So I'm Hosting a Virtual Meeting, Now What? Part 2: Video

The other essential aspects of producing a podcast is video (we covered audio in part I). In our previous column we discussed some of the expert considerations for capturing audio for your home streaming setup. In this article, we will discuss the steps required to set up the streaming video aspects for creating a podcast.

Starting with good lighting is essential to create a professional-looking video. Garbage in – garbage out is the industry saying. No amount of digital wizardry can replace a fundamentally solid setup. That starts with light.

What is the best quality light? Well, sunlight of course, assuming you are working with available light and not against it. Sunlight, also known as natural light, is the most versatile and complex of all the light sources. It changes constantly throughout the day, and its color temperature can range from warm (in the morning or evening) to cool (during midday). It is usually the most flattering and natural-looking light source and provides a soft and even glow that complements the subject, often results in the best skin-tones and creating a natural and intimate feel to the shot.

There are a few key tips to keep in mind when using sunlight as your primary light source. First, it's important to be aware of the time of day and the angle of the sun, as this will affect the color, intensity, and shadow of the shot. You should also avoid filming during peak sunlight hours, as the cool-blue light of mid-day can cause harsh and unflattering shadows. If possible, aim to shoot during "golden hour," which is the hour before sunset or after sunrise when the light is softer and warmer. Finally, if you have a video camera with manual controls, be sure to adjust your camera's settings, such as adjusting the white balance to match the changing light conditions. There are also software tools to adjust your video feeds exposure and white balance. If you are using a built in video camera, you may want to investigate this option for gaining some control over your buiult-in video recording. Tungsten lights, also known as incandescent lights, are warm and yellowish in color. They are often used in indoor settings as they mimic the warmth of natural light, but they usually require color temperature correction to prevent a yellowish cast in photographs. Fluorescent lights are cooler in color than tungsten lights and produce a greenish cast in photographs. However, they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and can be dimmed easily. They are commonly used in commercial settings and for product photography. LED lights are the newest and most versatile lighting option for photography. They come in various color temperatures and can be adjusted to mimic any type of lighting. They are also energy-efficient, lightweight and produce very little heat, making them an ideal option for outdoor and on-location shoots.

After the light source, there are several lighting techniques that can be used for video podcasting. The first and most important technique is to ensure that the light source is diffused and soft, as this will help to avoid harsh shadows and create a more pleasing and natural look. A soft-box or diffuser on your light can be used to achieve this effect.

Shooting at home or in an office doesn’t often allow for a studio-like setup, but moving your desk or chair to a point in the room that offers the most flattering light is sometimes an option. A diffused pull-down semi-transparent blind can help to soften the harsh direct outdoor light and create a very flattering image. Ideally, in a professional video setup, use a three-point lighting system, which involves placing three lights around the subject. The key light is the main source of light and is placed in front of the subject. The fill light and backlight are used to add definition and depth to the shot. It is also important to consider the color temperature of the lights, as this can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the podcast. A temperature of around 3200K to 5600K is recommended for video podcasting. Early morning and evening light is “warmer”, clocking in around 3200-3500K. Mid-day light is usually overly “blue” registering up to 7000 or even 9000K.

If you are shooting video with a window or bright light source (even a white wall) behind the subject, it can result in a very dark foreground subject or silhouette, and loss of detail and clarity. This happens because the camera's exposure meter will try to adjust for the bright light source, causing the subject to be underexposed. This is known as backlighting or silhouetting. Aim for a neutral tone background (grey or brown) and avoid solid colours behind you that might throw off the cameras auto-exposure and auto-color balance.

To avoid backlighting, you can try to position the subject so that the bright light source is to the front side of the subject, or use additional lighting to brighten up the foreground. If you have a camera with manual adjustments, you can use exposure compensation or adjust the camera's settings to properly expose the subject, even if it means the bright light source may be overexposed.

Selecting the perfect location is important. Your location should be in a quiet place that can block out noise and distractions. If using a room, ensure it has excellent sound masking properties, as this will reduce or remove background noise. Additionally, the room should have ample space for your equipment and set design. Your set design should reflect the tone, branding, or theme of your podcast. Decorate your set with relevant colors, props, and objects. Again, remember that solid colors backgrounds can throw off the auto-setting on your building camera. Mount your camera on a tripod, or clamp designed to hold the camera in position on the monitor and adjust the angle and height to capture your video. Ideally you want the camera height to be just below eye-level. A camera positioned too high or low can create a less than personal feel. If you are podcasting to an audience you can see on-screen, try to position their video feed directly below the camera position. Sometimes you can shrink the video it and place it on-screen in the top middle, below your camera. This creates the impression that you are talking directly to them

When you are ready, turn on your lights and adjust them to light up your set without creating shadows or glare. Check the camera’s settings to ensure you’ve optimized audio and video quality. Do a short test recording to check for the video and audio quality. Play it back to ensure you’re comfortable with the distance from the camera, audio quality, and lighting. If there is anything you aren’t happy about, make the necessary adjustments and test again until it’s perfect.

Finally, be confident and engaging, deliver your message with clarity, and encourage listener interaction. Remember, you want your audience to enjoy your content, so keep it informative, entertaining, and engaging.