Having been building my business using social media for over 3 years now, I have learned a few things about making media work. With many of us moving into adding more and more value using media tools, I wanted to share with all of you my TOP 10 TIPS to get better results with your videos and photos.
1. Use a TRIPOD – essential to have a locked down shot. Unless you are posting a FUN video where a lot motion is necessary, or if you want to have it feel very “in the moment”, I would suggest buying a cheap phone clip and tripod on Amazon.
2. Light it properly – Too many times we shoot photos and video with light BEHIND US. This darkens our faces and makes it very hard to see. Make sure light is either coming from in front or the side. Watch also filming in direct sunlight as it casts a lot of shadows which don’t look good and make you squint.
3. Pick a Background – Make sure you have a decent/neutral background behind you. Too often we aren’t aware of what is behind us and it can be distracting.
4. Frame it Up – Make sure to FRAME yourself in your pictures/videos. A level shot with you at EYE LEVEL is best so you look like you are talking to someone face to face. Make sure you aren’t too far away from the camera either, depending on your topic. Do a trial test before filming your actual media. Make sure you are either centered or your use the “rule of thirds” which is discussed HERE:
5. Sound is KEY – Listen for background noise that could be distracting. Remember that intelligibility is KEY to people understanding your message, so move to a place with little distraction.
6. SMILE factor – I think people underestimate the SMILE factor in making video. No one wants to see a frowny or angry face, or even bored face for that matter. Light up your face with a smile that goes into your eyes. Not like a fake Barbie smile that lasts the whole time, but make sure it’s part of your filming.
7. Projection – You need to speak to the camera like you would be speaking to someone across the room rather than right next to you. The amount of breath and volume required will MASSIVELY help you communicate our next point:
8. ENERGY – Depending on what you are trying to communicate, you should be using an energy level that is 5-10X your normal conversational level. It’s interesting that many public speakers will seem like completely different personalities in private because the amp themselves up for their talks.
9. SCRIPT vs NO SCRIPT – My feel is that most people aren’t good enough to make reading off a script feel natural, SO, it’s better to use talking points TAPED to your tripod so you can talk through those. If you have 3 points, PAUSE in between each point for easy editing so you can gather your thoughts in between.
10. JUST DO IT – The ONLY way to get better at making video or doing photos is to simply DO THEM! You get better with practice. And don’t over analyze your technique initially. Get some pointers from people who you trust and then get out there and ADD VALUE! Let’s go!!!!
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