In part two of our series on creating video on a budget, we look at the second big secret to creating excellent content: getting your audio and lighting spot on.
In professional filmmaking, even before ‘…camera, action’ comes ‘lights’. So, to make your budget video look and sound like it was shot by a pro, it’s crucial to get these basics right.
Listen up for some sound advice
Sound is the main element that’s overlooked by amateur video makers – a mistake that can seriously compromise overall quality. “But people often watch videos with the sound off,” you may say. That’s true, but if they choose to invest in what you’re delivering, they’ll put the sound on. This is your big moment to land your message loud and clear, so it’s important your sound doesn’t let you down.
Did you know, people are less likely to keep watching a video if the sound is bad (but the picture is good) than the other way around? So let’s prioritise talking about your audio…
Three tips for getting great sound:
1. Choose the best microphone for the job
The two main options for filming with a smartphone are:
- Condenser microphone – this model is best for capturing atmospheric sound, like the sound in the room.
- Lavalier microphone – this model is best for clear, quality vocals.
2. Position your microphone properly
Get the mic as close to the sound as possible (without distortion). Correct positioning is essential for ensuring the volume is loud enough on your video.
3. Test the sound with headphones
Headphones are better quality than phone speakers so they’ll help you pick up on any faults. Most people listen to videos through headphones, so it’s important to do this sound check on your audience’s experience.
- Attach the microphone and record a test piece to the camera, using the voice you’ll use for your video.
- Unplug the microphone when you finish recording.
- Watch the test video back and listen to it on a normal volume. Listen out for clarity, high volume and no distortion.
Now let’s shed some light on getting your picture right
Good lighting is the number one way to improve the visual quality of your videos. The following may seem ridiculously obvious but so many amateurs get this wrong, we’re going to say it anyway: a well-lit subject is much more engaging and easier to connect with, than one you can’t see properly.
Oh and here’s a nice fact you may not have considered: better light will make you look more fabulous (darling), which will give you more confidence and enhance your delivery.
Three tips for getting great lighting:
1. Look for the light. Where is it coming from? Where’s the sun? Where are the windows or doors? Natural light is best when filming on a smartphone, so always try to film in natural light.
2. Position the light behind the camera. Always face the light and have the camera facing away from light. This stops you from being in shadow – and the camera will be able to focus on you better. This is the same if you’re using artificial lighting. (Again, sorry for the obviousness but you’d be amazed how many people get this wrong.)
3. Don’t overexpose or underexpose. Make your shots as bright as possible but be careful not to lose any detail.
- On an iPhone in the camera app, before you start filming, touch the point on the screen where you want the camera to focus and hold your finger there.
- AE/AF Lock should appear, which will maintain the focus and lighting levels on that point while you’re filming.
- Slide your finger up and down the screen to change the level of exposure – and select how much light you allow in. (The process is similar on an Android.)
Part three of ‘How to create video on a budget’ will explain how to make your video quick and simple. Look out for it here in the Journal! If you missed part one of this series, you can catch up here.
This article was inspired by one of our Zoom Dives with Kim Slade, founder of Touch Video Academy.
Zoom Dives are deep-delving discussions between our founder, Carolyn Dailey and handpicked business experts from the creative world. You can listen to Carolyn’s and Kim’s full discussion here.
Fancy catching our next Zoom Dive, live? See our Events calendar and sign up for free. Meanwhile, feel free to plunder our Knowledge bank if you’d like to learn more about content marketing.