What to Consider Before Recording Digital Videos
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich
You got those pre-recording jitters - nerves are pulsing through your body and you’re not sure you can do this. First off, yes, you can! Secondly, no one will notice any mistakes you make and you can always re-record if something is truly atrocious. And thirdly, double-check this list before you press that record button.
Let’s ensure your digital video recording experience is superb!
This checklist will help you feel extra confident as you press record and make the most of your video shoot.
Audio
Checklist for recording digital videos: audio choices
Getting good audio can be even more important than getting good video. There are some audio issues that can’t be fixed in editing (I’m looking at you, echos!) so here are some tips to getting the clearest audio you possibly can.
You could go so far as to record under a blanket (for audio-only recordings, of course)!
Record in a location that doesn’t have a lot of hard surfaces (e.g. a room that does not have hardwood, stone, or tiles). Sound will bounce off those surfaces and echo in the recording. If it’s not possible to record in a place with soft surfaces, put down blankets and pillows around you to muffle the sounds a bit.
Record using a microphone, such as a wired or wireless lavalier mic or use discrete headphones with a mic (like Airpods). Here are two options for lavalier mics: these simple ones with a USB-C plug or these ones for iPhones.
Ideally, clip the mic about 12” from your mouth. The clip often has jagged edges so don’t wear a shirt that might catch on it - we’re not trying to ruin anyone’s favorite shirt today, thankyouverymuch!
Make sure your shirt or jewelry doesn’t rub against the mic or your hands don’t hit it when you gesture.
If you don’t have an external microphone, you can record using a voice recorder app on your smartphone while you record the video footage and an editor can sync up the two.
Place your smartphone off screen next to you, maybe a foot or two max from your mouth. Some people have kept their phone in their shirt pocket to capture audio, if you’re wearing a button-down shirt.
Clap once before each new take - this helps the editor sync up the audio and video precisely.
Make sure to mute all devices that make noise or get notifications before recording.
If you’re recording on your laptop, make sure to mute notifications from any instant messaging platform (e.g. Slack, Teams, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, etc.).
Recording at least 3 takes is ideal, although 4-5 takes would not be excessive. You just never know which take will be the keeper!
Lighting
Checklist for recording digital videos: lighting setup
After audio, great lighting is another vital part of getting a solid video recording.
Natural lighting that’s soft and not direct is the best lighting.
Keep a big window in front or to the side of the camera. This might mean that you have to record in a location where you don’t normally work, but it’s okay because your face will look amazing.
If you have access to a ring light, use it! It will light your face attractively. If you normally wear glasses, just know that a ring light can reflect on glasses and be distracting.
You may have to add in extra light to banish shadows and dark spots. Strategically placed lamps are great for this.
Camera location
Checklist for recording digital videos: camera location and background
Keep your camera at your eye level. Use boxes, containers, jars, upturned baskets, or anything stable to raise your webcam or laptop camera to the right height. You don’t want people to be looking up your nose and you don’t want to be too far away from the camera either.
Good luck trying to borrow a box from your kitty to prop up your web cam though!
Background
Make sure your background is simple and uncluttered.
Keep your pets in a different room while recording.
However, if your pet will howl or scratch at the door when separated and will settle down quietly with you, keep them with you as long as you can avoid cuddling them.
Also, plan for a few more takes because invariably, one will be interrupted by dog sighs or cats knocking things off tables (ask me how I know 😉).
Wardrobe Suggestions
Checklist for recording digital videos: outfit choices
As a clothing maker and sewist, I know that a great outfit can give you a confidence boost and really make your recording stand out.
Stay away from bold patterns and prints like stripes, plaids, zig zags, florals, and dots. I’ve been known to wear a polka dot on camera and the world didn’t implode so… use your best judgement here!
The best colors on camera are solid and rich colors.
Avoid bright white or black. Colors that aren’t quite white, but are light may work better such as light grey, beige, pale pink, etc.
Wear a color that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Avoid wearing clothes with logos on them.
Choose a color for your shirt that will contrast with your background (e.g. don’t wear a light grey shirt if your background is grey).
Consider how much of your body will be seen on camera (e.g. are you shooting the waist up or whole body) and plan your outfit accordingly.
With those tips and tricks, you’ll be going into your video shoot with confidence and style. I can’t wait to see what you create!
One last thing
If you liked the blog videos in this post and want to do something similar with your own blog posts or landing pages, check out my blog-to-video services via this blog post or this page.
