Experimenting with Video: Shooting on an iPhone

According to data from Facebook, the number of videos posted per person in the U.S. has increased 94% in the past year! Video has been aggressively pushing out other forms of content for the past several years and Facebook and Instagram have edited their algorithms to favor video content. So how do small businesses keep up?

We recently did a bit of experimenting to shoot video on the cheap and were able put together a video kit for under $50! Here’s what we came up with:

Shoot quality video with your iPhone for under $50:

Wide angle lens
There are a variety of lenses you can buy to attach to your phone. We went with AUKEY’s Ora iPhone Lens. We were SHOCKED by the difference this made (you can see in the pictures below). This took our shoot from amateur to semi-pro. BONUS: with this lens you can take off the wide angle and use it as a macro for all those pictures of grass and flowers you want to take just for fun.  

Lavalier mic
Your audio matters, and you won’t be able to get good audio while your iPhone is across the room shooting video. Grab a second iPhone and a clip on lavalier mic to get the best sound. We chose a Movo Lavalier Lapel Clip-on. Open up your voice memos app and let it roll. Be sure to clap before each take so you can easily line up your audio and video later.

GorillaPod
No matter how steady you think your hands are, they’re not. iPhones don’t have the best stabilizing features built in so we suggest using a tripod. We went for a GorillaPod because you can attach them to almost anything.  

Studio space
Before you write this off, hear us out. We found free studio space at our local library. Check with libraries near you to see if they offer studio space. Ours doesn’t have any restrictions about who can use it, but it’s worth double checking. At our library we had free access to a green screen, studio lights and a private room to eliminate ambient noise. Greatest find ever. If your local library doesn’t have what you need, google small photo studios. Another favorite of ours in Denver is Stout Street Studio. Reasonable prices, easy to access and great space.

Editing software
We have Adobe Premier through our subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, so we edited together our video on there. But if you don’t have access to a “fancy” editing software, don’t give up! Macs come installed with iMovie which offers all you need for basic video editing. If you are running a PC there are online options such as WeVideo where you can do basic video editing for free or on the cheap.

Now you have all the tools you need to produce a simple video! Get out there and make it happen. If you need a script or video help, schedule a consultation today!