Get Started

Mastering On-Camera Presence: Learn How To Look Great On Camera

Feb 09, 2021
 

 

In the digital realm, on-camera presence can be a game-changer, influencing how your audience perceives you and impacting your engagement levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned content creator, grasping key techniques can elevate your on-camera delivery and ensure professionalism. Here are some free tips to enhance your on-camera skills and steer clear of amateurish production vibes:

1. Confidence in Front of the Camera: To appear more confident, maintain good posture, make eye contact with the lens, and speak clearly and audibly. Practice in front of the mirror to build your comfort level.

2. Lighting Essentials: Invest in good lighting to ensure your face is well-lit and shadows-free. Natural light can be a budget-friendly option for achieving a flattering on-camera appearance.

3. Framing Your Shot: Pay attention to your framing to ensure you are well-centered and easily visible. Position yourself appropriately within the frame to maintain viewer engagement.

4. Background Selection: To avoid distractions, choose a clean, clutter-free background. Experiment with different spots in your home to find the most suitable backdrop for your videos.

5. Clothing Choices: Opt for professional, non-distracting outfits that complement your on-camera appearance. Solid colors or simple patterns work well on camera.

6. Script Preparation: Have a clear outline or script to guide your on-camera delivery. This helps maintain flow and coherence in your presentation, preventing unnecessary pauses or stuttering.

7. Practice Vocal Delivery: Work on your tone, pace, and articulation while speaking on camera. Practice reading aloud or recording yourself to refine your vocal delivery.

8. Engage with Gestures: Use natural gestures to emphasize points and maintain viewer interest. Avoid excessive movements that may appear distracting on camera.

 

Check Out Robert Lunte's On-Camera Training Course HERE >>>

 

By implementing these practical tips, you can enhance your on-camera presence and create professional-looking videos that resonate with your audience. Remember, mastering on-camera skills takes practice and dedication, but with consistency, you can significantly improve your video presentation quality without a hefty price tag.

Lavalier was used in our course videos.
 

If you plan on creating more of a still-shot style of video and want to invest a bit more in the quality of your audio, there are plenty of traditional microphone options out there as well.

Directional microphones are much better in spaces that aren't acoustically treated, so we recommend handheld-style dynamic microphones. You can find plenty of our favorite handheld-style microphones at our microphone shop, all of which can be placed on a stand.

Best Background for Shooting Course Videos

The background is one of the most important things to consider when filming your video. You want to ensure that the background you film in front of eliminates distractions and adds a sense of privacy. Of course, it also has to be relevant to your course. You wouldn't want to film a course on computer software with your kitchen in the background.

Backgrounds that are too busy can overwhelm the cognitive load, diminishing the learning experience and successful learning outcomes.

If you don't have a decent place in your home to shoot, we recommend buying temporary filming backgrounds. Some of our favorites include:

If you don't like the idea of buying everything separately, we highly recommend purchasing a complete set. We often recommend the Linco Photo Video Studio to our clients, as it is inexpensive and comes with almost everything you need to get the ball rolling.

Best Lighting for Online Course Videos

You won't get a professional video without good lighting, even if you have a professional camera and a crisp, clear background. Overhead lighting is awful, as it can cast shadows on your face and create a dim look in your video. We recommend shooting in rooms with plenty of natural light, as it almost always looks best.

However, you'll need some equipment if you don't have a space to shoot with good, natural lighting.

We always recommend that our clients start with a basic lighting kit, such as the Neewer Bi-Color Dimmable LED Softbox Lighting Kit. This kit has everything you need for under $150 and is perfect for amateur videographers. You'll get two photo studio softbox LED lights. If you want to shoot outside the home, you'll need two aluminum light stands, two power adapters with cables, and a large carrying bag.

For those who don't want to invest in a complete kit or don't have the room to set a kit up, we recommend getting an LED ring, such as the OXENDURE Webcam Ring. This ring has a tripod stand and can hold your webcam or GoPro. It's ultra-portable, meaning you can bring it anywhere to shoot.

Best Accessories for Online Course Videos

One of the first things you must consider before shooting any video is that video files are HUGE. You will need someplace to store your video files, so we recommend getting an external hard drive like the WD 4TB Passport. With 4TB, you'll have more than enough room for a few courses on this drive and some.

We recommend getting a teleprompter for those with a bit more to spend. While we often talk about memorizing and rehearsing content before shooting, doing so isn't always practical. Plenty of semi-pro teleprompter solutions are on the market today, including the Glide Gear TMP100.
 

Lights, Camera, Action!

High-quality visual and auditory content is one of the most important aspects of course creation. Whether you are just getting started or struggling to find the right equipment for your home studio, the gear covered here from our "Videography on a Budget" store can make a huge difference.

We only speak from experience here at courseCREEK and assure you that we would never recommend equipment that wasn't tried and true.

Check Out Robert Lunte's On-Camera Training Course HERE >>>

 
Schedule A Meeting

10 Lessons About Course Creation, I Had to Learn the Hard Way.

Get the 10-day free email course sent straight to your inbox.

We will never sell your information.