People love it when brands create candid content. If you’re a founder or marketer looking to establish an authentic relationship with your audience, then self-recorded videos are something you should experiment with.

Are you hesitant about trying it out? If the only thing holding you back from videoing yourself is the lack of equipment, then don’t fret. You can make good content while filming on your phone.

On the other hand, if you’re worried about the actual process of recording yourself on video, then don’t sweat it. You’ll get the hang of it in no time.

In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 tips so you can nail your first take.

Tips for recording yourself on video

1. Find the perfect spot

• Pick a quiet location with plenty of sunlight or indoor lighting.
• If you’re going to sit down for the video, use a chair that doesn’t swivel or squeak.
• Avoid spots where there’s an echo.
• Turn off the fan and air conditioner to minimize noise.
• Pick a non-distracting background.

Here’s a great example from Wired’s editor-in-chief Nicholas Thompson.

elf on video, then don’t sweat it. You’ll get the hang of it in no time.

In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 tips so you can nail your first take.

Tips for recording yourself on video

1. Find the perfect spot

Pick a quiet location with plenty of sunlight or indoor lighting.
If you’re going to sit down for the video, use a chair that doesn’t swivel or squeak.
Avoid spots where there’s an echo.
Turn off the fan and air conditioner to minimize noise.
Pick a non-distracting background.

Here’s a great example from Wired’s editor-in-chief Nicholas Thompson.

2. Think about what you’ll wear

• Don’t wear clothes that blend in with the background.
• Avoid patterns like stripes.
• Don’t wear a shiny outfit.
• Keep accessories like jewelry to a minimum.
• Make sure your accessories don’t interfere with the audio.

3. Technical specifications

• Resolution: select either 1080 HD or 4K.
• Frame rate: Most videos are shot at the standard 30 fps. For smoother footage, you can select 60 fps.
• If you’re not sure about these specs, then don’t worry. The default setting should work just fine.

4. Set up your smartphone

• To avoid shaky footage, don’t hold your phone in your hand while recording yourself.
• Use a tripod with a smartphone clip and set your device up on a steady surface.
• Keep your smartphone camera at eye level. The results will not do you justice if your device is looking up or down at you.

5. Shoot in landscape mode

• A video shot in landscape format fits well into most social media newsfeeds and looks good on video hosting platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
• Horizontal videos are generally more aesthetically pleasing and don’t induce claustrophobia. If you upload a video shot vertically on platforms that are more landscape friendly, your video will have vertical bars on the sides.
  An exception to the rule: if you’re going to post your video as a story on social media, then go with portrait mode.

6. Pay attention to composition

• Don’t keep the camera so close that your face fills up the entire frame.
• If you’re talking directly to your audience, look into the camera and position yourself in the center. This creates symmetry.
• If you’re having a conversation with someone off-camera, then keep the rule of thirds in mind.
  The principle behind this rule is that things look better when you put points of interest on the thirds of your frame; especially where the lines intersect.
  So, divide the screen into three vertical sections; then, if you’re talking to someone on the left of the camera, you should position yourself in the right third of the frame.
• Don’t forget about the headroom. Typically, you don’t want the top of your head leaving the frame.

7. Get a microphone

• A microphone isn’t necessary, but it would be worth it.
• You could try the Lavalier clip-on microphone for smartphones. It’s omnidirectional and has a high-quality condenser.

8. To zoom, or not to zoom

• Don’t use the digital zoom feature. You’ll lose details and appear pixilated.
• If your device has an optical zoom or a telephoto lens, then the zoom feature will work better.

9. Pay attention to lighting

• Ideally, film yourself in daylight.
• If you’re indoors, position yourself so that the windows are facing you.
• Avoid overhead lighting and backlight.
• Don’t use your phone’s flash.
• Clip-on ring lights are also a good option.
• If you’re indoors and there isn’t enough natural light, you could position two lamps at 45 degree angles from the front of your face and place your smartphone in the middle.
• If you want to go all out, use the three-point lighting setup.

10. Edit your video

If you follow the videoing tips we’ve mentioned in this piece, your video will already be off to a good start, but good editing can take your content to a whole new level.

Install a free video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Clip, Wondershare FilmoraGo, or Magisto, and polish your content. (All three software are available for both Android and iOS devices.)

