Hi all!
Okay, I don't really want to be a TikTok star, I do want to record some content though. I'm an author (who isn't?), and I read a lot. I'm also interested in teaching creative writing, talking about story theory, structure, psychology of writers and readers, and a whole bunch of other things. I realise I could do a podcast, but why deny the world my handsome face...
Really, if I make the videos, I can go back the other way and make podcasts from the videos and, hopefully, capture a wider audience.
This is all dull stuff though. What I need your help with, dear, beautiful AppleVissers, is how to go about recording independently without getting a flattering image of my chin filling the view, elbow, big toe… Half head... There are so many ways this could muck up.
I'll be using my iPhone 15 Pro as it's the best camera I've got. I'll probably have to get some sort of lapel mic, I guess, and work out lighting with someone who is sighted, but in terms of lining up the shot, any thoughts? I know there is something on the latest phones, centre stage? that moves the individual into the middle of the shot, which sounds ideal, but I'm not sure if that is something good for this application.
I'm really vague about any of this, so please fill me in with any thoughts you have on this.
Thank you in advance.
Comments
Be My AI
Hi Oliver,
I have been streaming my live musical performance's, off and on, for a few years now, so I might be able to provide a tip or two. For lining up your camera, I like the AI mode of Be My eyes; it's available on Windows, IOS, and I assume Mac. I use a Windows PC for, nearly all aspects of my stream, but I do use my iPhone as a web cam for the computer, utilizing an app called Camo. On top of the iPhone having a better camera, I find using the phone in a stand easier to line up shots consistently.
Apart from hardware, the other two key pieces of tech in my setup are Reaper and OBS. Feel free to ask any follow-up questions, and I will do my best to respond.
Good luck,
Oliver
Just dance alluringly in front of a full-length mirror while using your iPhone to record. You will be infamous in no time. `😇
A Studio
So are you going to be standing or sitting or both?
I set up an area for pictures of stupid costumes in front of a grayish tan curtain/backdrop. I had help, by way of posting pictures to friends, in working out where to place the camera on a tripod. The lighting was from several LED shop lights behind the tripod, some reflecting off the white ceiling and the curtains to give a little back lighting. The phone does a lot to adjust for the lighting too. I placed a small rug in the spot to stand and mark the sides of where I could move, side to side, in the middle third of the frame. It actually worked fairly well.
Later I worked out a spot between the rug and the tripod, which was adjusted to about waist-high, to place a chair to do Facetime calls. It also works for upper body and head pictures.
The hooks to hang the lights are already in the ceiling and it takes about five minutes to set it all up... after I move all the stuff out of the way because I don't have the room to have empty space sitting around my house.
Oliver
Would not that be much better in Youtube?
Microphone
I’ve been trying to look into some of this stuff myself in recent days. I think myself, and have seen others recommend, that sound quality matters more than picture quality. You need to be well framed etc as you’ve said, but a half decent microphone is crucial, rather than using the built in mic.
I’ve seen recommendations for the Yeti Nano and the Rode SmartLav+ clip-on mics. However one of these has a 3.5mm jack and one has USB-A connection it seems, so would need adaptors to use with an iPhone.
One video I watched recommended using the Final Cut Camera app on iPhone to record, and Final Cut Pro on iPad to edit, but I haven’t checked accessibility or usability of these as yet.
Dave
Yes, audio
It reminds me of all the Youtube videos with almost inaudible or horrible room sound quality that I've had to suffer through because I wanted the information. Then the screen reader or the ill-timed commercial blasts me because I've had to turn the computer volume up to hear the video... I keep thinking, do these people review their video before they post it?
Was thinking of pulling this off sometime back, dropped the idea
Started a blog site instead. Something I can recommend to you for lighting which might help is a Ring Light with Tripod Stand for your video shoots. Sorry that is all I can add here to the conversation
Cowboy
Is that similar to the song I want to be a cowboy!!! Long live cats.