DIY video tips: 5 essentials for shooting videos at home or in the office

‍Choosing the right space

• Noise level: Pick a room that’s relatively quiet. Background noises, like air-conditioning, traffic or office chatter, can be distracting.
• Background: Aim for a clean, uncluttered space that reflects your brand image. A neutral wall or a well-organized desk can work wonders.

Tips for small spaces

If you’re short on space, consider setting up a simple backdrop. Collapsible backgrounds or even a well-ironed bedsheet in a neutral color can give your video a polished look.

Another idea is to use your office’s conference room, especially if it’s quieter and more spacious than your personal workspace.

Lighting for clarity and quality

Good lighting can make or break your video. Even if you have a high-end camera, poor lighting can result in a grainy or unprofessional appearance.

Natural lighting

• Window light: Position yourself facing a window for even, flattering light. Avoid backlighting; if the bright window is behind you, your face will appear in shadow.
• Time of day: Soft and appealing early morning or late afternoon light can be a good choice. Direct midday sun, on the other hand, can be harsh, creating unwanted shadows.

Artificial lighting

• Budget-friendly solutions: Desk lamps, ring lights or softbox kits are affordable and can provide consistent illumination.
• Placement: Whenever possible, position your light source at about a 45-degree angle from the camera to avoid glare and harsh shadows.

Audio: Invest in a quality microphone

Viewers are surprisingly forgiving of subpar visuals but will tune out fast if the audio is muffled or distorted.

Microphone options

• Lapel mic (lavalier): Clips onto your shirt and provides clear, direct sound.
• USB condenser mic: Plugs into your computer for high-quality audio when recording from your desk.
• Smartphone microphone upgrades: Many reliable smartphone mics are available, which are a step up from your device’s built-in mic.

Tips for minimizing echo

Record in a room with soft furnishings, like carpets or curtains, to absorb sound. Avoid spaces with lots of hard, reflective surfaces, like tiled floors or large windows without drapes.

Composition and framing

Rule of thirds

• Imagine your screen is divided into a three-by-three grid. Try aligning your eyes around the top horizontal line and avoid centering your face directly in the middle. This composition approach creates a balanced, visually appealing shot.

Camera level

• Position the camera at eye level or slightly above. This angle is more flattering and engaging.
• If you’re using a laptop, stack it on a few books to reach the right height.

Background check

• Make sure nothing distracting is creeping into the frame, like bright lights, passing colleagues or clutter.

Editing and branding

Editing software

Free programs, like iMovie (Mac) or DaVinci Resolve (PC/Mac), are intuitive for beginners. There are also online editing tools, like WeVideo or Adobe Express.

Focus on trimming out awkward pauses, adding simple transitions and improving audio levels.

Branding elements

Consider inserting a quick intro or outro with your company logo and brand colors. This consistent branding approach will help viewers remember you. If relevant, add subtitles or captions. This will make your video more accessible and boost engagement for viewers who watch on mute.

Bonus tips

• Script versus outline: Reading from a script can make you sound robotic. Instead, jot down bullet points to keep you on track while maintaining a conversational tone.
• Practice makes progress: Record a short test video to check for sound, lighting and framing before committing to the final shoot.
• Dress for confidence: Wear clothes that make you feel good and reflect your personal brand. (More on this in “Dressing the part: What to wear (and what to avoid) for LinkedIn videos.”)

Conclusion

Creating high-quality videos from your home or office doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By focusing on location, lighting, audio, composition and editing, you can produce professional content that resonates with your audience. Implementing these DIY video tips will elevate your brand and help you stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Remember, the most important factor is authenticity. People connect with genuine personalities, so let yours shine through. With the right planning and preparation, your in-house video content can be just as polished and compelling as anything produced by a large agency.

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