5 Tips for DIY Marketing Content
1. Before the Shoot
Charge your phone fully
Start every shoot with a 100% battery.
Clean up phone storage
Back up old photos and videos to the cloud first.
Free up enough space for new clips you’ll capture during your shoot with Anne.
Build a small shooting kit
Lavalier or handheld mics
Tripod / phone tripod / selfie stick
Chargers or battery packs
Any adapters you may need
2. Interview Tips (If Your Subject Freezes Up)
Option 1: Ease Them In (While Rolling)
Take a few calming breaths together.
Ask simple, grounding questions:
What is your name?
What do you do?
Where are we right now?
Can you describe what it’s like here?
What makes this place unique?
What do you want people to do now that they know this?
Option 2: Remove the Pressure
Turn the camera off and record voice-over only.
Have a short script prepped as a backup.
If it’s not working, scrap the interview and move on to B-roll.
3. Lighting & Composition
Use flattering natural light
Window light or open shade works best.
Find the best angle
Rotate your subject 360 degrees until the light looks right.
Camera placement
Place the camera 5–10 feet away.
Camera should be at the subject’s eye level, not yours.
Framing options
Subject speaks directly to camera.
Camera on tripod while you stand next to it and interview them (they look at you, not the lens).
4. B-Roll Best Practices
Include the subject when possible
Suggest simple, natural actions:
Opening doors
Organizing a space
Making or preparing something
Tie actions back to the story.
Capture B-roll without the subject
Wide pans
Push-ins
Slides
Tilts
Stability tips
Move using your body (lean forward/backward), not just wrists or arms.
Use a selfie stick for increased stability and smoother motion.
5. Final Reminder
Keep it relaxed
Don’t overthink it
Have fun
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