Social Media Content Shooting Guidelines

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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