Self-Filming Interview Guide

If you’re filming your own interview, this guide will help you get the best results using just your phone. With a little preparation, you can capture footage that looks clean, clear, and professional.

Use Your Phone (Not Your Webcam)

Your phone’s camera usually produces much better video quality than your laptop webcam. It captures more detail, better colour, and is more flexible with lighting.

Tips:

Film in landscape (horizontal) orientation unless you’ve been asked to do portrait.
Set your phone to record in 1080p or 4K at 30 frames per second (fps) if available.
Make sure the lens is clean.

Lighting

Lighting makes a huge difference to how professional your video looks. Natural light works best, but the key is to make it soft and even.

Do:

Sit facing a window with soft natural light – filtered light through curtains is ideal.
Film during the day for the best light.
Use a lamp with a soft shade if natural light isn’t an option.

Avoid:

Sitting with a window behind you – it will cause your face to be too dark.
Using overhead lights – they create harsh shadows under your eyes and nose.
Mixing light sources (e.g. daylight and warm indoor lights) – this can affect colour balance.

Audio

Clear audio is just as important as good video. No one wants to strain to hear what you’re saying.

Tips:

Choose a quiet room and close windows, doors, and turn off fans or noisy appliances.
Sit close to the phone (within about 1 metre) to ensure your voice is captured clearly.

Framing and Background

How you position yourself in the frame can make a big difference to how polished the final result looks.

Tips:

Set the camera at eye level – stack books or use a tripod if needed.
Frame from about the chest up, with a little space above your head.
Sit about one metre away from any wall to avoid shadows and a flat look.
Keep the background clean and uncluttered – neutral tones work well.

Avoid:

Being too close to a wall or sitting in the corner of a room.
Crooked framing or cutting off the top of your head.
Distracting elements like clutter or movement behind you.

Presentation Tips

Sit or stand comfortably and maintain good posture.
Look at the camera lens, not the screen, when you’re speaking.
Smile and speak naturally – a relaxed tone helps you come across as genuine and confident.
Speak at a steady pace and enunciate clearly.
Do a short test recording to check your lighting, audio, and framing before filming the final take.

Final Checklist

Phone camera set to rear, landscape mode, 1080p or 4K
Camera at eye level, framed chest up with headroom
Soft natural lighting from the front (window with curtain is ideal)
Quiet environment, good quality mic or earphones
Neutral, tidy background with space between you and the wall
Look at the lens, speak clearly, and remember to smile

If you’re unsure about your setup, feel free to send a quick test clip for feedback. Looking forward to seeing your video.