Video Recording Tips For Employees (Part Two)

In our second post about Video Recording Tips For Employees we are going to focus on something that can be often overlooked when shooting a video which is camera placement and keeping the camera steady. You want to create an authentic video but avoid the faux pas of the bad selfie or have your video move so much the viewer thinks they are in the Blair Witch Project.  
‍

Camera Angle

The camera angle is one of the most important aspects of creating a great video. Framing yourself in the center with the right height allows the viewer to feel like they are having a conversation with you. This will require you to raise your camera (or phone) up from your desk so you don't have the dreaded up angle that gives viewers a sneak peek into your nostrils and keeps your chins from multiplying.

Quick Tips:

• Raising the camera to slightly above eye level adds definition and has a slimming effect (goodbye double chin!)
• Raising the camera too high will make you look miniature, too low will give you a double chin
  
  
  
  ‍

‍

Camera Distance

Along with your camera angle, checking your camera distance and doing a trial run before your shoot can help you achieve a great video. You want to make sure that people can see you clearly but not be so close that you become blurry and distorted.

Quick Tips:

• Position the camera so that it frames you from your chest to slightly above your head
• Prop your camera on a shelf, tripod or DIY phone stand to keep the camera steady, then back up to the right distance
• When in doubt - be at least an arms distance away from the camera

‍


‍

Eye contact:

Good eye contact helps you to build trust and create a connection with the viewer, even before you start speaking. You want to make sure that you are engaging your audience as if they are right in front of you. Reversely having too much eye contact can come off as intimidating or make your audience uncomfortable.

Quick Tips:

• When recording, look at the camera lens or slightly above, but don't look at the screen
• If you find it difficult to maintain eye contact, try placing a sticker or indicator next to the camera to catch your attention

The perfect framing can attract or distract your viewers from your video. Making sure to be mindful of angles and distance will help you create more engaging videos using your phone.  Keep following Jamyr for more tips on how to look good on camera, next up we are talking about how speaking clearly and body language performance can shape the overall mode of your video.

‍

See more Video Recording Tips for Employees in Part 1 and Part 3 of this series.

‍