How do I film myself?

Why This Strategy Matters

Establishing a solid groundwork in basic filming techniques ensures superior video quality, driving increased view counts and stronger audience engagement—outcomes that directly depend on capturing clear, well-executed footage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose a Location

   • Select a quiet, well-lit area to minimize background noise and ensure clear visibility.
   • Avoid areas with echo (like empty rooms) or distracting backgrounds (like cluttered shelves).
     • Interesting backgrounds that are not distracting are encouraged 

2. Prepare Your Equipment

   • Choose a camera, webcam, or phone camera. Clean the lens for the clearest picture.
   • If using a phone camera, switch to the rear camera for higher quality.

3. Stabilize the Camera

   • Use a tripod or place the camera on a stable surface.
   • Keep the camera at eye level to create a more natural and engaging angle.
   • If filming action or a procedure handheld, tuck your elbows in by your sides, bend your knees slightly, and minimize quick movements. 
     • Hold on the frame/the action that you are filming for a few extra seconds before stopping the recording at any time. 

4. Check Lighting

   • Understand 3-Point Lighting: This is a standard technique to illuminate your subject evenly:
     • Key Light: The main light source, placed in front and to the side. At home, use a desk lamp or a window with natural light.
     • Fill Light: Softens shadows created by the key light. Use another lamp or a reflective surface (like a white sheet or poster board).
     • Back Light: Separates the subject from the background. Use a lamp behind and slightly above the subject.
   • These lighting techniques can be applied to anything that is deemed to be the subject, even if a person is not in frame. 

5. Frame Your Shot

   • Use the Rule of Thirds: Imagine dividing the frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place important elements along these lines or at their intersections for a balanced composition. (for a cinematic, composed look.)
     • Centering the subject is also a valid approach and good for a direct, clean approach and look.
   • Maintain proper headroom (space above the subject’s head) and avoid cutting off body parts.

6. Adjust Camera Settings

   • Set your resolution to 1080p (Full HD) or higher, 2k, 4k or even 6k,  for crisp video.
     • Higher resolution means bigger files that take up more space. 
     • It is best practice to check how much space you have left for recording media. There’s nothing worse than filming yourself and noticing later that only the first 2 minutes of a half-hour recording session! 
   • Adjust focus to keep the subject sharp and exposure to control brightness. If available, adjust white balance to prevent unnatural color tints.

7. Improve Sound Quality

   • Use an external microphone (like a lapel mic or USB mic) if possible for clearer sound.
   • If using the built-in mic, position yourself close to the camera and speak directly toward it.

8. Minimize Background Noise

   • Turn off fans, air conditioners, or other noisy appliances.
   • Record in a room with carpets, curtains, or furniture to reduce echo.

9. Test Audio Levels

   • Record a short test clip to ensure audio levels are adequate.
   • Make sure the voice is clear and not too quiet or distorted.

10. Position Yourself Properly

    • Sit or stand with good posture, directly facing the camera.
    • Maintain a relaxed demeanor to convey confidence and engagement.

11. Plan Your Content

    • Prepare a script or bullet points to stay on topic and maintain flow.
    • Practice delivering the script to become comfortable with the material.
    • If filming an action or procedure, make sure the procedure has been fully rehearsed at least once. 
      • At this rehearsal time, you should figure out how and where you want the camera placed in order to capture the action you are talking about. 

12. Record in Segments

    • Film shorter clips instead of one long take to avoid mistakes and make editing easier.(e.g  5 to10 min clips or a few slides at a time if delivering a lecture with PowerPoint)
    • If unable to record in segments, a script and teleprompter will help.

13. Maintain a Steady Voice

    • Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and avoid filler words like “um” or “uh.”

14. Monitor the Recording

    • Keep an eye on battery life and storage space.
    • Use headphones to monitor audio quality in real-time if possible.

15. Review Footage Periodically

    • Pause recording to review footage for any technical issues or mistakes.
    • Adjust settings or reposition yourself if necessary.

16. Use Recording Software (e.g., Panopto)

    • Panopto: A software tool that allows screen recording and webcam recording, ideal for lectures, presentations, or video tutorials.
    • Set up Panopto to capture video from your webcam and screen simultaneously. Save the recording directly for editing.

17. Edit Your Video

    • Panopto also offers basic editing tools to trim video clips and adjust audio levels.
    • For advanced editing, consider using DaVinci Resolve: a free professional-grade software that offers advanced color grading, effects, and audio editing.
    • Reach out to the tlc team via tlc@neco.edu for assistance and support. 

18. Check Final Audio Quality

    • Listen to the final cut to ensure minimal background noise.
    • Adjust audio levels and add background music or sound effects at a low volume if desired.

19. Export in High Quality

    • Save the video in a high-resolution format to maintain quality.
    • 30fps for a smoother look 24fps or 23.976fps for cinematic look
    • Choose the correct settings for the platform (YouTube, Zoom, etc.) where it will be shared.

20. Review the Final Product

    • Watch the entire video to check for any remaining errors or issues.
    • Make final adjustments as necessary.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to produce a video with professional-looking visuals and clear audio, even with basic equipment!

Need Extra Support?

We are here to partner with you as you enhance your courses. If you run into technical issues or want a collaborative consultation on designing custom interactive modules, please reach out to our team:

• Email: tlc@neco.edu
• Office Hours: View our current consultation schedule on the TLC website portal