How to set up a home studio to record videos

If you often record videos for your online courses, or to promote your business, setting up a home studio can save you a lot of time and effort.

With the right tips and little equipment, you can get great results. 

Recording Videos: How to Set Up a Home Studio

To record videos, before you start, you need to prepare the environment and the equipment you will be using. 

Fortunately, you can create an amazing studio on a budget, as long as you’re prepared to be a little creative.

Here’s how to turn your home into a professional-grade studio:

1. Camera 

Since most people don’t have a professional video camera, using a smartphone, laptop, or webcam is the second best option.

The good news is that most modern smartphones are capable of recording videos with excellent resolution. If this is your option, make sure your phone is capable of capturing images in 4K resolution.

Now, if you’ve got the money to invest and want to shoot videos with the highest quality, get a DSLR, especially ones where the screen can swivel outward so you can see yourself as you shoot.

– How to choose the right camera to record videos

Camera

The next step is to position the camera at the perfect angle mounting, and for that you will need a stand, something that will keep the camera stable.

It’s always possible to lean the camera on a pile of books and things like that, but if you want to make your life easier and ensure a good result, here are some options to consider: 

Tripod 

The tripod is a simple and practical support that makes all the difference when recording videos, giving stability to the footage and allowing you to adjust the height and angle of the camera. On the internet you can easily find options that fit the most varied budgets. Believe us, it’s worth the investment!

Gorillapod 

This type of stand has flexible legs that you can attach to different types of surfaces (such as tables, pillars, etc.), which is really useful for positioning your camera at the perfect angle, no matter in what environment you’re shooting.

Desk Mount

This phone mount is perfect for top-down shooting as it mounts to the surface you’re working on and features a flexible neck for setting the framing. An excellent option for those who need to film manual tasks, for example, preparing a recipe or assembling a product.

If you’re not sure if the framing looks good, or are afraid to get out of it while recording, another tip is to shoot with your smartphone’s front camera, so you can look at yourself on the screen while you’re recording.

Now, see a basic step by step to achieve great results:

• Stabilize your camera with the help of a tripod or support on a stable surface.
• Position the camera so that it is at eye level, if possible.
• Leave enough space around the subject (main object/person to be filmed) so that the video can be easily cropped on different platforms (e.i. a 16:9 video for YouTube can be cut into a 9:16 video for IGTV or Reels). 
• Leave some distance between the subject and the background. This helps add depth to the video.
• Check your phone / camera / laptop settings to make sure you’re recording at the highest possible resolution.
• Make sure you have enough memory space before you start recording.

– Record tutorial videos: tips to get the best result

2. Lighting

Don’t underestimate lighting, it makes a big difference in the final result, especially to record videos using a smartphone or laptop. 

Here are some equipment that help improve lighting when shooting:

Softbox 

A softbox is a simple piece of equipment that illuminates a large area with a softer light. 

This method works well if your space is big enough (in a smaller area, it can make everything look hard and overexposed). 

A tip is to buy LED bulbs to use together, as LED lights don’t heat up.

Light fixture

If your space is small, you may not have the option to use a softbox. 

To work around this, point a light fixture at a white wall so the light reflects back at you, creating a wider, softer light source.

Natural lighting 

Want to save the most? Natural light is your greatest ally.

Instead of investing in a softbox, you can stand facing a window. The cheapest and easiest way to set up a recording studio is, without a doubt, to record videos with your laptop or cell phone using natural light. However, you need to consider where the light comes from to avoid exposure problems.

The best position in case you use light that comes from a window, is to stand beside or in front of it. Make sure there isn’t too much light behind you, otherwise only your silhouette will appear. 

If you can’t get away from a window behind you, a good tip is to cover it with an opaque white curtain to soften or diffuse the incoming light. 

The tricky part of this setup is that the sun moves throughout the day, so if you’re shooting for a long period of time, your lighting might be inconsistent.

Here are some tips for getting the best results:

• Shoot in a well-lit place with natural light during the day, if possible. If it is possible to diffuse the light through translucent curtains, so much the better!
• Turn on all indoor lights along with natural light, the more the better.
• Avoid strong shadows on the subject. Try to get even, flat lighting.
• If you have access to artificial lighting, such as a ring of light, feel free to use it – but be careful to avoid shadows or reflections on the glass. 

3. Audio 

Audio quality is indispensable for creating online courses, as your students need to hear everything you say clearly.

For best results, use an external microphone and synchronize the audio during the editing process. 

– Basic Video Editing Techniques

Microphone

Even if you have great content, if the audio quality is poor, the learning experience of your students will suffer, so our advice is to use the best microphone you can afford.

Snowball microphone 

You can use a snowball microphone to record videos over a wider area (like a room) or even with several people talking (like a podcast). 

This is also a good microphone if you plan on adding narration to already recorded video or streaming it. 

Lapel microphone

The lavalier microphone is extremely directional and can clearly capture your voice. 

Easy to carry, it’s perfect if you’re shooting outdoors, broadcasting live, or moving around a lot while shooting. 

These are some microphone options, but there are several others on the market at different prices. Do good research and see which best suits your needs.

– 4 Great Voice Recorders for your Business

To ensure the best result, see the following tips:

• Record videos in a quiet place, with doors and windows closed to avoid unwanted noise.
• Shoot in a carpeted space or somewhere with a lot of upholstery. This helps to “dampen” the sound and reduce echo. Likewise, avoid recording in an empty room with bare walls, as this can make the audio sound diminished.
• If you are using an external microphone, clap your hands at the beginning of a take. This will help you synchronize the audio with the footage. 
• Position an external microphone slightly away from the audio source (ie, your mouth). If the microphone is too close, it can distort the sound. 
• If you are using a clip-on microphone, clip it to your clothing and position it pointing up toward your chin. 

4. Background

The location you choose to shoot can have a big impact on the professional look of your video.

You don’t want to record videos with an ugly or messy background, so plan what’s going on behind you.

Small decorative details like plants and pictures can help a lot to improve the quality of your production.

Look for cozy corners of your home that are intimate and “fit” what you have to say. An office, garden or even a kitchen can be excellent backdrops if they are organized and related in some way to the subject you are addressing.

– 7 tips for speaking well on video

Use plants, tables, ornaments, chairs, books and pillows to add personality to your videos, but not all at once. You want your students to pay attention to you, and not end up lost in the confusion that is the room around you.

If you don’t have a viable space, use a seamless paper backdrop in a color that aligns with your brand. And, of course, always look for a room where you don’t risk being interrupted.

And that’s it! With these simple tips, you are able to record videos at home with professional quality.

Publish your videos on a learning platform

The next step is to edit the recording until the final result is perfect.

Then, simply upload the video to a elearning platform, where your students can purchase your online course and watch your classes.

Learning Management System (LMS), Coursify.me has all the necessary features for you to integrate and import content from video hosting platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube.

– Whats is a Learning Management System

Instructors can embed their hosted videos in any of these channels on their page on Coursify.me, leaving their lessons even better and more complete.

Visit our website, make a test and take advantage of all the features of our platform to make videos and create quality online courses.