Top 5 Things About Being On-Camera No One Tells You About

With all things video rising more and more in the social media world, I have begun to really steep my toes a little longer in adding more and more video into my business. Areas like Instagram stories have always had a little place in my heart because they allowed me to showcase my personality. However, for over a year I stopped creating video content. 

Hiding behind little squares and not showing my face and my voice as often made me feel safe, but at the same time kept me from growing. But with a lot of encouragement from some social media friends, I have made it a point get on video more often; so much so that last month I challenged myself to get on video for 30 straight days on my Instagram stories.  And as of October 21, 2020, I completed 30 days without fail.

Of course, I couldn't just do a challenge that challenging without listing out the lessons learned. (For the sake of suspense, they are listed from smallest lesson to biggest lesson). 

Here we go!

#5 Distractions

Distractions come in different forms with being on-camera. You are going to get distracted. This is inevitable. When I first started the month of videos, I just rambled (to be honest, I did this randomly throughout the month as well. but I noticed I got better with some videos). But there are things that you can do to help yourself from getting distracted and that's to create a physical note of your topic. You could even have bullet points to what you want to talk about.​ 

Keeping a quick note or having a purpose of creating a quick 15 second (more longer) video helps keep whatever topic in-line and it helps your viewers stay engaged with what you have to say.

#4 Your Space

Consider the area you are recording your video. Is the area you're recording a noisy one or a super cluttered space that can create visual distractions for your viewers? When recording daily, are you in the same room and in the same spot each time creating a stagnant view for your audience? For instance, in my videos I recorded a lot of them in my own room, but I tried to get different views of my room instead of just sitting at a desk.

An idea for getting different view is adding in some outdoor space or changing locations to add to your views, especially if you're recording yourself speaking.  This gives more life to your videos and can add visual interest for less stagnant videos. Just be sure to be mindful of the sound nature or traffic can bring if recording outside.

#3 Your Voice

Do you remember when you were told to make a recording of your voice for the family voice mailbox and you would record it and ask everyone--- IS THAT MY VOICE?? And you would ask it with a almost disgusted look to your face. Yes, this is still a thing. 

But believe me when I say that the more you record yourself, you will start to get used to seeing and hearing your own voice that you no longer have the disgusted look on your face after hearing a playback. Is it still awkward to hear your own voice, heck yeah it is. But will you get used to it? Yes, yes you will.

#2 Your Face & Body

This one is probably a cop-out because it's something that is the NUMBER ONE reason that hinders most creatives (and most people in general) from creating videos of themselves in it. 

Let me tell you something, you will have to get over yourself. This is coming from a heavier set girl who has been on the heavier side her whole life. Getting on video doesn't magically change the fact that I know my hips are wider and my arms are fuller. It just means that I've moved past hiding my face. 

Although during majority of my video challenge, I created videos of a talking head, there were some where I showcased my entire body in a single 15-second frame. It's something I personally need to work on, but I'm well aware that showing my face is key as I continue to build a personal brand.

#1 Your Message

And with all this said... the number one thing people don't really tell you about getting on video is all about spreading your message.

No matter how much weight you think the camera has added, or the awkward facial expressions you make or even the squeak you make when you say a certain words, the biggest take-away is your message.

If you have a voice and have something of value you want to deliver, everything else is just an accessory and is not worth holding you back from sharing what it is you want to say. 

Now, I challenge you.

I challenge you to take the challenge and get on video more often. If you're not up for the 30-day plunge, then try once or twice a week for 15-30 seconds (that's about 1 minute a week, friends).​ Notice over time how much more comfortable you get while showing up on-camera. 

If you want an even smaller baby step, try practicing getting used to the sound of your own voice my recording a quick sound clip message to a friend instead of typing out a text. Listen to the playback and do that each time you get a message whenever you can. 

If you're reading this post and you're up for the challenge, I'd love to cheer you on. Tag me on Instagram @katiechavarinphotography! 

Either way, you got this, lovely! I'm always in your corner. :)