Beginner Tips for Shooting Video: Set-Up and Best Practices for Recording

Recording high-quality videos can be challenging for first-timers or even experienced videographers.

In this Kuva Media help desk article, we'll provide valuable tips for setting up your recording environment and best practices to follow while recording videos.

Choose the Right Equipment

1. Invest in a suitable camera or smartphone with good video quality.
2. Consider a tripod or stabilizer to ensure steady footage.
3. For better audio, use an external microphone like a lapel or shotgun mic.

Set Up Your Lighting

1. Good lighting is crucial for high-quality video. Make use of natural light when possible, or invest in studio lights for indoor shoots.
2. Avoid direct sunlight or harsh shadows that may create an unflattering appearance.
3. Try not to have bright lights behind you, as it will make your form appear dark, unless you are advanced and know how to utilize key lighting techniques.
4. If using a ring light, "Zoom" light, or other light made for recording, play around with the brightness and temperature of the light, to get to a setting that is flattering for your subject and environment. Different locations can have different lighting (even within the same room).

Select an Appropriate Background

1. Choose a clean, non-distracting background that complements your subject.
2. Consider using a backdrop or shooting against a plain wall.
3. Keep your background clutter-free to maintain viewer focus on the subject.
4. If you are advanced, you can utilize a green screen or blue screen if you choose.

Frame Your Shot

1. Use the Rule of Thirds for optimal composition by imagining your frame divided into nine equal parts.
2. For video, try your subject directly in the center if it's a vertical or landscape video with a person talking as the subject. Advanced users can use different subject placement techniques, depending on the end-use and finishing needs.

Ensure Proper Camera Settings

1. Adjust your camera settings according to the environment and subject. If you're a beginner using a device like a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, use each devices settings to auto-focus. If you are advanced, you can use manual focus when possible for better control, including the appropriate resolution, frame rate, and white balance for your shoot.

Test Your Setup

1. Before starting your recording session, do a test run. This allows you to check video and audio quality, lighting, and composition to ensure everything is working as expected.

Keep Your Camera Steady

1. Avoid handheld recording unless it's a creative choice. If you do need to utilize handheld recording, you can stabilize your arm on a solid surface, or use a device such as a gimbel to keep the device steady. Excessive camera movement can be distracting.
2. Use a tripod or stabilizer to ensure smooth, steady footage.
3. If you are a beginner at recording, Keep camera movements smooth and deliberate, or use slow pans, tilts, or zooms to enhance your video.

Record Additional Footage

1. If you are not recording a live video, or one that can be used without editing, you might consider capturing B-roll or extra footage that can be used during editing to provide context or smooth transitions between shots. This can make your final video more engaging and polished.

Following these tips for setting up your recording environment and adhering to best practices can significantly improve the quality of your video content.

Remember, practice makes perfect. No one is born a perfect videographer from day one. Keep refining your skills, and you'll be shooting professional-looking videos in no time!