Lockdown is upon us (for who knows how much longer), so it's time to get creative at home in terms of how you create your social media content. If you regularly create video content, setting up a home (or in the near future, office) studio can save you a lot of time and effort.
And the good news? You don’t have to break the bank to get great results from home. In this post, we are going to share everything you need to know about setting up for filming, even some epic pieces of equipment we love ourselves!
Home Video Studio Equipment Checklist
Before you get started, you’ll need to get set up with the right equipment for your home video studio. Fortunately, you can create an awesome studio on almost any budget, as long as you’re prepared to get a little creative.
Budget Video Picks:
Primary Camera: Any Camera Phone
Camera Tripod: any tripod is fine, but we use this one XCD 3 Way Swivel Head Tripod (Large) | JB Hi-Fi (jbhifi.com.au) with this phone adaptor Manfrotto Universal Smartphone Clamp | JB Hi-Fi (jbhifi.com.au)
Lighting: Natural light is more than enough, but if you’re looking for something extra, we use Kmart's ring light 18-in Selfie Ring Light Stand | Kmart
Best Practices for Shooting Video from Home
Once you’ve got your equipment list in order, you’re all set to start creating video content at home.
Part #1: Camera Tips
As most of us don’t have a professional video camera collecting dust in our closets, using a camera phone, laptop, or webcam is the next best option.
That being said, you can still get great results. Here’s how:
Set up your camera on a tripod or steady surface
Position the camera at eye level if possible
Leave some distance between the subject and the backdrop. This helps add depth to the shot.
Check your phone/camera/laptop settings to make sure you are shooting at the highest possible resolution.
Part #2: Lighting Tips
Lighting can make a subtle but big difference to the quality of your at-home video footage, especially when shooting on a phone or laptop.
Here’s how to get the best results:
Film in a location that is well lit with natural light at daytime if possible. If you can diffuse the light through translucent curtains, even better!
Turn on any indoor lights alongside the natural light.
Avoid harsh shadows on the subject. Try and aim for flat, even lighting.
If you have access to artificial lighting, such as a ring-light, feel free to use it — but be careful to avoid harsh shadows or reflections in glasses.
Try not to shoot with bright lights (such as a window) behind the subject. This can cause issues with auto-exposure on cameras.
Part #3: Audio Tips
Audio quality is often an afterthought, but it can make a huge difference to the quality of a video. For the best results, use an external microphone and sync your audio during the edit process.
However, you can still record clear audio even if you don’t have an external mic. Here are our top tips:
Record in a quiet location, with doors and windows, closed to avoid any unwanted noises.
Record in a carpeted space, or somewhere with plenty of soft furnishings. This helps to “dampen” the sound and reduce echo. On a similar note, avoid recording in an empty room with bare walls, as this can make the audio sound tinny.
Part #4: Location Tips
Your “film set” — or in more simple terms, the location you choose to film in — can have a huge impact on how polished and professional your final video looks.
Thankfully, you don’t have to replicate a Hollywood studio to create a strong aesthetic. Here are 3 quick tips to keep in mind:
Look for cozy corners of your home that are intimate but not cluttered
Use plants, desks, ornaments, chairs, books, and cushions to add character to your videos (but not all at once)
If you don’t have a workable space, use a seamless paper backdrop in a colour that aligns with your brand
And that’s it! With these simple tips, you’ll be creating professional video content from home in no time.