Here are some editing basics you should make use of:

• Trim: In the industry, we call it top and tail. It means cutting out some unnecessary footage at the start and at the end of the video.
• Cut: If you fumbled while talking, you could correct it by cutting.
• Add text: you can make your video more eye-catching with text. Add your social media handles too if you’d like.
• Add a thumbnail and an end card: most free video editing software will let you add a thumbnail and an end card for your video. The end card would be a good place to add your video CTA, too.
• Add music – Some video editing apps come with a library of music and sound, if you’d prefer to upload your own track, you can do that as well.

Bonus tips

For those of you who aren’t used to being filmed, these tips will come in handy

• Keep your hand movements to a minimum and don’t cross your arms.
• Whether you’re sitting or standing, pay attention to your posture.
• Relax your shoulders
• If you’re going to use your device’s back camera, use a placeholder to set up the shot.
• Keep a glass of water nearby for clearing your throat.

Bottom line

If all of this seems like too much work, you could always hire a professional video production company to create great content for you.

It may not be the cheapest route, but a good agency will deliver great videos every time so you won’t have to risk having your brand associated with bad quality content.

If you’re interested in working with video marketing professionals, then get in touch with us. We’ve been in the business for over 10 years and we’d love to help you out with your video content goals.

If you desire an all five-star service and experience, staying in a luxury hotel is the perfect way to sample the lifestyle of the rich. Featuring stunning architecture, world class amenities and fine dining, luxury hotels offer an exceptional experience for the elite. For the most tasteful luxury travelers, the experts at Property Turkey have compiled a list of the top 7 most luxurious hotels in the world.

1. Mardan Palace, Turkey

Mardan Palace is a luxury hotel based in Lara, Antalya with a reported cost of approximately $1.4 billion. With over 560 hotel rooms, it is commonly known as Europe’s most expensive luxury resort.

Facilities include a 12,000 sq ft spa, 4 aquariums, 5 acres of pool plus a personal beach for the guests with sand imported from Egypt. Perfect for travelers wishing to combine comfort with luxury, the hotel includes velvet lined furniture, exotic wood floors and marble bathroom interiors.

2. Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Built to represent the sail of an Arabian dhow, the Burj Al Arab is the seventh tallest hotel in the world. Easily one of the most outrageously extravagant hotels in the world, it features a pillow menu with nine types of pillows for the guest to choose from, 24-carat gold leaf walls and full-sized Hermes amenities in every suite.

Whilst the official rating of the hotel is 5-star (the highest hotel rating there is), it is widely referred to as a seven-star hotel. This magnificent destination offers world class service-right down to the chauffeur driven Rolls Royce service.

3. Atlantis Paradise, Bahamas

Welcome to paradise. As one of the most stunning hotels in the Caribbean, Atlantis island resort features 11 swimming pools, a magnificent water park, 18-hole golf course, 21 restaurants, gym, tennis courts, a spa and even a Pilates and yoga studio. With a whole array of activities from family friendly fun to after dark nightlife, there is truly something for everyone at this awesome resort.

4. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is a lavish, golden exterior property overlooking the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Offering an array of worldwide cuisines, 1.3km of private beach land, a private marina and coral rooms with garden views, this iconic hotel welcomes guests into a world of indulgence. Emirates Palace is a testament to Abu Dhabi, showcasing Arabian culture at its finest via its whopping three-billion-dollar construction.

5. The Plaza, New York City

Based in midtown Manhattan, The Plaza has been one of New York’s most treasured landmarks since 1969. For over 100 years, the hotel has welcomed guests from around the world, including dignitaries, Hollywood royalty and world leaders.

Providing a luxurious backdrop for famous blockbusters, guests can indulge in an opulent five star stay whilst being conveniently situated near New York City Center, Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Music Hall and Central Park.

6. Westin Excelsior, Rome

Offering the true ‘Roman Emperor’ experience, The Westin Excelsior is not only a luxury hotel but a prized landmark too. Featuring Empire style furniture, indoor swimming pools styled after Pompeian baths and bohemian chandeliers, the Westin Excelsior has become a symbol for Italian opulence. Also famed for its Café Doney, the lounge bar often has opera singers as entertainment during Sunday brunch.

