Yep, We’re Going There!

We may like to use our big fancy cameras, but we understand not everyone has access or understanding when it comes to professional equipment. But, most everyone has a cell phone in their pocket. So, here are some of our tips so you can take a step forward in and help your business start creating videos… because done is better than perfect!

Choose the Right Settings

• Adjust Your Video Resolution: The newest iPhones have the ability to capture RAW footage and shoot in 4K at 69 frames per second (fps). Choose the highest resolution available for the best video quality.

• Adjust Frame Rate: Frame rate determines how smooth or cinematic your videos look. Experiment with different frame rates to achieve your desired effect. YouTube University is your friend!

• Enable Gridlines: Turn on gridlines in your camera settings to help you compose shots with better balance & alignment.

Lighting Matters

• Use Natural Light: Natural light is your best friend when it comes to shooting iPhone videos. Shoot in the shade outside or near windows to make the most of available light.

• Avoid Harsh Shadows: Harsh shadows can ruin a video! Use diffused lighting or position your subject to avoid direct sunlight which casts unflattering shadows.

• Experiment with Lighting Techniques: Try different lighting techniques, such as backlighting or silhouetting, to add creative flair to your videos.

Steady Your Shots

• Use Both Hands: Use what your mama gave you to hold that device steady to minimize shaky footage!

• Invest in a Tripod or Gimbal: A tripod or gimbal provide additional stability, especially for longer video shots or when moving around.

• Utilize Built-in Features: iPhones have many built-in features depending on the model. Go into settings -> camera. You can adjust quality, frame rate, turn on grid lines, shoot in slow motion, and adjust other creative controls in settings.

Master Composition

• Rule of Thirds: This rule is a principle of photo & video. Imagine your screen divided into nine equal parts with two horizontal + two vertical lines. Position your subject along these lines or at their intersections for more visually appealing shots.

• Experiment with Angles: Try shooting from different angles, such as high, low, or eye-level, to add depth and interest to your videos.

• Consider Background and Foreground: Pay attention to elements in the background & foreground of your shots. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds that can take away from your subject.

Enhance with Editing

• Use Your “Photos” App: Before you import videos into an external app, use the built-in editing tools in your phone’s video library to trim and cut unnecessary footage, straighten up your videos, and even fix lighting.

• Use Other Apps: Lightroom is my personal favorite editing app for photos. There is a free and paid version. I find the free version has more than enough features and allows you to easily create presets (filters) and copy and paste editing settings to other photos.

• Use Video Editing Apps: There are many video editing apps available for iPhones that allow you to enhance your videos with effects, transitions, text, and more. We recommend CapCut or good old-fashioned iMovie.

• Trim and Cut: The delete button is your friend and less is always more! Try keeping clips short, following the “3 Clip Rule” by putting three clips from the same setting right next to each other.

• Add Music and Captions: Consider adding music or captions to your photos and videos to enhance the storytelling and engage your audience. This can improve your retention rate.

…AND don’t forget to have fun!