Taking Video and Photo: Tips for shooting from home

Position

• Shoot horizontal (landscape orientation)

  • Make sure no objects block the camera

• Background

  • Be aware of what's in it

• Zoom

  • Zoom with your feet, not phone. Zooming with the camera causes quality loss.

Camera

• Take video or photo with a smartphone

DO NOT use a computer camera unless that's your only option. 

Stabilize

• Use a tripod or rest your phone on something flat

• Avoid moving around

• Avoid fast moments

Audio

• Avoid background noises if possible

• Stay inside (avoid wind noise)

• Don't touch the camera, as the mic will pick up those sounds

• Use a mic if you can, like iPhone headphones or AirPods

Lighting

• Avoid harsh light or dark shadows

• Keep consistent lighting if possible

Simple how-to take photos demo

• See this 2-minute video on taking professional portraits with your phone