Getting Started: You Don't Need Fancy Equipment
First things first - forget those overwhelming thoughts about needing a professional studio. All you need is:
Your smartphone
A bit of creativity
Some courage (which you already have by deciding to start!)
If you want some fancy equipment a wireless mic, tripod and/or ring light is really all you need. Seriously, though, propping your phone up on a stack of books is a-ok.
Lighting
Don't stress about perfect lighting. Here are some super easy tips:
Natural light is your best friend
Stand facing a window
Avoid harsh overhead lights that can create weird shadows
The best time to film? Morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and flattering.
Avoid that harsh midday sun that'll make you look like you're in an interrogation
Framing
Positioning yourself doesn't have to be complicated:
Think of your screen like a tic-tac-toe grid
Try to place yourself slightly off-center (it looks more interesting!)
Make sure there's a little space above your head
Smile and relax - the camera can totally tell when you're feeling comfortable
Audio: Keep It Simple and Clear
You don't need a professional microphone to sound great (but a $20 wireless mini-mic can go a long way). If you don't have one, here are my top tips for capturing great audio:
Find a quiet room
Speak clearly and at a normal volume
If there's background noise, move to a quieter space
Practice a few times to get comfortable
It's Okay to Be Imperfect
Your first videos won't be perfect - and that's totally okay! UGC is in, and unfiltered, imperfect content reads as more authentic. Perfect curation is out.
Every professional started exactly where you are right now
Bloopers are part of the journey (and sometimes the most fun part! Seriously. We can make content out of that)
Quick Tips for Awesome Content
Keep videos short (30 seconds to 2 minutes)
Keep b-roll clips even shorter (shoot in 15 second increments)
Focus on being genuine
Have fun with it!
Instagram & TikTok - Filming for Socials
Hold your phone vertically
Use bright, engaging backgrounds. Think colour, interesting scenery, sitting in your car, anything more visually engaging than a blank wall!
Keep the energy high and movements dynamic
Technical Tips (Don't Worry, They're Easy!)
Clean your phone camera lens
No, seriously, clean your phone camera lens
Use the camera's grid feature to help with framing
Tap the screen to focus before recording
Try different angles and have fun experimenting
Practical Checklist Before You Start
✅ Charged phone
✅ Quiet space
✅ Good lighting
✅ Something you're excited to share
✅ Your awesome self!
Remember: The only bad content is the content you never create. Every single professional started exactly where you are right now - with a phone, an idea, and a little bit of courage. You've freaking got this.
(Clean your camera lens)
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