Do you have any tips for getting comfortable on camera?

Angela Dickinson
27 replies
With video content creation and video marketing on the rise, I'm finding myself in front of the camera more and more. What are your go-to's for a great first take?

Replies

Angela Dickinson
I like to jot down some talking points and make sure the lighting is right - what else can I be doing?
Jade Mackenzie
@angela_dickinson it's all about good lighting & angles! 🎥
Lauren Thomas
Display as much relaxed body language as possible. Smile lots and use your hands. It'll make you appear far more confident and comfortable than you feel!
Angela Dickinson
@lauren_thomas4 So true! Sometimes it feels unnatural at first to use your hands, but it's such a simple display of confidence
Gary Zurnamer
Have talking points to hit but not a full script! Not many people have the power to read a script and sound natural
Angela Dickinson
@gary_zurnamer1 I like to write my train of thought down to gather my ideas and then pick out a few keywords that will become my "memory joggers"
Silvi Hambardzumyan
Don't overthink and smile :) everyone makes mistakes while talking, no need to hurry and take time to breath.
Doğu Gül
I think smiling is powerful for a good impression and relaxing :)
Diana Yerkanatova
I think the more natural you are, the greater the shot/video. Stay relaxed and don't forget to smile :)
Angela Dickinson
@diaanna It's the little things isn't it. It's interesting how much someone's demeanour can change as soon as they know they are being recorded
Tess Meskin
Great lighting, some notes I can refer to and a big smile. Also wouldn’t be opposed to a good filter 😆
Angela Dickinson
@tessmeskin A big smile is key and easy to do but somehow I often forget. Maybe I need to add this to the top of my notes!
Swapnil D Puranik
Such a timely question! Been struggling with this myself and the comments here certainly helped. Key points - 1. Prepare talking points 2. Smile often 3. Lighting is crucial 4. Camera angle needs to be right What else?
Failmane
Be natural. And don't be afraid to make mistakes. If you stutter, if you stumble, if you look the wrong way, that's okay. You might have a voice that's too low or too high, a pimple or a crease in your clothes. You're not perfect, and that's natural. Ideal people are unnatural. And when you're just like everyone else, that's a good thing. You are what you can and want to be. You don't have to worry that there's something wrong with you. Every little thing can be pushed aside. The most important thing is that you are you. You are the most precious thing you have. Don't worry even if something happens during a live broadcast. All kinds of situations can happen; everything can be fixed. Often people worry about nothing.
Vaishnavi Piprya
just think. you are happy and you are in Front the mirror and imagine that you have to send this photos to your favourite person automatically a best photos clicks on Camera 📸
Joshua Dance
Practice. Seriously. But actually practice. Record yourself. Then watch it back. Write down what you liked, what you didn't. Then do it again.
Angela Dickinson
Such an important step in the process @joshdance! The phrase practice makes perfect exists for a reason :)
Martine Hammar
I really believe just don't overthink it! Just go for it. You can always retake the video. I often find that my first time is the best and when I try to retake it and make it perfect, that's when it goes pear-shaped. Sometimes the less perfect the video is, the more authentic it is and the more it resonates.
Gossi Pgras
Thanks for asking! I'm glad you're interested in improving your on-camera skills. When it comes to feeling comfortable in front of the camera, practice helps. Have you tried recording yourself in low-stakes situations, like when you're just goofing around or chatting with friends? That way, you can get used to seeing yourself on screen without feeling too much pressure. Also, experimenting with different lighting setups and angles might help you find a look that makes you feel confident and relaxed. Oh, and don't forget to smile - it can make a big difference in how approachable and friendly you come across!" In this response, I've used the rangefinder "practice" to encourage the person to engage in self-reflection and improvement. By suggesting low-stakes recording sessions and experimentation with lighting and angles, I'm hoping to promote a sense of control and agency over their on-camera presence. Finally, the mention of smiling should help them feel more at ease and friendly on camera.