Videography

High quality footage is critical for

• Don’t shoot vertical video
  It’s common to default to shooting vertically on a smartphone, but it does not translate well most professional video platforms. There is a time and place for vertical video, however, such as social media apps like Instagram or TikTok.
• Use a tripod (if available)
  Holding the phone with your hands can create unwanted small movements in the video. If available, always use a tripod for a steady shot. If a tripod is not available, it is possible to take out those movements when editing, but it is always better to get a steady shot in the first place.
• Don’t use digital zoom
  Smartphones are incapable of zooming with a lens, so when you zoom in when recording, you sacrifice image quality. If you need a closer shot, walk closer.
• Lighting
  Face your subject toward a window for natural light. Watch the screen while recording to make sure the subject and overall composition looks good. Never place the window behind the subject, though—or you’ll be left with a silhouette.
• Audio
  Record in an area with as little background noise as possible, including music, wind or other environmental sounds, people talking, etc. While it’s sometimes possible to fix audio in post- production, the cleaner the audio is, the better the final result.
• Framing
  If the subject is talking to the camera, place him or her in the center of the frame. Your shot should only show the head and the upper half of the torso. Showing hand movements is acceptable.