How to build the perfect home studio
If you find yourself creating content on the daily, you need your own home studio! A home studio can save you a lot of time and a lot of effort.
And the good news? You don’t have to spend a ton of $ to get good results.
Below, we set up a checklist for you filled with reliable equipment that we use ourselves while creating content every single day!
Camera - any camera phone
Ring Light/Tripod - 10” Ring Light with 50” Expandable Tripod
Microphone- Microphone with 1/4" adapter with Jack Adapter for iPhone.
So now that you have your checklist, let’s go over how to best use these tools to transform your home into a professional studio because… it’s possible!
Camera & Filming Techniques
Let’s start with your camera. It’s not likely any of us have a professional camera just sitting around, but your cell phone is more than sufficient! Now when filming, you want your phone to stay perfectly still so your video isn’t shakey and you stay in focus. This is where your tripod comes in!
Position your camera at eye level.
Leave enough room around yourself or whatever you’re filming for cropping purposes.
Make sure your iPhone/Android is filming in the highest resolution possible. For iPhone go to: Settings -> Camera -> Record Video -> 4K at 60 fps. For Android go to: Camera app -> Settings icon in right corner -> Select Video Size -> Change the option from FHD to UHD.
The Perfect Lighting is Key
This is where your ring light becomes your best. freaking. friend!
Do some looking around your home and find the room or space with the most natural light.
Try to avoid any harsh shadows. Flat/ even lighting is best.
The ring light provides 3 light settings. Warm, Cool Light, and Daylight. Adjust to what works best for you.
Avoid bright lighting behind you. This will cause exposure issues and we won’t be able to see you!
Audio
Audio is usually not thought about as much as it should be but it can make a huge difference to the quality of your video! For best results, an extra mic can be used but here are a few tips to recording clear audio with or without one!
Record in a quiet location. Close doors and windows to avoid unwanted noise.
Be sure to film a test to check your audio before jumping in!
If you are using an extra mic, be careful not to be too close to it. Position the mic slightly away from yourself (or the source of audio). If the mic is too close the sound can become muffled.
Background & Location
Aaand last but NOT LEAST, your background and filming location! Your film set can have a huge impact on how clean and polished your final video turns out so keep these things in mind…
Look for areas in your home that are cozy but not cluttered.
To add some character or “spice” to your video, you may want to add in a fuzzy pillow behind you or maybe a plant for some color!
That’s it! Use these simple tips and your video content will be that much more elevated and seamless! Now get to filming!