Filming or photographing for your business means you’ll want to have a professional look. If you aren’t in the position to hire a professional, here are a few tips to give your own videos that professional look. These tips apply to any camera you choose to use. This post is all about setting the perfect background for your video and photo shoot. It doesn’t matter if you are outside, inside, or in a crowded office, it’s about working with what you have.
-
Unclutter the Background
The background should never be a distraction. You want to eliminate anything busy in the background, anything shiny, or anything that might visually poke out of the top of your head. If you are shooting in your home, or in your office it may be no matter which way you look you have piles of junk, crazy patterns on the walls, or a wall full of pictures. The goal here is to find a space that is not clutters, or create one. You might need to take down some photos, hide the clutter behind a table or desk, or, if none of that is possible, find a plain colored blanket or bed sheet and hang it as straight and wrinkle free as possible. If all of this is not possible, find the cleanest area and move yourself closer to the camera to hide most of the background. The more distance between you and the background, the better.
If you are outside you have a new set of challenges. Showing off a beautiful scenic view can be appealing, but first make sure you are facing the right direction to have sun on your face. The biggest problem I see with photos and videos outside is an object visually sticking out of the person’s head. Look for trees or telephone poles that are taller than you from the camera’s perspective and position yourself so they are off to the side, and not directly behind you.
-
Light vs. Dark
You want to be brighter than your background. So if you have a bright light or a window behind you, re-position yourself, or close the blinds, turn off the light. Also watch out for reflective picture frames that might be a distraction. It’s ok to have some light in the background, the important thing to remember though is that YOU are the star of the show and the “spotlight” should be on you.
-
Adding Character and Style
You don’t have to have a plain, drab background that looks like you’re in a sterile room doing lab tests. You can add accents that fit the style of your photo or the topic of your video. For instance, if you have a pottery business it might make sense to have some of your mugs and bowls displayed in the background. Also, having a plant, or a few well placed pictures on the wall can add nice touches. Maybe a pile of books, or some candles would be appropriate for your shoot.
No matter what kind of background you use you should be as far away as the room allows, this gives it a slightly out of focus look, and places you as the primary subject. Overall, the goal is to have the background be a subtle addition to your message, not the message itself. You are your message and you want people to hear and see you first, your background should just be a nice addition. Remember to just have fun with it. See what style works for you and your viewers.
—
DIY Media Girl educates small business owners on taking better videos and photos. These are simple techniques you can use with the equipment you already own. If you have a question or a topic you want me to cover, send me a message or write a comment below.
When your budget doesn’t allow you to hire a pro, follow my tips to make your image glow. -DIY Media Girl