Three Steps to Improve Your Cell Phone Video-by Ramon Bannister - Giraffe Video Production
I’m the biggest advocate for doing it yourself if you can. But there are times to do it yourself, and there are times to hire a pro. Video is no exception.
If you can do it yourself and do it well, why not? My answer to that is: I’ve seen too many bad-quality DIY videos by business owners. Worse yet, they do it with their phones, which have poorly designed photo sensors and are not made for getting professional results. In short, phones are made to be convenient – they’re not made to deliver quality video. But there’s a place for videos recorded with your phones – IF YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THEM. Below are three simple suggestions for getting better quality video from your iPhone. |
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ALWAYS RECORD IN LANDSCAPE MODE, NOT PORTRAIT MODE
Few things announce “Amateur” more than a video recorded in portrait mode. Portrait videos severely limit the viewing area. There’s a reason the eyes on a human head are positioned horizontally rather than vertically. Subsequently, landscape mode is more natural and more pleasing to the eye. That’s why all Hollywood cinematic-style cameras (i.e., Alexa ARRI, Red) are designed for landscape-mode recording. You never see a movie recorded in portrait mode unless it’s an experimental film or unless there’s a solid, logical reason for it. (i.e., Maybe the director wants to give an impression that a home video was shot by an amateur).
There’s is only one caveat worth considering: you’re posting the video on Instagram. Even so, Instagram made it fairly difficult, opting for a video section separate from the main section in everyone’s feed. And you still often have to transfer the video to your phone before uploading it to Instagram. For do-it-yourselfers, I’d suggest recording two versions – one for Instagram (portrait) and one for all other platforms (landscape).
Also, if recording in portrait mode, make sure there’s a reason for it. Let’s say you’re outside next to a tall tree, and you want to give the viewer an impression of the tree’s height. Or, maybe you want to avoid getting someone’s face nearby, so you turn the phone to portrait mode. Whatever the case, if you can’t justify having so much space above and below you, then don’t shoot in portrait mode. Why would you want other things distracting the viewer from what you have to say?
There’s is only one caveat worth considering: you’re posting the video on Instagram. Even so, Instagram made it fairly difficult, opting for a video section separate from the main section in everyone’s feed. And you still often have to transfer the video to your phone before uploading it to Instagram. For do-it-yourselfers, I’d suggest recording two versions – one for Instagram (portrait) and one for all other platforms (landscape).
Also, if recording in portrait mode, make sure there’s a reason for it. Let’s say you’re outside next to a tall tree, and you want to give the viewer an impression of the tree’s height. Or, maybe you want to avoid getting someone’s face nearby, so you turn the phone to portrait mode. Whatever the case, if you can’t justify having so much space above and below you, then don’t shoot in portrait mode. Why would you want other things distracting the viewer from what you have to say?
POSITION THE PHONE CLOSER TO YOU
By moving the phone closer to you or the subject of your video – Whatever mode you use – that will force you to position the camera so that YOU are more of the focus.
Furthermore, the in-camera microphone will pick up your voice a lot better. This is by far the biggest mistake people make when recording w/ phones. They put the phone really far away, so the audio sounds hollow and echoey. THE CLOSER THE PHONE IS TO YOUR MOUTH, THE BETTER THE AUDIO WILL BE. That’s why experienced videographers will sometimes record w/ their phone and literally have it an arm’s length away. And even then the audio won’t be that good, but at least more prominent.
HINT: If you’re going to shoot a lot of videos, there are actually a lot of really cheap wireless or wired mics you can buy on Amazon designed to connect to a cell phone; that mic will be ten times better than the on-camera mic.
Furthermore, the in-camera microphone will pick up your voice a lot better. This is by far the biggest mistake people make when recording w/ phones. They put the phone really far away, so the audio sounds hollow and echoey. THE CLOSER THE PHONE IS TO YOUR MOUTH, THE BETTER THE AUDIO WILL BE. That’s why experienced videographers will sometimes record w/ their phone and literally have it an arm’s length away. And even then the audio won’t be that good, but at least more prominent.
HINT: If you’re going to shoot a lot of videos, there are actually a lot of really cheap wireless or wired mics you can buy on Amazon designed to connect to a cell phone; that mic will be ten times better than the on-camera mic.
MAKE SURE YOUR FACE IS RECEIVING LIGHT
In simple terms, make sure your face is not in a shadow. Many people will get directly under a light, without realizing that their heads will be bright and their faces will be in a shadow. In general, try to have a light source that is shining directly or indirectly towards your face, rather than above or behind you. If you shoot outside when the sun is shining, try to find some shade, because the sun will overexpose your hair and leave your face in a shadow. People with darker skin don’t have as much of a problem with this, but If you must shoot in the sun, make sure that your face isn’t overexposed.
SUMMARY
If you must record video with your cell phone, I urge you to follow the advice above. You should shoot in landscape mode 99% of the time, unless the final video will be in Instagram. If shot in portrait mode, make sure you give the viewer a reason to see the video in that mode. Be able to justify it to yourself. “I’m posting to Instagram” is not a good enough excuse in my book. The actual shot has to be interesting. Positioning the phone closer to you will not only help with shooting in portrait mode, but also landscape mode. The audio will definitely be better the closer the phone is to you. Make sure your face is well-lit, because if your potential prospects can barely see you, they will likely not hire you. (Or maybe you’re recording a spooky video for Halloween?)
Phones are very mobile, convenient and make for extremely inexpensive videos. But you have to ensure that you put yourself in a professional light (pun intended). Your viewers want to hire someone who takes care of the details.
By hiring me, you will not have to worry about all this advice. What I offer is the convenience of putting that worry on me. We will plan the video together as a team, and revise the product for final delivery. If you want decent video, follow the suggestions above. If you want to look truly professional, give me call.
Phones are very mobile, convenient and make for extremely inexpensive videos. But you have to ensure that you put yourself in a professional light (pun intended). Your viewers want to hire someone who takes care of the details.
By hiring me, you will not have to worry about all this advice. What I offer is the convenience of putting that worry on me. We will plan the video together as a team, and revise the product for final delivery. If you want decent video, follow the suggestions above. If you want to look truly professional, give me call.
