How to Film Yourself in Public
Have you ever tried filming yourself in public before?
If you have, I’m sure you know how cringey it can feel at first 🤪 It can even feel scary!
Many of my students in PBA say it takes months (sometimes weeks) to feel comfortable taking out their phone to record in a public place.But here's the thing: sometimes, if you have a vision for a video in mind, using it as a means to an end becomes necessary.
Here are some tricks I’ve shared with my students that might help you take action and get started today:
Just try!
The first step is literally just to start and try it out. If you chicken out the first time, it's okay! Try again. Your first video is most likely not going to turn out how you want it to, and that’s fine. Shift your focus from obtaining the perfect end product to simply recording with your camera.
Embrace the cringe.
When you first get started on anything, it might be cringey, and filming yourself in public is no exception. So, embrace it. The first few times you film yourself, it will be cringey, but that’s all part of the process. Trust it, and you’ll start to feel better one video at a time.
Film in a comfortable location.
Find a public place where you feel comfortable. Choose your favorite bookstore, coffee shop, or park and set your phone to record at a time when it’s less busy and there aren’t as many people around. It’s one less thing to worry about and will improve your experience.
There’s no room for perfectionism.
This is the #1 rule: Don’t make filming yourself in public a “big deal.” Set up your phone against a glass of water on a table, find a lamppost, a ledge, or a shelf to rest your phone on, hit record, walk away, do your thing, and retrieve your phone. Essentially, you don’t have to draw extra attention yourself if you don’t want to.
Experiment with different filming techniques to improve your skills.
To become a better creator, don't be afraid to experiment with different locations, angles, and lighting. By continually practicing and trying new things, you'll develop your own style and learn what works best for you. Filming yourself in public can help you build confidence and improve your videos. Remember, the more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the process, and the better your footage will be.
Edit your footage.
Once you’ve finished filming, take some time to edit your footage. Trim any unnecessary footage and add your music or effects. This will help make your video more engaging and professional-looking.
Remember, filming yourself in public can be nerve-wracking at first, but with practice and patience, you can become more comfortable and confident one video at a time. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t turn out perfectly the first time. You’ve got this. Good luck!
Anna
