How to Make Better Videos from Quarantine

Forced into isolation, the world is turning to video to keep connected. All it takes is a cell phone, and suddenly, we are not so alone! No matter what you’re filming – school lessons, your at-home concert, a “happy birthday” to your grandma – here are my tips to make it the best it can be.

#ProTip: Stabilize your phone, add light and use a microphone if you can.

A tripod with a phone attachment is ideal for stabilization. If you have to improvise – try a mic stand with a clamp or a music stand. Not possible? Rest your phone, or your arm, on a chair, or prop your phone on a table, inside a cupboard or on a windowsill. If you have painter’s tape, you can (carefully!) tape it right to a wall. Next, lighting. Put the brightest source of light in front of you. During the day, a window will always be the brightest light source, so face that direction and get close to it. At night, any other light will do, but make sure the light is hitting your face. If it’s a ceiling light, don’t stand directly beneath it – back up a few paces. Next, microphone. Phones do have built-in microphones that will work, but when it comes to sound, closer is better. If you have earbuds or bluetooth headphones, those usually have a microphone and will work great. Or for about $18 you can get a basic lavalier mic on Amazon – just do some research to make sure it will connect to your phone. And don’t forget – I’m here as a resource if you need help or have any questions. Let’s stay apart, together.

Katie Rutter is the executive producer of Thing in a Pot Productions. She has received multiple awards for her videos and the overall quality of her work, including being honored as Video Producer of the Year in 2018 by the Catholic Press Association. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our video ProTips in your inbox every month!