7. The Palms, Las Vegas

Situated near the Las Vegas Strip, The Palms offers uncompromising service and prides itself on being ‘different in design’. As one of Las Vegas’ most ambitious projects, the hotel and casino underwent a jaw-dropping $690million renovation to make The Palms one of the world’s most sought after luxury destinations. Featuring artwork from Andy Warhol and Jean- Michel Basquiat in the lobby, a $3million scotch inventory, a rooftop nightclub and fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Overnight drives can be a blessing or a curse. On the plus side, you have the whole road to yourself. You don’t have to worry about traffic holding you up as you pass through cities, and you can go at whatever pace you please. However, overnight drives also mean staying up all night, which could potentially be a shock to your system. It’s easy to become sleepy with nothing but a dark road ahead, but it is important to your safety, and to those around you, that you stay awake and alert while driving. Additionally, if you are not used to night drives, you could be at a higher risk of drifting off. According to Instructional Technologies, if you do not typically drive at night, you are more likely to experience fatigue than frequent night drivers.

Whether you are a seasoned night driver or are about to venture on your first overnight assignment, here are 10 tips to help you stay sharp during those late night trips. 

1. Avoid High Contrast Light

According to Trucking Truth, bright lights in the cab can create a harsh contrast to the dark road outside. This can cause your eyes to struggle to adjust and become tired quickly. It may seem like the opposite of what you should do to stay awake, but be sure to turn down the light in your truck. Even turning down the lights in your dashboard can help your eyes stay wide awake during a late night drive. It is also important not to stare into the lights of oncoming vehicles as they pass. Be sure to always keep your eyes in your own lane.

2. Maintain a Level Head

Before you get behind the wheel for a long journey ahead, be sure your emotions are in check. If you’ve had a stressful day or are upset about something, be sure to put it all behind you before putting the truck in drive. It may be easier said than done, but if you spend the entire night fuming about past events, you are likely to wear yourself out. Emotions can drain your energy and leave you feeling exhausted; this is even true of positive emotions. If you had a great day or have something to celebrate, be sure to keep your excitement in check as well. Try to keep your radio singing to a minimum and focus your attention on the road.

3. Watch What You Eat

Eating on the road can be tricky. It’s tempting to grab a quick burger or a bag of chips at the gas station. However, if you choose to eat something heavy in carbs or sugar, it will make you feel sluggish and sleepy later on. Obviously your options on the road are limited, so plan ahead with a cooler full of your own healthy foods. If fast food is your only choice, avoid the greasy burgers and fried chicken. Mix it up with a salad, fruit cup or grilled meat. Most fast food chains have added healthier options like these to their menus, which will help you feel more energized and ready to stay up late.

4. Grab a Coffee

This one may seem obvious, but don’t forget the coffee! Coffee will help boost your energy and keep you fresh throughout the night.

5. But Don’t Overdo the Caffeine…

That being said, be sure to keep your coffee consumption in check. Too many coffees or energy drinks can make you jittery and will eventually make your energy crash. This is also true of drinks full of sugar and artificial flavorings. Large amounts of soda and sugar-loaded juices can make your blood sugar spike and crash, which could lead to you falling asleep behind the wheel.

6. Drink Lots of Water

Coffee is important to sip on while driving overnight, but nothing is more important than water. Staying hydrated is the easiest way to remain awake and feel alert. You may think it is a better idea to skip the water to avoid constant bathroom breaks, but drinking coffee without water can actually create more of an urge to urinate, and can lead to headaches and other health issues.

7. Check Your Truck’s Temperature

The temperature in your truck can also affect your energy levels. If you keep it nice and toasty in your truck, you may find yourself becoming drowsy on long drives. Instead, be sure to keep your air a little cooler than comfortable to keep your body attentive.

8. Take Your Vitamins

Vitamins are another great way to boost your energy. Taking some Vitamin B and Vitamin D after a healthy meal can help you feel more energized and stay awake longer without an energy crash later. 

9. Take a Walk

If you start to feel sleepy, try getting out of your truck in a safe area for a nice, brisk walk to help revitalize your system. Going for a walk will get your blood pumping and muscles moving again, which will not only wake you up, but it will help your body stretch out after being cramped in the same position for hours. It is important for anyone who remains stationary for long periods of time to contract their muscles and move around frequently; these are the best ways to avoid blood clots.

10. When All Else Fails, Take a Nap

Sometimes, no amount of caffeine or vitamins can replace a quick power nap. If you are feeling too tired to go on, don’t be afraid to park your truck in a safe place and take a nap. Just be sure to set a timer to avoid oversleeping. A 20-minute nap can do wonders for your energy, but if you accidentally sleep for a few hours, you could wake up feeling even more groggy, and your shipment could be running late.