How to Prepare for a Video Shoot

In order to present a clear, concise image of your "message" you will need to have a clear sense of what that is - what your Passion is for your business and how you want to express that.  We will discuss your Passion and the message that you want to present on your Video during our pre-shoot Consultation so that I understand your message as well.  But here are some practical guides for the shoot itself that will help present you in the best light.

• Wear something colorful that compliments you.
  For example, white is not necessarily a good color.
  And be careful with low cut apparel.
  
  
• If you wear white, don't sit on a white couch or chair - believe me this has happened.  You will look ghostly… 
   
• It's best not to sit on a couch because it will usually make you look slouchy.  If you do sit on a couch use good placement of pillows.
  
  
• Sit in a fairly straight back chair that is comfortable for you - such as:
  - a comfortable living room type chair (with a table next to it)
  - at your office desk in your office.
  - at your kitchen or dining room table.
  
  
• The setting will depend on the image you want to present, whether informal, conversational, or business-like.
  
  
• Remember, you are trying to present a comfortable, personal image of who you are!
  
  
• Place a colorful bouquet of flowers, a green plant, or a special center piece object, on a table near you that will be in the shot.  It adds a nice touch.
  
  
• Do not sit in front of windows - you will be a shadow.
  If you have to sit in front of a window, pull the blinds, shades, or drapes to make a lovely backdrop.
  
  
• Standing, or sitting, in front of a fireplace, or brick wall, can sometimes create a nice effect.
  
  
• Do not sit or stand in front of mirrors.
  Your videographer will show up in the shot :) And people will be distracted by what's in the mirror, or any movement in the mirror.
  
  
• Do not sit where there are a lot of objects in the background that could distract your viewers from your message - like a lot of knick-knacks.  One woman had a large oriental gong in the background and didn't want to move it.  My wife watched the video and her eyes were constantly distracted to it, missing a lot of the message.
  
  
• Outdoor video shoots require careful preparation.  There are many extraneous noises that are difficult or impossible to edit out - like a bird constantly chirping, which also creates more edit time.  So choose your location carefully.
  
  
• Try not to have a lot of noise going on in the background, like car traffic, animals, kids, or humming noises from air-conditioners, refrigerators, or the like.  These will be very difficult to edit out and will create distractions for your viewers.
  
  
• If animals are present it's possible that they will suddenly appear in the shot, and just as suddenly disappear if the shot gets edited - like a ghost that appears and disappears.  Yes, this actually happened! (Watch what happens with the dog in the background at 34 and 51 seconds into Masyn's video).
   

In considering the space for your video shoot, keep in mind the image that you want to present.  Relax and have fun.  You want to come across naturally.