Professional Tips for Shooting Videos and Photos on your Phone.

I am writing to address the poor quality of online videos. Owning a camera doesn’t make one an expert, so here are some tips.

Navigating the world of phone camera videography can be as thrilling as it is challenging, especially for the burgeoning social media influencer or amateur camera operator eager to make their mark. Here are some distilled pearls of wisdom to elevate your video content:

Best Practices with Your Phone Camera:

1. Stability is Key: A steady hand is the bedrock of great footage. Invest in a tripod or a gimbal to avoid shaky, unprofessional videos. Your audience’s attention should be on your content, not getting seasick!
2. Focus on Composition: The rule of thirds is your friend. Divide your screen into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and place your subject at the intersections. This gives your shots a natural balance and structure.
3. Resolution Matters: Always shoot in the highest resolution possible. This might mean larger files, but the clarity in your footage will be worth it.
4. Clean Your Lens: A smudge can ruin a perfect shot. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can be the simplest yet most crucial step before you hit record.

Lighting Tips:

1. Harness Natural Light: Whenever possible, use natural light. It’s flattering, abundant, and free! The golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, provide the most magical lighting.
2. Three-Point Lighting: If indoors, learn the three-point lighting setup: key light, fill light, and backlight. This classic arrangement can help you achieve a professional look without the Hollywood budget.
3. Diffuse Your Sources: Harsh light is the enemy. Use diffusers (even a white sheet can work) to soften the light for a more even and appealing look.

Audio Perfection:

1. Avoid In-Built Mics: The built-in microphone on your phone can pick up a lot of ambient noise. Use an external mic to capture clear and crisp audio.
2. Mind the Surroundings: Background noise can be a distraction. Record in quiet environments or use apps that help filter out unwanted sounds.
3. Check Levels: Always do a quick test recording to make sure your audio levels are neither too low nor peaking.

Editing Tips:

1. Keep It Tight: Trim any excess footage to keep your content engaging. Attention spans are short; make every second count.
2. Learn Basic Color Correction: This can drastically improve the look of your video, giving it a more polished feel.
3. Use Editing Software Wisely: From iMovie to Adobe Premiere Rush, there’s a variety of editing software tailored for mobile devices. Find one that suits your needs and skill level.
4. Subtle Transitions: Avoid overusing flashy transitions. Often, a simple cut is the most professional and least distracting choice.

Style Tips:

1. To capture the transformation of a room or lawn makeover, it’s important to take before and after shots from the exact same spot. By doing this, you can easily create a professional-looking video by using a simple dissolve effect to transition from the “before” to the “after” shots.

2. One common mistake that I have observed in almost all social media videos is that during an emergency or any shocking event, the camera is not pointed toward the action. If you want to capture something on video, you need to act like (the) camera and not as a human. Don’t take your eyes off the camera, even if it means keeping the action outside the frame. Furthermore, don’t miss the shot even if you are running.
3. When someone is experiencing an emergency, the priority should be to help them instead of taking a video. It’s disheartening to witness people recording videos instead of rendering assistance to someone in danger. It’s important to remember that you are not a superhero but a human being, and your first instinct should be to help, not to record. So, always prioritize helping someone in need before recording any videos.
4. It’s not worth risking your life or anyone else’s for a photo. The temporary gratification of likes and followers isn’t worth the permanent loss of life..

Remember, the journey to mastering phone videography is an ongoing adventure. Each video is a canvas where technical skill meets creativity. Keep learning, experimenting, and, above all, telling stories that resonate. With practice, your unique voice will shine through the lens, captivating audiences far and wide.

Stay safe and be helpful.