🎬 1. Camera Setup & Positioning

Camera Type

• Mobile Phone: Use a modern smartphone (iPhone 12 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, or equivalent Android).

• Camera: If you have access to a DSLR or mirrorless camera, even better — the steps below apply to both.

Camera Orientation

• Always record in portrait (vertical) format (9:16 aspect ratio).

• This format is perfect for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Stories — where Monochrome’s content primarily lives.

Camera Position

• Place the camera at eye level — not higher or lower.

  • If the camera is too high, it creates a distant or unnatural angle.

  • Too low, and it gives an unflattering “looking down” effect.

• The lens should be directly aligned with your eyes for a natural, engaging connection with the viewer.

Distance

• Keep the camera about arm’s length (roughly 60–80 cm / 2–2.5 feet) away from you.

• Your frame should capture your head and shoulders — a classic “talking head” crop.

  • Leave a small space (about 2 inches) between the top of your head and the upper edge of the frame.

Stability

• Mount your phone or camera on a tripod or stable surface — no handheld shots.

• If using a smartphone, ensure it’s centered and straight (not tilted). Use gridlines to align your face in the center.

💡 2. Lighting Setup

Good lighting transforms your video.
Follow this setup for crisp, bright, and professional visuals:

Natural Light (Preferred Option)

• Face a large window for soft, even lighting on your face.

• Record during the daytime (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) for the most flattering natural light.

• Avoid direct sunlight hitting your face — it causes harsh shadows. Use sheer curtains to diffuse the light if needed.

Artificial Lighting (For Low Light Rooms)

• Use a ring light or two softbox lights placed at 45° angles to your face.

• The key light should be slightly brighter than the fill light for a natural depth.

• Avoid ceiling lights or yellow bulbs — use white daylight bulbs (5500K) for a clean, neutral tone.

Backdrop Lighting

• Ensure the background is well-lit but not brighter than you.

• If possible, add a subtle backlight or hair light (behind or above you) to separate you from the background and add dimension.

🧱 3. Background Setup

Keep your environment simple, bright, and clean.

• Choose a neutral indoor background — white, cream, beige, or light grey walls work perfectly.

• Avoid clutter, visible cables, or distractions.

• You can include small decorative elements (like a plant or shelf) for depth, but keep the focus on you.

• Don’t film in front of windows where light sources are behind you — it causes dark shadows on your face.

🎤 4. Sound & Audio Quality

Clear, crisp audio is as important as sharp visuals.
Follow these rules for great sound:

• Always use an external microphone:

  • A lapel (clip-on) mic plugged into your phone or camera.

  • Or a USB condenser mic placed just out of frame.

• Position the mic 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) from your mouth.

• Record in a quiet indoor space — turn off fans, air conditioners, or anything that hums.

• If possible, record in a room with soft furnishings (curtains, rugs, cushions) to reduce echo.

📱 5. Camera Settings (Mobile & Camera)

For Mobile Phones

• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) or higher.

• Frame Rate: 30 fps (frames per second) for natural motion.

• Focus: Tap your face on the screen before recording to ensure it’s sharp.

• Exposure: Adjust manually — avoid overexposure (too bright) or underexposure (too dark).

• Stabilization: Keep the camera steady on a tripod.

For Professional Cameras (DSLR or Mirrorless)

• Resolution: 4K (3840x2160) for maximum sharpness.

• Frame Rate: 24–30 fps.

• Aperture: f/2.8 to f/4 for a soft background blur (bokeh effect).

• ISO: 100–400 depending on lighting conditions.

• White Balance: Set to daylight (5500K) for natural skin tones.

• Shutter Speed: 1/50 – 1/60 sec for smooth video motion.

🎭 6. Performance & Personality

While you’ll receive a Monochrome script, your individuality is what makes it shine.

• Learn the lines naturally, but don’t be afraid to express your own tone and charisma.

• Smile warmly and make direct eye contact with the lens (imagine speaking to a friend).

• Use light hand gestures if it feels natural — keep movement fluid, not exaggerated.

• Maintain good posture — shoulders back, chin level, relaxed stance.

🧠 7. Bonus Tips

• Do a 10-second test recording before the full take to check lighting, sound, and framing.

• Record multiple takes — small tweaks make a big difference.

• Keep your energy high but authentic — enthusiasm translates well on camera.

• Avoid background music unless specified; we want your voice clean and clear.

✅ 8. Summary Checklist

💚 Final Word

At Monochrome, our brand thrives on clean visuals, authentic voices, and futuristic simplicity.
When filming your talking head video, think clarity, calm, and confidence.
We’re not just filming content — we’re telling the story of movement, style, and innovation.

Move Freely. Move with Monochrome