Marketing Monday - Lights, Camera, Smartphone!

There's no need for a studio budget, or expensive equipment to film your big debut for your website or YouTube channel. Use your smartphone. Be sure to keep your phone stable, and monitor the audio and lighting to capture quality video. You can film from your office, while you're on the go, or with a client.

 

When it comes to filming video on the fly, your smartphone is your best bet. Here are some quick tips to capture great footage:

1. Audio

One of the most important aspects of filming is being able to hear your subject. To set the tone for your video:

• Film in a quiet location, where the background noise won’t drown out what you’re trying to communicate to your viewer; and be aware of the location of the microphone on your Droid or iPhone. While filming you want to be sure you’re not blocking the sound with your hand. If the sound still doesn’t come out clearly enough, you may want to use an external mic.

2. Stability

When using your smartphone you want to make sure your video is smooth and visible:

• Use both hands to hold your phone. If you have shaky hands, make sure you anchor your phone against a table or something steady. When holding your phone, make sure your hands aren’t covering the microphone or the camera lense!
• You can also purchase a tripod for your smartphone if you’re worried about your video being wobbly.

3. Form

Try to make your video easily viewable for your audience:

• For video, you want to hold your smartphone horizontally. That way the video can be easily viewed on your computer or television. Vertical footage wouldn’t provide the widest view of your subject.
• Keep consistent in the format that you choose. If you start filming horizontally don’t cut the take then move your phone to vertical view. Stay with your original idea.

4. Zoom

Not a lot of smartphones a zoom feature when they’re in video mode, so here are some ways to overcome this:

• Be within reach of your subject when you film. Keep the distance in mind when you map out what you want to do.
• If you want to ‘zoom in’ while filming, or just get a closer look make sure your shots are in focus and your transitions are smooth. Keep your smartphone stable during any movement to prevent a shaky video.

5. Storage Space

Before you start to film, make sure you have enough free memory space to capture your entire video.

• When you film, make sure you know how much memory you can use for your video. If you’re unsure you can check your smartphone to find out how much memory you have left. You can also get an additional memory card so you don’t run out of room.
• After you upload your video to YouTube or your computer, you can delete the file from your smartphone to free up more space.

6. Lighting

Nothing affects a video more than the light in your shot.

• Film with the light behind you to ensure your subject isn’t too washed out or isn’t in the shadow.
• Try to catch the best daylight, either early in the morning, late afternoon or early evening. Never film directly at noon, since the sun is directly overhead. This creates shadows that won’t work on camera.

By using your Droid or your iPhone to capture video you can share some great content with your customers as well as the small business community!

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