How-to Add Professional Polish to a DIY Video

It’s never been easier to create a good DIY video. Wait, did I just say that? As someone who makes a living producing corporate videos, maybe I should reconsider?

Nope, I stand by it. You don’t always need a professional to produce your videos. Now, should you want a pro? Absolutely. But need one? Not for every video.

If you’re gearing up to create your own, here are some insider tips to make those DIY corporate videos look more polished and professional.

Pro Tip: Camera Position Matters

When shooting an interview or even just filming yourself talking to the camera, do not position your lens too low. Too many people pop open their laptop, tilt the screen until they’re centered, and hit record.

Stop doing that! Shooting from a low angle is rarely flattering unless you’re going for a very specific, stylized look (and trust me, you probably aren’t). Instead, aim to have the camera at eye level or slightly above—like when you’re taking a selfie. Stack some books, lower your chair—do whatever you need to raise that camera. You’ll instantly look better on screen.

Still unsure? Here’s a quick trick: If you can see the corner where the wall meets the ceiling in your shot, your camera is too low.

Pro Tip: Lights, Camera, Action!

Good lighting is everything. Most people rely on whatever light is already in the room without considering how that light interacts with the camera.

Position your light source just behind or slightly above your camera lens. Think of the mobile news cameras you see on TV—those lights are mounted right on top of the camera, shining down on the person being filmed.

If you don’t have a setup like that, no worries! Place a light source just to the left or right of the camera, as close as possible to the lens.

Bonus tip: If you’re filming during the day, position yourself in front of a window. Natural light is your friend! Just make sure the light is shining on your face. Don’t put it behind you unless you want to look silhouetted like someone in a witness protection program.

One thing to avoid? Filming in a dim room where your screen’s glow is the only light source. It will make you look, well…creepy. Just don’t.

Pro Tip: Perfect Your Posture

The chair you choose can make a big difference. Cozy, fluffy chairs are great for reading, but not so much for shooting video. High-back chairs that peek into the shot? Also no good.

I personally go for the least comfortable chair in the room—something like a metal folding chair works great. Why? Because it forces you to sit up straight. Good posture helps you look more confident and engaged.

Pro Tip: Don’t Skimp on Audio

Even if your video looks great, bad audio can ruin the entire thing. First, find a quiet room with minimal background noise and echo. If you can hear your voice bouncing around, your audience will too.

Investing in a microphone can make a huge difference. Lavalier mics (the small clip-on kind) are fantastic for interviews or direct-to-camera shoots, but even a mini shotgun mic will be a game-changer.

No mic? Then shooting in a quiet room becomes even more important. Get as close to the camera as possible while still looking good in the frame.

Pro Tip: Frame Your Shots Like a Pro

Another rookie mistake: framing every shot exactly the same. Videography is an art form, but there are simple ways to improve your framing without much effort.

Try to mix it up: start with a wide shot, then move to a medium shot, and finish with a few close-ups. For example, if you’re filming someone working at a desk, get a wide shot of them in the whole room, then a medium shot of them at the desk, and finally, a close-up of their hands typing or their face concentrating.

Also, play around with positioning. Think of the frame in thirds—left, center, right. Offsetting your subject from the center can create a more interesting shot, especially for interviews. And watch the headroom! Many beginners leave too much space between the top of the frame and the subject’s head. You only want a small amount of space there—just enough.

Pro Tip: Keep It Steady

Your tripod is your best friend. Yes, pros like me can shoot handheld video with purpose and precision, but that takes practice. For now, stick with a tripod to keep your camera steady. No need to break the bank—just get something reliable.

Once you’ve mastered shooting on a tripod, you can start experimenting with handheld shots. But remember, start with the basics.

Pro Tip: Horizontal vs. Vertical Video

If you’re shooting on your phone, always turn it on its side to film in landscape mode. Yes, vertical videos have their place on social media, but unless your video is exclusively for social, stick with horizontal. It’ll look better on websites, presentations, and even emails. Vertical videos might look fine on a phone, but on a larger screen, they can seem out of place.

There you have it—some practical tips to elevate your DIY video game. While you may not need a pro to create corporate videos, a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference in the final product!