10 Tips To Record Video From Home

Ben Stapley


Church Leaders – Here are my top ten tips to make great videos while recording yourself on a phone during this crisis. Spending a little effort with these tips will avoid making bad home recordings while we are social distancing.

1. Framing – Shoot mid thigh up. This allows you to give wide gestures with your hands. It also allows you to punch into a tighter shot while editing.

2. Audio – Don’t stand more than five feet from the camera so the mic can pick you up. Also make sure to project your voice and turn off anything noisy in the room like a fan or air conditioning.

3. Video – Shoot in 4k and 24 frames per second. This gives you the best image possible. Also, use the best phone in the house, even if it’s your kids.

4. Lighting – Stand in front of your biggest bay window and open up the blinds. You will look gorgeous.

5. Eye Contact – Find the camera and look at it. This will make a personal connection with your audience.

6. Eye Level – Put the camera on eye level to avoid the dreaded double chin look.

7. Background – Make sure it’s distraction free – there shouldn’t be any dirty socks on the floor. Also make sure it’s dynamic – you shouldn’t be standing against a blank wall.

8. Duration – Keep it short and sweet. Whatever your message length was in person, it should be cut down in half for video.

9. Content – Transition from the stage to the screen by changing your content and tone from authoritative to authentic.

10. Audience – Picture one person you want to connect with and communicate to them. If you do that, you’ll communicate to everyone.


Bonus Tips

1. Posture – Stand don’t sit. This gives you more energy. It also hides the spare tire. If you insist on sitting, then do it on the edge of the chair / couch and sit up as much as you can. It will feel silly but you will look great.

2. Talking Points – Hide your talking points by taping them below the camera for easy reference.


About Ben Stapley

Executive Pastor
The Life Christian Church | West Orange, NJ

For over 20 years Ben has created & captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. Some of the fields he has worked in include pastoringpreaching, speakingvideographyphotography, bloggingreporting & producing. He also consults for churches and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity.

Ben received a BA in Video Communication from MBI in Chicago. After graduating he worked in Toronto as a television producer for Context, a national news program. For a decade he designed compelling services at South Ridge Community Church as the Director of Programming & Media. In 2011 he received a MDiv from Missio Seminary in Philadelphia. For four years he worked at Liquid Church in NJ as the Creative Arts Pastor. For three years he worked at Christ Fellowship Miami on the executive team as the Experience Director overseeing worship, creative, production, online, communication & guest services.

Ben currently serves as the Executive Pastor at The Life Christian Church leading staff and volunteers to execute the vision and mission of the church. TLCC is located in West Orange, New Jersey and is known for its vibrant diversity.

Ben and his wife Rose enjoy life with their two lovely daughters, Violet & Scarlet in New Jersey.

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