We are shifting from a more curated photo-focused era to authentic videos, which can be intimidating for many businesses and entrepreneurs.
Being on camera is not a natural skill. It takes time and practice. However, there are actions we can take to help us stand out on camera, and it all starts with being more comfortable and knowing what to look for.
Whether or not you hire a video production company or DIY your videos, there are several small shifts you can make to help yourself stand out from the crowd and shine!
Choose the Right Outfit
As you and your team will be front and center, you want to consider what you're wearing. First, you don't want to wear anything too distracting. You want your viewers to listen to you and focus on what you're showing them, for example, a presentation or your product.
Secondly, you want to wear something you feel confident in. We all have those staple pieces in our closets that we feel our best in and love to wear. So keep those outfits in mind for any upcoming photoshoots!
Thirdly, you want to feel comfortable in those clothes. You want to avoid anything that requires you to adjust and move fabric constantly. Also, it'll be HOT under all those lights, so make sure your clothes are breathable.
Lastly, the colors you wear can really impact your video and the emotions you provoke from your viewers. Ensure that whatever you wear relates to your brand, so like a company t-shirt or complementing colors!
✨ Tabrizi Tip #1 ✨
There are so many ways to use color to your advantage, so in addition to the tips I just gave, I encourage you to read my blog on the psychology of color.
Your Background
So, what's behind you? Are you recording at home? In your office? Outside?
Wherever you record your next video, ask yourself:
Is it distracting?
Do the colors clash?
Is it relevant to your brand?
Just like your outfit, you don't want to take away attention from what you're saying, the presentation, or the product.
One way to ensure you have an optimized background is to rent out studio space, but it's possible to create professional videos with a clever background in your home.
Once you set your camera up, look at your space. What's going on behind you? From there, you can take steps to make your background match your business's colors, personality, and aesthetic.
If you're looking for more information on how to optimize your video background, check out my Backgrounds on a Budget blog.
Lighting and Framing
Another way to stand out is to ensure that your videos are framed and appropriately lit. Not only will your videos look professional, but you'll also feel more confident knowing that you are showing up in the best possible way.
For lighting, you can invest in a ring light. Ring lights help create lighting around the face to bring attention to you. Ring lights are fantastic for up-close shots!
Ring lights are relatively affordable and easy to use. Please remember they're not perfect, but there are ways to use your ring light to get the most out of it.
Next, let's talk about framing your shot. Framing is essentially how you set up your camera for specific scenes. A simple adjustment to your camera angle could make the difference between a well-shot video and one that is distracting to the viewer. There are a few ways to optimize how you frame your videos, and I dive into each one here.
Be Prepared
One of the best ways to stand out on camera is by having confidence on camera.
I mentioned that it's not natural for many of us to be in front of a camera. However, one way to get comfortable is by adequately preparing. For example, prepare a script beforehand. It's difficult enough being on camera, and if you're new to it, it's a steep learning curve. So the last thing you want to do is worry about what to say.
While you don't have to read the script verbatim, at least you'll have your thoughts on paper, and you can ensure you highlight everything you NEED to say.
✨ Tabrizi Tip #2 ✨
Practice reading your script aloud in a mirror or in front of a camera (no need to turn it on!). Make sure everything rolls off your tongue effortlessly.
By preparing and practicing what you want to say, you'll look more comfortable on camera.
Share Your Personality
Lastly, be yourself! Viewers know when you're not being authentic. If you can't be yourself or allow your personality to shine through, your content will feel stiff.
Creating video content can be challenging, but there are small ways to stand out on camera. From your outfit to your camera angles to even what you say.
Whether creating content at home or working with a video production company, being on camera is still intimidating.
If you're ready to take the plunge and work with a production company to start creating professional video content - Tabrizi Productions can help!
Tabrizi Productions is a boutique video production company that aims to make video accessible for all. We offer authentic, affordable video storytelling for companies large and small.
We are locally serving Oakland, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, and the surroundings of the Silicon Valley area.
If you're not ready, or you'd like to try video content on your own, check out my #DoItOnCamera courses to help you show up better online!
