Doing live video broadcasts is a great way to build an audience and generate leads for your business. In this article, I’m going to give 6 tips to set up your camera for a live. Ensuring your broadcasts are the best they can be.
1. Lighting
Light determines how your broadcasts will look. A mediocre camera with great lighting will always beat a great camera with no light. With this in mind, good lighting should always be a priority when you set up your camera for a live.
Natural light from a window on a bright day can be good enough. But it’s not always reliable and means you will struggle at night. There are plenty of lighting options available online. From small ring lights which attach to your phone. Right up to the box lighting used in professional photography studios.
If you’re on a low budget or get stuck for lighting then you can be creative around the house. Kitchens with fluorescent lighting can be great. Even using lamps and removing light shades to create more brightness can help. Although with lighting to fit most price ranges it shouldn’t be necessary, other than in an emergency.
2. Sound
Sound is 50% of your broadcast and can be more important than light. People will put up with a bad picture, to a certain extent. But they won’t put up with bad sound. Some of your audience may not even watch the footage and choose to listen whilst doing other things. But if they can’t hear you then they’ll move on.
Using an external mic can make a big difference in the quality of your sound. The closer the mic is to you the better quality the sound will be. Which makes lapel mics a great option.
You may not be ready to buy a microphone. But always keep external factors in mind when it comes to sound. Where you’re shooting your video. Is it windy? Is traffic likely if you’re outside? Is the spin cycle of your washing machine going to start just as you’re getting to the main message of your topic? You should always consider these types of things but even more so if you don’t have a great mic.
3. Stabilise your camera
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to stabilise your camera. If you go live when walking then this isn’t something people would expect. But if you’re in a stationary position it makes sense that your camera should be still. If you haven’t got access to this equipment then use a wall to steady your phone, a pile of books or even a phone holder. There are also many tripod options available online which are affordable and still professional.
4. Look into the lens
Although it’s tempting to look at yourself if the screen is facing you, or look away if a light is shining in your eyes, it is important to look directly into the lens as much as possible. This is because your viewer will see it as you are looking at them. Don’t look at yourself on the screen, or to the side to avoid the light. It will make you seem distant and disengaged.
5. Camera positioning
When setting up your camera for a live don’t hold your camera too low. Looking down at your camera is called nostril view. Not only is it unflattering it puts you in a dominant position. From a psychological perspective, people don’t like to be looked down upon. This can leave your audience struggling to relate.
Holding the camera above you is often the most flattering. This is why it’s a popular way to take selfies. But again, from a psychological perspective, this is a submissive position. Which means you are putting yourself on a lower level to your viewer. Subconsciously, they may not see you as an authority on your chosen topic. Causing them to dismiss what you’re saying.
Having the camera lens at eye level is the optimal position. This puts you on an even keel with your viewer. You’re not being submissive and you’re not looking down on them. You’re showing confidence whilst being respectful. This makes them more likely to positively receive your message.
6. Backdrop
Before you set up your camera for a live, always take a minute to consider your backdrop. Doing a quick 360 can help you to see the best of where you are. As a rule, try to avoid busy backdrops which may take the viewers attention away from you and your message.
But if a landmark or place of interest will grab your viewers attention, then feel free to use this too. The main thing to ask yourself about the backdrop is, whether or not it’s going to keep the interest of your viewer? This could mean keeping it simple so not to distract them, or using it as a way to entice them.
Final thoughts on how to set up your camera for a live
The more light you have the better your broadcast will look, even with a mediocre camera. People will put up with a bad picture to a certain extent but if the sound isn’t great then they won’t hang around. Be sure to stabilise the camera so it’s not shaking during your broadcast. Look into the lens to engage with your audience and make sure it’s at eye level to ensure you are best received. Use your backdrop as a way to keep your viewer’s attention. By either keeping it simple or making it a point of interest.
