Shooting a video? 5 tips to make sure you look your best

We live in a video-driven society and consumers often click on a video to find out what they need to know rather than choose to read the same information. Think about it: Do you watch the Netflix trailer before watching a new series or read the description?

In our last blog, we wrote about how both written content and video content have their time and place in small business marketing strategies and non-profit donor communications strategies. Choosing which one is right at any given time depends on your audience and your goals. 

If you’ve decided to shoot a video, there are still many more decisions to make before shooting day. This includes the type of video you want because things like multiple locations, a script, makeup artists, actors, and more can all increase costs. Don’t worry: you don’t need to have all of the details worked out right away as a good videographer will work with you to find the right solution that meets your budget and achieves your goals. 

If you are putting yourself in the video, you will want to look your best. Unlike photography, there’s far less ability to blur the lines and soften the edges in the editing room. With the help of Hannah Martin, owner of Sore Thumb Inc. and Luminate’s trusted video partner, we put together a practical list to help you prepare for a shoot.

1) Practice what you want to say ahead of time. If you are doing an interview-style video, review the questions and think about your answers but don’t write and memorize a script. You sound more genuine if your answers are coming from the heart rather than a script. 

2) Prepare by speaking in front of a mirror. Get used to looking at yourself while you are speaking and take note of your posture (are you slouching?), your expressions (are your eyes darting around the room?), and your movements (are you speaking with your hands?). If needed, practice correcting the faults you don’t like. Pro tip: If you are concerned about having a double-chin on camera, sit up straighter and tilt your head slightly upward.

3) Choose your outfit carefully. Small stripes and patterns often become distorted on camera so wear a solid colour on the day of the shoot. If you can, choose a bold colour. Also, if you wear contacts, choose those over glasses to avoid reflection on the lens. 

4) Ease your nerves by asking questions beforehand. Talking to your videographer about the specifics of the shoot beforehand will erase any misconceptions you may have about the process. For example, a common misconception is that your clips need to be shot in one take, which makes many people worry that they will mess up. In reality, multiple takes can be seamlessly edited together, allowing you to complete a thought, pause, and then carry on.  

5) Remove distractions at the shoot. On the day of the shoot, you want to be completely focused on the task at hand. If you know you are going to be nervous, remove anything you may fiddle with — a pen or a piece of jewellery, for example — to give yourself the space you need to succeed. 

Hannah Martin is the owner of Sore Thumb Inc., a digital marketing agency with a passion for storytelling. They are experts in video, website design, branding and social media marketing.