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Creating better videos: Start with the basics

Today

Creating a professional-looking video doesn’t necessarily require an expensive camera or a studio full of equipment. A few fundamental techniques can make a significant difference in how your videos look, sound and feel.

In this series, we’ll explore the building blocks of effective video production, including framing and composition, lighting, sound, camera setup and more. We’ll also look at practical, budget-friendly equipment options that can help you improve your setup without breaking the bank.

Framing and composition

One of the easiest ways to improve your video is to be intentional about where you place your camera and how you frame your subject. Even small adjustments to camera height, headroom and background can make a video look much more polished. These steps are fundamental to the look and feel of your content.

For a typical interview, presentation or talking-head video, start by placing the camera at or near the subject’s eye level. A camera positioned too low can create an awkward upward angle, while placing it too high can make the viewer feel like they are looking down on the subject. Eye level usually creates the most natural and conversational perspective. Playing with different angles can also help to enhance your videos by creating depth and interest.

Next, pay attention to headroom, or the amount of empty space between the top of the subject’s head and the top of the frame. Too much space can make the subject appear small or poorly positioned. Instead, leave a small amount of room above the head while keeping the subject comfortably centered within the shot. When filming in an interview setting, it is helpful to leave space in the direction that the subject is speaking to create what we call ‘speaking room.’ By placing the subject off center and creating this space, you can achieve a more cinematic and professional composition.

Your background matters too. Look for a space that is clean, organized and free of distracting objects. Whenever possible, avoid placing your subject directly against a wall. Moving them a few feet away from the background can create more depth and help separate them from their surroundings. As far as lighting is concerned, avoid bright lights directly behind your subject, as this can cause exposure issues and silhouetting. Illuminating faces at an angle is a much safer approach.

Photo of Jenn Liv seated at eye level with a small amount of space between her head and the top of the frame

In this example, you can see instructor Jenn Liv seated at eye level with a small amount of space between her head and the top of the frame. She is slightly off center and has plenty of ‘speaking room.’ The lighting behind her is dim, and the objects are out of focus, so they don't distract.

Simple framing dos and don’ts:

  • Do: Position the camera around eye level.
  • Don’t: Shoot dramatically up or down at the subject unless it is an intentional creative choice.
  • Do: Leave a small amount of space above the subject’s head.
  • Don’t: Leave a large area of empty space above them or accidentally crop through the top of their head.
  • Do: Choose a simple background and check the entire frame for distractions.
  • Don’t: Let clutter, bright windows or objects appearing to “grow” out of the subject’s head pull attention away from them.
  • Do: Give your subject some distance from the background when space allows.
  • Don’t: Automatically place them flat against the nearest wall.

Before you hit record, take a few seconds to look at the entire frame—not just the person you are filming. Small changes in camera position or background can make a significant difference.

In the next article, we’ll build on these fundamentals with simple composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, golden ratio, symmetry, and show how small framing choices can help guide the viewer’s attention.