Speaking at Tots100’s Blog Camp & My Top 10 On Camera Tips

Saturday saw me travel to Birmingham, taking my Mum along for the ride (my biggest supporter and as a former lecturer, she wanted to hear me speak), as I shared my experience as a full time blogger at Tots100’s Blog Camp.

I participated in 2 sessions-the first, solo, sharing my on-camera tips for bloggers and vloggers alike, and later, sitting on a panel with PR’s discussing working with brands.

Sally, founder of Flea Enterprises which includes the prestigious Tots100, always ensures Blog Camp is an intimate, welcoming and inspiring affair.

As with last year, it proved to be the perfect setting to meet and chat with lots of bloggers, many whom I’ve gotten to ‘know’ online, making new friends too, and hanging out with old mates sharing tips, advice and know-how from one another, in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

I also got to meet Sally’s daughter, the incredibly smart, sweet and beautiful Flea. Flea is the future of blogging!

Another highlight was meeting the very brave Leigh of Headspace Perspective whose blog is a touchingly written legacy to her son Hugo, while helping so many other parents dealing with baby loss.

It’s always wonderful to find that those you click with online, is so often the case offline too, as it was with Leigh and so many others at Blog Camp.

Here I am, with blogging friends, old (very young), and new-

Clockwise with Flea, Sally of Who’s the Mummy’s fabulous daughter (thanks Sally for the picture) and some of my favourite bloggers: Kiran of Mummy Says, Emma of Brummy Mummy of 2, Lucy of Mrs. Bishop’s Bakes & Banter, Aby of You Mummy Me Baby, Hannah of Mums’ Days, Leigh of Headspace Perspective and Mel of Le Coin de Mel (sisters in style wearing a practically identical top/dress-thanks for the photo Mel).

Thanks Nadine for the snap!

It was so lovely meeting so many of you too, particularly seeing all too briefly the lovely Susanne of Ghostwritermummy, meeting Katy of What Katy Said and Caro of Twinkle Diaries, and laughing with Colette of We’re Going on an Adventure , Nadine of Juggle One, and Jane of Practically Perfect Mums (above)-all brilliant bloggers.

I really enjoyed Sian from You’re Not Round Here‘s thorough vlogging session and it reminded me to re-shoot an intro video for my YouTube channel. I actually shot 2 over a year ago but was too self critical and didn’t end up using them, I wasn’t keen on my outfits and wanted the cut to be slicker so promised myself a reshoot I never got round to. See it can happen to all of us!

I will now though!

I am also, currently cutting a showreel of all my best on-camera clips from my own vlogs and campaign films I’ve appeared in, that will be up on my site soon.

Below, I share my Top 10 On Camera tips, for anyone interested, who couldn’t make my session and for those who did but there wasn’t time to share everything.

You can also read my pro-blogging tips too from last year’s conference HERE and of course there are more on the blog under Blogging Tips.

My session was pretty high energy and there were lots of questions, thanks so much to everyone who came, I was blown away that it was a full house, I only thought a few might turn up (one of the reasons I brought my Mum with me-for back up) ;)!

I didn’t get time on the day to share all my tips, and I could, not surprisingly, have spoken for an hour, not 30 minutes-maybe next time!

As a multi-award winning director, having made TV drama, documentaries, commercials and music videos, and now as a blogger and vlogger, who appears in campaign films and modelling shoots for brands  such as bareMinerals, Yahoo, Nova Harley, The Essential One, Selfridges and more, here I share my experience both behind, and in front of the camera, to help you get camera ready-

1. What should you film?

As with blogging where you write about what matters to you: your passions, the same applies with films you make, and that means filming and sharing what rocks your boat-recipes, style videos, family days out, beauty films, shopping hauls, milestones, advice films. Basically whatever takes your fancy, and that you’d want to watch yourself.

That’s the beauty of blogging and vlogging, we’re our own editors and exec producers, what we say, our cut and point of view on the world, goes. Brilliant huh.

2. Where to shoot

Most vloggers shoot in their home: bedrooms/kitchen/lounge. Beware though, too messy/fussy a background can be distracting. Too flat can be bland and boring. It’s that delicate balance of giving your films personality but focusing on what matters: you, your kids, the products you’re featuring.

Play with styling your backdrops, moving the mess from view, facing an open window (not behind) adding a vase of flowers and practice how to frame yourself, playing with shot sizes.

Head and shoulders are usually best as resolution is lost when you expand the box in Youtube so keep that in mind.

You can create pretty backdrops easily and inexpensively.

