How To Self-Shoot

October 1, 2024
Let’s be real—self-shooting can be a bit tricky. Whether you’re vlogging, recording a presentation, or capturing content for social media, there’s nothing worse than poor lighting, muffled audio, or accidentally showing off something you’d rather not! 


But don’t fear, with a few simple tricks, you’ll be well on your way to capturing great video.


We Need to SEE You 


First things first: lighting. Ever noticed how some videos look way too dark? That’s usually because the person’s blocking the light, leaving their face in shadow. When filming, make sure you're facing the light, not the other way around. Trust us—this makes a world of difference. 


So, park yourself in front of a window or grab a lamp to light up your beautiful face. Watch how much clearer, brighter, and more professional you look.


We Need to HEAR You 


Filming outside? Nature can be your worst enemy when it comes to sound. Wind, traffic, birds… they all want to be part of your video, but you need to keep their cameo roles to a minimum. When possible, film inside a quiet space to make sure your voice is the star of the show. If you're outside, try to find a sheltered spot to minimise noise distractions.


Hold That Phone Like a Pro 


Ah, the classic debate, portrait or landscape? For most video platforms (and if you're planning to edit the footage later), landscape is the way to go. It fits screens better and gives your footage a more polished, professional feel. 


While holding your phone vertically might be second nature for texting and scrolling social media, it's usually best to go horizontal unless asked otherwise by a Producer. Turn it sideways, and you’ll instantly improve the look of your shot.

Stabilise Your Shot 


No need to hold your phone by hand the whole time. A budget-friendly tripod can do wonders for stability, but if you don’t have one, no worries! Simply stack some books, use a solid surface, or get creative with whatever’s handy to keep your phone steady. The less movement, the better your video will look.


Watch Your Background 


Try to avoid a plain wall behind you—it’s a bit boring. But also keep an eye out for what’s in the frame. Any laundry baskets or clutter you’d rather not show the world? Make sure your background is tidy but visually interesting.


Whether you're recording with your phone or webcam, background noise can be a real video killer. Try to keep your filming space as quiet as possible to avoid distractions. Close any nearby windows and keep the door shut. No one wants to hear the neighbour's dog barking mid-recording.


Webcam? Same Rules Apply! 

 

If you’re recording on a webcam, all the same principles still count. Face the light, find a steady surface, and make sure your background looks good. Just because it’s a webcam doesn’t mean you can slack on the details.


Self-shooting doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tricks and a bit of attention to detail, you’ll be producing quality videos in no time. Whether it’s for work, fun, or something in between, you’ve got this! To find out tips and tricks, visit our blog or get in touch with our team.

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