Here are a few tips for anyone video producing educational content at home for streaming.I know a lot of you are faced with getting your classes online. That can be challenging, but content wise and technically. I wanted to give you teachers a few pointers on how to produce better video.First things first- always shoot horizontal, never vertical. No one wants to see you video look like a bad Instagram story. We're used to watching video horizontally.Second is camera placement. If you can use a laptop to record, all the better. It give you more storage, a better way to position the camera and sometimes better audio.You can use a phone or iPad as well. You want to get the camera as close to eye level as possible so it appears like you are looking eye to eye with your student, not down on them.You can prop your phone up with two cans for an impromptu tripod. Put the camera or iPad in selfie mode so you can see what the camera is actually viewing.Make sure your head isn't getting cut off.Lighting is important. NEVER put a light source behind you. That means no windows, lamps or other bright sources. The iris on the camera adjusts to the brightest part of the image. You want you to be the focal point. You can put a lamp behind the camera to help light your face.You want to be as close to the camera as possible but still get most of your upper body in the frame. Don't shout. Just talk in a conversational voice.Echos can be a problem as well. If you can do it, move your desk where it is facing into a corner, but away about 4-5 feet. Then put some blankets on the walls to help diffuse echoes. If you have a ladder, you can do that as well.You can always open your closet door and place your desk in from of the closet where you are eventually walking into your wardrobe. Anything to dampen echoes.Wear muted colors if possible and avoid small patterns.Have a comfortable chair and plenty of water off camera.These are just a few simple things you can do. Hit me up on twitter at @RCoblentz if I can help with any other general shooting questions.Cast: Broadcast Media Group
