Phone Video – Shooting Like a Pro

Shooting video on a mobile phone can be easy, but there are a few simple steps to take that will ensure you get good quality footage. Thanks to today’s technology, you can actually make your videos look like they were shot on a professional camera if you follow some basic guidelines.

1. Size Matters – Make sure your phone is set to shoot in 1080 resolution or higher, so check your phone settings. You can shoot in 4K, but most people can’t actually view videos in 4K. So all it does it make your file size a lot bigger and take up more room on your phone.
2. Vertical vs. Horizontal – Most people hold their phones vertically when shooting video. If you are posting to social media, this might be ok as Instagram and Facebook can handle this without any issues. If you are looking to put a video on YouTube, though, I highly recommend shooting widescreen, or horizontal. Putting a vertical video on YouTube does not look professional, so try and stay away from that if possible.
3. Lights, Camera, Action! – Using the sun for lighting can work in some cases, but if you are filming someone speaking, make sure the sun is not shining directly on their face. It might make them squint, and the mix of light and shadow on your subject will not look good in your video.
4. Accessorize – A few simple accessories for your phone will help make your video look and sound more professional. Buying a small light that mounts on a phone or tripod will make a big difference if you are doing interviews, to make sure the subject is lit correctly. Consider purchasing a microphone to make sure you aren’t picking up all the noise around you, which can distract from the clarity. A tripod will help with stabilize your shot so the subject doesn’t bounce around.

Following these simple tips can make your videos easily go from amateur to professional!