Guide to Capturing a Great Video

What is Needed: You only need your phone, computer, or tablet that has video capabilities. Here are some tips on how to set yourself up for a great video:

• If you’re using a phone, we recommend using a tripod if you have one with the capability of the phone to be placed in the landscape (horizontal) orientation.
• If you’re using a phone, the phone should be placed with the camera lens at eye level.  (The same principal of having the camera lens at eye level applies to other devices.)
• Make sure there is sufficient distance between you and the device so your full face and upper body is visible when taking the video.
• If you’re using a phone, you can prop it up with your laptop, stacking heavy books, etc.

Hint: The rear video camera of the Phone will have a better resolution than most laptops or desktops which have an integrated camera, since people use their rear camera heavily for photos and videos.

What Setting is Appropriate: We recommend using an indoor setting since those are typically the easiest to set up and are free from distractions in the background.

• First, the environment should be quiet and non-distracting.
• Next, find a space that has plenty of natural light from a window and a clean, plain background that is clutter free.
• Gray, Creme or other lighter colored backgrounds seem to work best. Try not to use backgrounds that are very similar to your hair and skin color to avoid blending in.

What is required for lighting: While light rings are certainly a plus, they are not necessary. A space where you are directly facing a nearby window (the window should be behind the phone), out of direct sunlight will be great.

What time of day is best: Mid-morning or afternoon will be best depending on which direction your natural light is coming from. For example, if the sun is directly shining in your windows in the morning, it will be best to wait until afternoon to take these photos to avoid harsh shadows and highlights on the face.

What to Wear vs Not Wear: .When choosing clothing for your TaskHuman video response a good rule of thumb to follow is to dress for the industry you’re in while also keeping the following tips in mind:

• We recommend color choices that are contrasting from your background.
• We recommend a top that is free from any patterns, logos, and wrinkles.
• Try to avoid pastels and skin-toned colors as these tend to blend into your in videos.
• Excessive makeup, jewelry, hats, scarves, or sunglasses should not be worn, as they can be very distracting.
• We recommend wearing your clear prescription glasses if you normally wear them as part of your daily life, since it’s most likely what a consumer would see you wearing when you are on a call with them.
• Hairstyles and facial hair should be neat and professional, and not obstructing the face.

Additional Tips:

• Try to avoid excessively talking with your hands or making big gestures with your body.
• Look directly at the camera so the consumers feel that you are speaking directly to them.
• Make sure the camera is stabilized (“not shaking”) before turning on the video.
• Be aware of the overuse space fillers (“uh’s” and “um’s”).
• Focus on answering the question asked.
• The purpose of the videos are not biographical, the videos are designed to give consumers a sense of your energy.