User GENERATED
CONTENT GUIDE
a guide on how to shoot your own content
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Studio Eighty Eight User Generated Content Guide. In this document you will find a comprehensive guide on how to shoot high-quality social content, no matter your budget. Whether you’re working with just a smartphone or looking to invest in professional-grade gear, we’ll walk you through the essential setups to maximize your video potential.
We will cover three different video setups based on budget, the key elements of production like camera settings, lighting, audio, and stability, go over essential cinematography tips to enhance your video quality and composition , and provide you with practical on-camera speaking techniques to help you communicate effectively.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to create polished, engaging content that resonates with your audience. Let’s dive in!
In this article
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THE BARE BONES
What’s great about shooting in this era of technology is you don’t need much. Everyone has a cellphone, a window, and the ability to turn off the air conditioner inside. Let’s take a look at how we can maximize shooting social content with the bare bones.
The Camera | Cellphone
- Everyone has a cellphone in their pocket. Most phones now can shoot up to 4K at 120FPS. To maximize the quality of your social content, we at Studio EightyEight recommend a few settings:
- Shoot at 24fps for talking head. This will give your video that “cinematic feel” when you are speaking to the camera.
- For supporting footage or “B Roll” shoot at 60 or 120fps so the footage can be slowed down for smooth, cinematic motion. Just make sure to move the phone slowly if moving the camera.
Lighting | Natural Light
- The best free light source is a window! Position yourself facing the window for the best results. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or backlighting that can cause unwanted shadows or a silhouette effect.
Audio | Quiet Enviorment
- Turn off air conditioning, fans, or any background noise that could interfere with your voice. If possible, record in a small room to reduce echo.
Stability | Tripod or DIY Setup
- If you don’t have a tripod for your phone, prop your phone up on a stack of books or against a stable object.
- Keep the phone at eye level for the most flattering angle.
The Intermediate
If you’re looking to step up your video game without breaking the bank, here are some affordable upgrades to improve your production quality.
The camera | entry level dslr or mirrorless
- Cameras like the Canon M50 or Sony ZV-1 offer better image quality than a phone and are user-friendly. Stick to the same 24fps setting for consistency.
Lighting | Ring Light or Softbox
- A simple ring light ($30-$100) provides even lighting for your face.
- Softbox lights offer more professional diffusion for a flattering look.
Audio | External Microphone
- A lavalier mic (clip-on mic) or a shotgun mic greatly improves audio quality.
- Popular budget options: Rode VideoMicro, BOYA BY-M1 Lavalier Mic.
Stability | Tripod & Gimbal
- A tripod ensures stable footage, and a gimbal helps with smooth motion shots.
The professional
For those who want to go all-in on quality, investing in higher-end gear and techniques will elevate your video content to the next level.
The camera | Professional Mirrorless or Cinema Camera
- Cameras like the Sony A7S III, Canon R5, or Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K offer incredible image quality and professional features.
- Use a prime lens (e.g., 35mm or 50mm f/1.8) for a cinematic depth-of-field effect.
Lighting | Key Light, Fill Light & Backlight
- Use a three-point lighting setup for a polished, professional look.
- Brands like Aputure offer high-quality lighting solutions.
Audio | XLR Microphones & Audio Recorder
- High-quality LAV microphones, (Rode Wireless Go II, DJI Wireless Microphone) give broadcast-quality sound.
- Consider soundproofing your recording space for a cleaner audio environment.
Stability | Pro Tripod, Motorized Slider, Drone
- A motorized slider adds cinematic motion to shots.
- A drone (DJI Mini 3 Pro) captures stunning aerial footage for dynamic content.
cinematography tips
If you’re looking to step up your video quality without breaking the bank, here are some affordable upgrades to improve your production quality.
fps
- Stick to 24fps for a cinematic feel. Use 60fps for smooth slow-motion shots.
composition
- Follow the rule of thirds by positioning subjects slightly off-center.
depth of field
- A lower f-stop (e.g., f/2.8) blurs the background for a professional look.
movement
- Subtle camera movements (like slow pans) add production value.
speaking on camera
Here are some helpful tips and trick to help improve your presence on camera:
be natural
- Talk as if you were having a conversation with a friend.
Engage the Viewer
- Look directly at the camera lens, not at the screen.
pace yourself
- Speak clearly and avoid rushing through sentences.
Smile & use Gestures
- This helps keep your energy up and makes your delivery more engaging.
Your Story Is Worth It.
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