Turn your phone horizontal. Think of your tv. You want your videos to fill the screen.

We can use vertical videos but keep in mind they won’t take up the whole screen.

Get high and low. Film above. Film behind. Film in front. Film from the side. Incorporating angles and perspectives will create more visual interest. Pan your phone/camera.

Take a deep breath. Hold your phone with two hands when you can and be steady. Think about staying still while others are moving. Moving with the subject.

I will set your film to music so most background noise won’t matter but where you want to specifically include voice overs or reactions, be sensitive to background noise (TVs, music, etc). If you’re doing a surprise, turn off these competing sounds for best quality.

Don’t forget about YOU. I get this, I tend to shy away from movies and clips but I promise it’s worth it. Hand the camera to your kid, your significant other, or a stranger. A tripod is a great option too. Whatever you have to do, get in the video!

Look for light. Sometimes you need the moment and that’s okay. When you have the flexibility/time, look for natural light, well-lit faces, sunrises/sunsets.

Give yourself grace and some wiggle room. Add a couple seconds before you film the scene and a few seconds after. It’s okay being uncomfortable with the extra time. It will give you an extra reaction and won’t start too soon or cut off too early.

B-roll takes a series of clips and helps tell a story. I like to think of b-roll like your senses.

What does it feel like?

What does it smell like?

What does it look like?

What does it sound like?

What does it taste like?

Take video of your surroundings. Get wide with video of the landscape/room/weather. Get close and detailed with the food, music, signage. B-roll immerses the viewer into the experience.