Tips on Making Quality Video Recordings
Making video is an iterative process and building up your media skills takes time. You might make a mistake or two and find that you must re-record. The more you make video the easier it gets. Below are some common do’s and don’ts in video production.
To record, you’ll need:
- A webcam – most laptops/computers have a webcam built in. This will work fine.
- A microphone – audio is arguably the most important element of your video. Bad audio will stop us from viewing it. A microphone plugged into your computer is often significantly better than using the microphone built into your laptop.
- Visuals aids – a PowerPoint slide deck is a great way to capture visuals along with your video. The Panopto Video platform that is available in Brightspace is ideal for this purpose.
Elements of Video
![](https://openlab.sps.cuny.edu/teaching-guides/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2024/07/audio-mic-headset.jpeg)
Audio
Audio is the most important element in your video, if we can’t hear you clearly, we don’t watch. Be sure to:
- Record in a quiet place
- Use an external microphone
- Record a test & listen back to check the audio quality
- Project your voice and speak (don’t read) your script
![Shows 2 images, 1 man in heavy backlight with a red X indicating wrong. 2 a man with no backlight and a green check indicating good.](https://openlab.sps.cuny.edu/teaching-guides/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2024/07/avoid-back-light.jpg)
Lighting
A well-lit video means a higher quality image. When recording think, “find my light,” and be sure to:
- Position the brightest light source so it’s on your face (not behind you)
- Move yourself or the light(s) to “find your light”
- Pro tip: Natural light produces best result, it’s warmer
- AVOID strong backlight
- Note, your computer monitor is also a light source
Shot Composition
![](https://openlab.sps.cuny.edu/teaching-guides/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2024/07/shot-composition.jpg)
Be mindful of your shot composition. We highly recommend a “medium shot,” where you fill the frame from the top of your head to about chest level.
- Adjust your camera so your eyes intersect the top third (left, right, or centered)
- Note, shot composition influences the meaning of your video. See 6 Keys for Quality Videos.
Eye Line
![](https://openlab.sps.cuny.edu/teaching-guides/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2024/07/eye-line-1.jpg)
Consider your eye line. You can create a connection with your audience by looking into the camera lens. It’s like making eye contact when face-to-face.
- Look directly into the lens of camera as much as possible
- Adjust the height of your camera (or yourself) so your eye line is EQUAL to the camera lens
- Avoid having your eye line looking up or down at hard angles
- Hard angles convey a negative message to your audience
Background
![](https://openlab.sps.cuny.edu/teaching-guides/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2024/07/PTO-stock-pics-2-1024x1024.jpeg)
Consider your surroundings. Some tips on backgrounds are:
- Create some depth
- Give your audience something to look at (besides you)
- White walls tend to be a little boring
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