Beauty bloggers often favour fairy lights, choosing to shoot in their bedroom. I like being in front of my dressing table but believe me, I do style it. Looking at it now, it’s overflowing with jewellery, perfume, skincare products and pictures of my kids. I literally remove everything and only add a few items making it an interesting backdrop but one that will allow the viewer to focus on me, and what I’m saying. The setting should complement the subject.

Outside filming/broadcasts can be tough as you can’t control the sound or what’s happening in shot, and some places-train stations/ public places can require consent from the council. If you’re attending a concert, event, theme park and want to film there, email beforehand to ask permission.

Shooting on campaign films for brands on set usually means in studios or warehouses, on location sets with big crews and teams from costume to hair/make up, multiple cameras, sound people and more to ensure the most polished of films will be created.

Some brands want a more ‘you tube’ style feel to films though too as they feel they are more relatable and ‘real’. I’ve recently shot a skincare campaign where they wanted just that feel.

3. Equipment- what you need:

A camera.

Being a filmmaker, I shoot with a Canon 5D (industry standard, along with various film lenses) but you don’t need a camera of that standard and it is pricey. Yes you can shoot on your phone and laptop but I would recommend going into a camera shop and asking about cameras, working out your budget and opting for something that will yield professional results for you, without a big price tag. Especially at the start.

I personally love my Fuji XM1 which is a fairly light camera I take with me when travelling and on shoots where I’m filming or shooting and not my husband.

My advice also applies to modelling shoots too, phones can offer you fairly good quality shots when the light is right and you use apps to enhance, but they are limiting, so if you can afford a lightweight but brilliant camera, go for it.

Microphones

Invest in clip mikes and a directional mike for sound. Sound is 60% of your film, as my sound lecturer always advised at uni and he was 100% right. Bad sound will turn viewers off. Do sound tests, shoot your rehearsals checking over both the sound levels and the framing.

A tripod

Don’t scrimp on a tripod, they are inexpensive and vital in ensuring your shots are steady and watchable. Pick one up that fits your camera.

Lights

Using natural light is the easiest way to light your film but does mean you’re restricted to shooting in the daytime. Have a window facing you-never shoot with the light streaming in behind you.

If you want a more polished look for your video consider these 3 main ways to light:

Key light – sitting near or in front of the window provides the main light for your shoot, or filming outside (ideally in cloudy weather so diffused sunlight so fewer chance of sharp shadows and if there’s bright sunshine, shoot in the shade).

Fill light – light behind the camera to fill the shadows created by the key light, ensuring you achieve soft, ‘beauty’ lighting as known in the industry. A softer light that is flattering.

Back light – placed behind you, it makes you stand out from the background.

Go ahead and buy pro lights if you can but you can achieve good results with natural light and even table lamps so experiment with the lighting available to you.

Someone filming you (ideally)

I know this isn’t possible for all and I’m very lucky my husband is a pro-photographer, but ideally if you can set the camera up and ask someone to shoot for you, all the better. They can check the framing, your eyeline, the background, how you look on camera and the sound levels.

Eyeline wise, if they sit directly next to the camera you can look like you are speaking just slightly off camera but I would say practice looking down the lens and speaking directly at your audience.

No one to help? Then pick up a small, lightweight monitor to hook up to your main camera or an inexpensive second camera, with a long lead, so you can look at yourself while being sat/ stood in your shooting position.

Hair/Make Up/ Clothes

On set, you’d have heads of departments ensuring all of the above is perfect for the shoot. As vloggers and bloggers, we tend to have to do all of this ourselves unless we’re on a campaign film.

So, make sure strands of hair are not in your face, lipstick is not on your teeth if you’re wearing make-up and your clothes are ironed, clean and work well on camera. I would recommend wearing foundation and some colour on your lips as a minimum, as the camera can wash you out and even men on camera often wear basic make up.

Think wedding day make up when shooting, going a little bit brighter and bolder than usual.

4. How to Gain Confidence

This came up a lot on Saturday, bloggers asking me how I became so confident and how they could too.

I actually asked my Mum in the audience if I was always confident. She replied ‘yes’ but honestly that hasn’t been or is always the case. I actually felt nervous pre-speaking on that very day but I think it’s about channelling those nerves, feeling the fear, accepting it as normal, and allowing that anxiety to spur you on.

I’ve worked with some of the greatest UK actors, well known faces, award winners, who all feel incredibly nervous before takes. Remember that. You’re in good company. Also as with anything, the more you do something, the less frightening it becomes and everyone needs nerves to perform.

My advice is to shoot as much as possible, be it yourself you’re filming, your kids, simply having the camera around and on (whether you use the takes or not) will help to naturalise the process. The camera is your friend.

