Please watch this short video for home shooting tips for your gala presentation and then review the tips below:

— For a speech

• We recommend you stand (it’s better energy)

• Speak directly into the cell phone video camera

• Center yourself on the camera

• Make sure you don’t have a lot of empty space between the top of your head and the top of the frame

• You should frame yourself so we see from the top of your head to where your belly button would be

• Hopefully you can enlist a “helper” to ensure you’re framed properly
  
  

— For an interview

• For this you will use your computer AND your cell phone.

  • Speak directly into the computer (for a zoom/FaceTime call with your interviewer)

  • Place the cell phone (with attached mic) and light directly next to the computer

    • You will not look at the cell phone

• Make sure your webcam on your computer is eye level (the same height at the cell phone camera)

  • Place your computer on books, a box or something else to get it the right height

• For the cell phone shot, frame yourself so we see from the top of your head to where your belly button would be.

  • Make sure you don’t have a lot of empty space between the top of your head and the top of the frame

  • If you can, it’s best to place yourself slightly off center in the frame, with more space between your face and the end of the frame, and less space between the back of your head and the end of the frame.

• Hopefully you can enlist a “helper” to ensure you’re framed properly

EQUIPMENT

• Tripod

  • Attach the ring light to the top of the tripod and plug the usb into your computer or a usb wall adapter.

    • The key with the light is give you even light across your entire face (avoid unusual shadows)

  • Attach the cell phone horizontally to the cell phone clamp (“landscape” rather than “portrait")

    • the cell phone won’t stay in place unless all the tripod connections are turned tight

    • Have someone “Frame” you in the shot using the cellphone, again with not empty “head room” and wide enough we see from your head to your belt or belly button

  • The tripod should be raised so your cell phone is eye level …

    • place the tripod on a table or stool if it’s not high enough.

    • if it’s too high, turn the connection from the tripod to the ring light 90 degrees

• Microphone

  • Plug your microphone cable into the phone (lightning cable for iPhone, headphone cable for all others)

  • Bring the mic cable up through your shirt (so we don’t see the cable) and attach in to your collar or shirt a few inches below your chin.

  • Please make sure you test out the microphone and make sure it captures audio when you record a video.

• If you DON’T have access to a light - put a lamp (with a lamp shade to soften the light) right behind or next to your camera … OR put your camera right in front of a window and use the outside light

• If you DON’T have access to a microphone, use an AirPod or other cell phone mic … or record your audio with a second device (the key is to have the microphone closer your mouth than the camera)

• If you DON’T have access to a tripod you need to figure out a way to place your cell phone horizontally at eye level.

  • One idea: put a small table on a large table and use books to lean the camera

  • Another idea, lean the camera on a center window sill

WHERE TO SHOOT??

• Find a room that is the most spacious (you want to ideally have at least 5 feet between you and the camera and at least 10 feet from you and the background). Often the living room area is the best option.

  • DON’T put your back right up against a wall. The further you are away from a wall the better the shot.

• DON’T use a generic background like a simple white wall. Details in your background make the shot more interesting (books, art, a hallway, etc)

  • Try looking at the background with the room lights on an off to see what is most pleasing.

• DON’T have an exposed window in your background. It can mess up the lighting in your shot potentially putting you in silhouette.

THE BIG DAY!

• DON’T wear all white or all black. Bold patterns can also be distracting. Solid colors are best.

• DO ask for help so some can make sure your cell phone shot is framed correctly.

• Before you start the zoom, go to settings > video and make sure “Enable HD” is selected

• Also go to settings > audio > advanced and make sure “Show in-meeting option to “Enable Original Sound” from microphone” is selected

  • When you are in the zoom meeting, make sure “Enable Original Sound” in the top left is selected

• Make sure you are relaxed and conversational

• When you are done, please send us the video file from your cell phone. It’s easiest to do so using wetransfer.com or dropbox.