Unless you won the genetically lottery and became a professional model, chances are you’re more like Muddy and struggle to get that perfect photo or video and one you can share on social media, with loved ones or put on your professional profile. But videographer Clare Jones from Bright Light Films has shared her insider tricks and tips to ensure you create visual perfection – well, as close to…

Lighten up

“The best light is natural light,” Clare tells Muddy. “Wherever possible, look at where the light source is coming from and use that.” And ideally, the photographer or videographer aka whoever you choose to take your pic (including reluctant teens) should stand in front of any windows so that you, (the subject) has the light flooding on you. But be mindful, “If you sit directly in front of a bright light source, then all you will get is a silhouette,” Clare adds. If it’s not a sunny day, or you’re shooting in the evening, gather all the lamps you can (a ring light is ideal) and position yourself behind the light source. If there’s a window in the room then it should be behind the person filming you.

In time  

Sunsets and sunrises aren’t just beautiful to photograph they’re also beautiful times to take a photograph. “There is something called the ‘Golden Hour’,” Clare shares. “This is time in the morning or evening where everything literally turns golden from the rising or setting sun. Makes for wonderful images if you can get it!” Dusk or dawn and ideally outdoors are the optimum times, failing that, try warmer lights in your lamps for your ‘shoot’. 

Set the scene

While you’re the most important person in this particular project, the background plays a key part too. Clare advises to be yourself, and if you don’t usually wear makeup then don’t for a shoot because you need to feel confident and comfortable. When it comes to backdrops, she says, “Keep it simple. Avoid clutter or distractions. Keep something in that’s relevant to the video though. For example a prop that you might work with like gym kit.”

Don’t look up

Relax! That is the key component when it comes to posing, it may help to do some stretches or at the very least shoulders rolls first to help you ease into a comfortable stance. With video, Clare suggest not to pose, and to be relaxed and it helps if you’re talking to someone else. “If you going to talk for your video, then practice what you want to say. Keep it short. Give it some energy and make it engaging!” And the golden rule? “Wherever possible, shoot downwards for a more flattering angle.”

The final cut

“Social media has some great editing functions now and you can add music which normally you would for,” says Clare. She thinks playing around with these tools is the best place to start. “Keep videos short and interesting/funny if you can.” Although if you’re shooting something for your business Clare suggest a variety of content is best.