• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Inspired-Video-Marketing-Horizontal_2-2048x1152
  • What We Film
  • The Work
  • Meet the Crew
  • Gotta Read Blog!
  • Contact Us
  • What We Film
  • The Work
  • Meet the Crew
  • Gotta Read Blog!
  • Contact Us

Katie’s Down and Dirty Guide to Clean Video on a Smart Phone

June 25, 2017 by Katie Curtis
photo by Mink Mingle on Unsplash.com

Many of us know that doing video is an important aspect to our social media strategy, but it just seems so hard and daunting! We may be able to present in front of a big group, but the thought of speaking alone to a camera is… well, scary. We think so because it’s an unknown; we don’t know how to take good video, we worry about needing to edit it etc etc…

Not to fear! It’s easier than you think!

  1. Check the lighting. By a window will most likely give you your best and easiest light.
  2. Check the sound. Do you hear anything in the background? Is there a lot of wind? Is an air conditioner/ furnace blowing? Can you close a door? Audio doesn’t have to be perfect, but many would argue that it’s even more imperative than the video itself! If it makes sense, buy a cheap lav mic to plug into your phone.
  3. Steady… Video devices do not smooth out motion like our eyes and brain combo do when we move our head side to side. If you start waving your phone around while filming, we, the audience, will get sick and probably stop watching. Whether using your hand, a selfie stick or a tripod, just hold still as best as you can.
  4. Hold your arm/tripod/selfie stick slightly above your face, getting your whole face in the shot. You’ve seen it before, when tourists and teenage girls take their selfies, it’s always holding the phone slightly higher than eye level and taking the photo from a downward angle – this gives a more flattering view of yourself than does holding your phone  head on or worse, below your chin (can anyone say “double chin”? or in my case, “triple”… )
  5. Now that you’re holding it above you, flip that phone! Unless of course you are doing something live, the conventional way is still to have a horizontal image. The winds ARE changing and it is not a deal breaker if you keep your phone vertical (there is something to be said about the shotgun feel of a vertical video) but on the whole, keep it landscape.

Decent light, decent sound, steady film, landscape and flattering view – can you handle that?

Good! Now go for it! These are 5 super simple techniques to get you STARTED with your video marketing (and you know, you may never even need to move past this!) but the key word here is “started”.

Keep inspiring!

Katie

Category: Marketing, Social Media Tips, Uncategorized, Video Marketing 101, Video Marketing TipsTag: how to make videos with your phone, iphone, phone videos, smart phone, solopreneur, video marketing, video marketing on your smart phone, video marketing with your iphone, videography

About Katie Curtis

Previous Post:What is Vlogging? (VIDEO)
Next Post:10 Legendary Lessons on Video Chronicling a Legendary Pool

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Wanna hear something cool?

Need some Inspiration? Some Video tips? Marketing tricks?
A little bit of it all?

Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe Now

Thanks for subscribing!

Please wait for our further updates.  

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Get In Touch!

810-522-8148

Metro Detroit, Michigan

katie@inspiredvideomarketing.com

Additional Resources

FAQ

Privacy policy

Terms and Conditions

Follow us here:

If you know me, you know I’m not the type to spl If you know me, you know I’m not the type to splurge on designer bags or luxury shoes…

But cameras? Gear? Lenses? Hard drives? That’s where my wallet cries a little 😅
 
I’m all about making your brand look darn good on video and that takes the right tools.
 
Wanna see what all this gear can do for your business? Comment GEAR and I'll send you the link to chat.
 
#videographerlife #videomarketingforbusiness #marketinstrategy #michigansmallbusiness #videoshoot
Had the absolute joy of capturing the Medilodge Sp Had the absolute joy of capturing the Medilodge Special Olympics, where every moment was filled with laughter, cheers, and unstoppable spirit. These incredible individuals showed up, gave their all, and reminded us what true victory looks like.

The energy? Off the charts. The smiles? Completely contagious.

Grateful to be part of the team helping film this special day with Brian of @michiganvideo definitely one for the books!

#behindthescenesvideo #eventvideography #videographerlife #videomarketingforbusiness
Every shoot is like the first snow, full of possib Every shoot is like the first snow, full of possibilities! 

What shall we capture? What will this project become? Let's find out!

#videomarketingforbusiness #videographerlife #videoshooting #lifeonset
Stay cool, stay safe and have some fun, kay? #four Stay cool, stay safe and have some fun, kay? #fourthofjuly  #independenceday
We're just not buying it anymore. As a videograp We're just not buying it anymore. 

As a videographer who works with different kinds of businesses, I’ve seen the impact of intentional content, and I’ve also heard all the myths 🙄

Here’s what we’re clearing up today:

🎀 Video marketing isn't complicated, but it can be, if you go solo.
🎀 If you want a "five-minute edit", you’ll get "five-minute" results. Craft takes time.
🎀 Engagement builds community, trust, and future revenue. It’s part of the long game.
🎀 Authenticity + strategy + consistency = results for any business.
🎀 You are the algorithm. Engagement starts with you.

Ready to ditch the fluff and create videos that actually work for your business?

Comment "VIDEO" and we'll send you the link to our discovery call.

#videomarketingforbusiness #videographerlife #marketingstrategy #videoforbusiness
You said "just a touch of pink"… and then this h You said "just a touch of pink"… and then this happened.

For all the pink lovers out there… this is our day 💅 Happy Pink Day! 

#inspiredmarketing #branding #videomarketingforbusiness
“Eventually” never helped anyone grow. Whethe “Eventually” never helped anyone grow.

Whether you’re a small biz, creative team, or service provider, video isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore.
People don’t just want to read about what you do, they want to see it.

Here’s what happens when you finally stop waiting:
✨ You attract better-fit clients.
✨ You show up consistently, without always being “on.”
✨ You build trust faster than any static post can.
✨ Your brand starts feeling like a brand, not just a hustle.

We’re not here to just make things look good.

We create videos that work for your business, your strategy, and your goals.

So if you’re done with the “maybe one day” mindset and ready to look like the business you’ve been building behind the scenes… let’s talk.

Comment "READY" and we'll send you the link to our booking page.

#videomarketingforbusiness #videographyservices #videoforbusiness #marketingstrategy #michiganvideographer
Oh, you need a videographer? What a coincidence! I Oh, you need a videographer? What a coincidence! It's almost like I prepared for this exact moment. 😂

#videographerlife #videomarketingforbusiness #michigansmallbusiness
Aaaaand another external hard drive goes into the Aaaaand another external hard drive goes into the cart... 😅

#videographerlife #videomarketingforbusiness #videographerforhire

© 2025 Inspired Video Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

Ready to roll cameras in July. Get in touch to book your shoot.