Fantastic footage is the foundation of a great video. And this is what you want to achieve even if you are using just a smartphone.
While a film crew with professional cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and an unlimited supply of accessories may make video footage look and sound professional, sometimes all you need is the smartphone in your pocket and a few useful items from around the house.
Every successive phone generation introduces additional features, like increased resolution, improved low-light performance, enhanced picture stabilization, more lens options, and improved sound quality.
You might need to film videos from home now and then. Don't be shy, take out your phone. You can do it!
How to Get Your Phone Ready
- Before starting filming, clean your lens. I must emphasize this! Your phone's lens is frequently fairly dirty or smudged because it is in an area where it is likely to be touched. Your phone's hardware will produce the sharpest video if you clean it with a non-abrasive cleaning like a microfiber cloth.
- Improve the resolution. The majority of cameras can capture in 4K or 1080 HD. HD is sufficient for the majority of projects, but if you or your editor intend to zoom in during post-production, choose 4K to acquire a clearer image. Just keep in mind that your files will be significantly bigger.
- Change the frame rate. TV broadcasts must adhere to a standard of 30 frames per second (fps). But if you believe you'll need to slow down the clip and want something clearer, select 60 fps, which is meant to record situations with a lot of motion and activity.
Go to settings > camera > record video > 1080p at 30 frames per second or 4K at 30 frames per second for iPhones.
Open camera > video > settings > 30 fps for the majority of Android/Pixel gadgets.
Make sure the camera is set at full resolution by clicking the settings option.
Setting Up Your Scene
- Lighting: If at all possible, use natural lighting. During the day, the best locations are either in the shade or indoors in front of a window—note that the window should be behind your camera, not behind you. Steer clear of bright, intense lighting. It's probably too bright if you have to squint. Unless you're looking for that eerie vibe, avoid appearing backlit at all costs. Shoot outside in the morning or at dusk for the most attractive lighting that you can achieve without any equipment.
- Angle: Hold or set the camera at eye level when taking a self-portrait. In this manner, it appears as though you are speaking to the viewer.
- Orientation: Since the introduction of cinema, the landscape has been the preferred orientation since it best captures how humans perceive the world. However, the vertical axis is now crucial, particularly when watching movies on mobile devices and social media apps. Consider the level of formality you want to achieve. Shoot in the landscape if you want to share this movie with a film team or publish it on YouTube. This NRP has shot his video in landscape.
Filming vertically makes more sense if you're going for spontaneity or if your ultimate objective is to submit anything to the Stories portion of social media.
- Stabilization: While the majority of modern smartphones come with built-in stabilization, it's still preferable to configure your phone to minimize movement. Use a phone tripod to hold your camera or lean it on a level surface. Ask the person holding the camera for you to stand with their weight evenly spread on both feet, hold the phone in both hands, and tuck their elbows into their sides. The mobility will be reduced as a result.
- Noise: Although your phone's built-in microphone is excellent, it will probably pick up the background noise. movie with little to no background noise.
What to avoid? Avoid loud noises like music, shouting, and excessive beeps when filming with people nearby. While you are filming, turn off any loud fans, air conditioners, or heaters. DO NOT add any background music in your video because NRP has our own music layout that comes smoothly when your video is uploaded. We just wanted to avoid music mixed up and we want to ensure you are heard crisp and clear in your video.
Getting on Camera
- Keep your natural demeanor even though being on camera can be a little unsettling. If appropriate, smile while speaking slowly, clearly, and directly into the camera. When communicating, try not to move your head too much.
- Avoid standing too far away from the camera when utilizing the built-in microphone. For clear audio, place yourself close to the camera.
- It's acceptable to record several takes as you perfect your speech. To practice, attempt to listen to the entire message—from start to finish—regardless of whether you plan to keep a take. Simply try again if you don't like your recording.
Need More Support?
If you need further assistance, please use the Live Chat at the bottom and chat with our amazing Customer Support Team or email nrpsupport@negotiators.tv.
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