Feigning confidence does lead you to actually feeling confident. Your brain is tricked and before you know it, you’ll be feeling good when the camera starts rolling. Do read this post that is one of my most read and much loved Be Who You Want to Be, I hope it empowers you.

5. Practical ways to relax pre-filming

I also like to take a few deeps breaths, in through the nose, out through the nose, yoga-style to help me relax and keep me focused. I also can’t live without the all-natural Rescue Remedy Drops/ Spray that instantly remove panic/fear for me and have gotten me through my driving test, wedding, uni, childbirth and more. If you’re really scared, consider these tricks.

Camomile tea is also a great way to relax, I always ask for it on set. Too many cups, though will make you sleepy so just have the one.

6. Speaking On Camera

I know this can be frightening but again the more you do it, the easier it becomes. I would recommend watching lots of other vloggers as well as presenters, observe how they stand, sit, speak to the camera and why they seem so engaging. Usually videos for YouTube and branded films are quick, the presenters don’t rush through their pieces to camera, but aren’t terribly either. Most tend to have a lively energy about them too. The truth is no one wants to watch even a few minutes of monotone delivery.

7. Be Yourself

Having said that, you must be yourself, that’s what makes you unique and interesting-and the beautiful thing about online video content, as with blogs, is a like-minded and interested audience will find you. But you will have to-

8. Grow a Thick Skin

As with any industry, there will always be negativity, people who don’t ‘get you’, understand what you represent or simply dislike you. There will be naysayers and trolls potentially, and as creatives, we are usually sensitive, but it’s time to grow a thick skin. I have worked in the film industry since gaining my MA at 21 so I’ve had a lot of years of practice when it comes to the rhino hide and equally dealing with criticism and rejection.

I LOVE and yearn for constructive criticism, I’ve never been sensitive when it came to that. For me, it was always about serving the story, cut, film etc not the ego but I get that it’s hard when it’s you up there on camera and not behind the lens, writing and directing. It’s hard not to take things personally. I know it, I feel it too. I think you simply need to filter.

Take advice from those wanting the best, ignore the rest, the personal, snide, jealous comments and move forwards. Your first film isn’t likely to be Oscar worthy, but nor were the eventual Oscar winners and you are not here to make the slickest, most professional film in the world. A fun, well shot, short (brief films do better online), engaging film-yes but manage your expectations and enjoy the process. We all, never stop learning.

9. Editing & Music

Professionally, it was always Final Cut or AVID but now there are lots of editing software packages available. I use the following for cutting film: Sony Movie Studio, Photoshop or HitFilmPro3. They are not cheap but offer superb results but do google cheaper alternatives, there are lots of reviews online.

I always buy my music from Audio Network, it’s inexpensive and makes sense to me, particularly if you are opting to monetise your YouTube films.

10. PR & Getting Your Film Out There

Upload that film on your YouTube Channel, making sure that your channel is branded with your logo and url. See mine as an example and I usually always add my own logo and url to the video unless it needs to be branded for another company.

Always fill in the description section on your film, including links to products, or your blog and tagging with relevant search terms. Tags are crucial for SEO.

Share the links on social media, especially Google + (Google own youtube) and embed the film into a blog post too. I would also recommend, whatever stage you’re at, to have an ‘On Camera’ section on your blog header and to include a/ or a few of your best films on your sidebar too. Your blog and these films are your showreel and calling card to your reader and PR’s.

Always use the screenshot of the video, not the actual video on your homepage so as not to slow your blog down though and ditto on your camera page.

You can see mine for reference HERE.

When it comes to campaign films you might appear in, the brand/PR company usually give it a big push but you will also be expected to share your audience on social media and your blog and it’s in your interest to.

Do contact local and national press/ other websites/ bloggers to share your work too. As a famous film producer once told me, ‘The internet is a big place, if  nobody knows about you how are they going to find you?’ True words. I say, get a little bit more American with your approach and don’t be scared to promote yourself. I’ve written a post on how to be your own best publicist for more info.

So there you have it, my top 10 tips to get you on camera ready, I hope you’ve found them useful.

I have just seen this INCREDIBLE, smart, bang on and hilariously funny video Sally’s daughter Flea made on ‘How to Survive A Blogging Conference’ and I get a mention 3 minutes in. It’s made my year. I want Flea to join me on my next talk-she is the future of blogging, that’s for sure. Love it:

Please do ask me any questions in the comments if you’d like to and leave any more tips of your own.

Updated Post.

Linking up to Mama and More’s #Allaboutyou