watch the video back. You don't need an expensive tripod to get a steady image. Literally, a pile of telephone books on a desk and a stapler to lean the camera up against will do the job. Remember, no one will know that you rigged a tripod, but if you try to go hand held everyone will see the shaky result.
Don't Just Focus on the Picture
I know it's called "video" but the audio is at least as important as the picture, isn't it? You really need to use an external microphone to get decent sound. A lavalier microphone (the kind that clips to your tie) is your best bet. You can pick up a cheap one at Best Buy for about $30, and it is well worth the expense.
Every single one of these pointers is inspired by at least one DIY video I've personally seen in the past few weeks. While I always stress that professional video will show you in the best light (as I always say, "A professionally produced video can draw clients in just as easily as a poorly produced one can drive them away") if you must do it yourself hopefully these tips will help.
Remember the associates I mentioned earlier who learned the hard way that shooting video is trickier than it seems? Long story short, they are my new best clients!
While only a professional camera and lighting can really make you shine, sometimes DIY video is your most economical option. Lately, I've noticed a lot of videos that could use some small tweaks to exponentially up the quality. Below, some quick and inexpensive tips for improving your DIY video.
Know Your Angle
I don't mean knowing which is your most flattering side. This tip is directed right at you iPhone users! Firstly, I would like to state that I don't care if the iPhone claims to shoot HD video-- the quality will simply never be the same as even a decent camera that does one thing: shoot video. Ever hear the term "Jack of all trades, but master of none"? That's the iPhone. If you do insist on using your iPhone, please make sure you hold it sideways! Think of the shape of your TV- it's wider than it is tall. This is the angle you need to have to make your video match the shape of the devices it will be viewed on: a TV, computer screen, or the YouTube video window.
Keep it Steady
Don't try to hand hold your recording device whether it be a camera or a phone. Unless you're a practiced pro, holding a camera steady sounds a lot easier than it really is, and you won't realize what a shaky hand you have until you watch the video back. You don't need an expensive tripod to get a steady image. Literally, a pile of telephone books on a desk and a stapler to lean the camera up against will do the job. Remember, no one will know that you rigged a tripod, but if you try to go hand held everyone will see the shaky result.
Don't Just Focus on the Picture
I know it's called "video" but the audio is at least as important as the picture, isn't it? You really need to use an external microphone to get decent sound. A lavalier microphone (the kind that clips to your tie) is your best bet. You can pick up a cheap one at Best Buy for about $30, and it is well worth the expense.
Every single one of these pointers is inspired by at least one DIY video I've personally seen in the past few weeks. While I always stress that professional video will show you in the best light (as I always say, "A professionally produced video can draw clients in just as easily as a poorly produced one can drive them away") if you must do it yourself hopefully these tips will help.
Remember the associates I mentioned earlier who learned the hard way that shooting video is trickier than it seems? Long story short, they are my new best clients!
