While it is best to use a professional camera crew to film your Melbourne video productions, we understand that sometimes it isn’t an option. A short social media post or blog update may not require an experienced crew to get your message out, but there can be dangers even with this format.

Poor lighting, sound or composition might result in a bad video, which can damage your brand and business. In order to get the most out of your DIY video, here are a few simple tips to make sure your video is as good as it can be.

To get the best result from your lighting, first make sure that the subject is not sitting between the camera and the brightest light source. Because most non-professionals use the auto-exposure setting, if you have a bright light source behind the subject, they will turn out dark in the camera. This also applies to shooting with a window in the background.

Try to use a three point lighting set-up. The key light (brightest light) illuminating one side of the subject face, a fill light (second light) on the opposite side of the subject, and a back light be placed just outside of frame and highlighting the subjects head and shoulders.

You don’t need an expensive professional camera to get good results. Even cameraphones are now recording great quality video, as long as you can find another way to capture sound (keep reading for more about sound).

Framing

Though it might sound obvious, use a clean and tidy room to shoot in. Don’t have coffee cups and messy books in the background or on a desk in front of you. Choose your location appropriately to the message you want to convey.

In the camera frame, the subject should be a little to one side of shot, without touching the side of frame and there should be a little bit of space between the top of the subjects head and the top of frame. Not too much space, but just enough to not be touching the edge of the frame. The eyes of the subject should sit roughly 1/3rd of the way down the shot. This will be much more professional and comfortable to look at aesthetically.

Sound

Where at all possible, do not use in-built microphones on cameras for your DIY video. Sound is important and in-built microphones do not sound good. Use a lapel microphone that can be hooked onto the subject’s collar, or use a boom microphone that should sit just outside the frame, but as close as possible to the subject.

Also, try to make sure you choose a quiet room to shoot in. City streets can be noisy, so try to choose a space away from high-traffic roads. Turn off any air-conditioning or loud computers that aren’t necessary to your shoot. This will make sure your sound is as clear and noise free as possible.

 

Delivery

Be yourself. Don’t try to act like you think you should be acting. Though it is good to show enthusiasm for the topic you are presenting, the audience will pick up on it if you are being inauthentic or fake.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to shoot a good DIY video when a professional camera crew isn’t able to be used.

If you want to hire a professional and experienced Australian camera crew for your next video, or have any questions, please contact us today.