How to Film Great Video with Your iPhone.
Updated: Sep 4
Over the past few weeks, several people have reached out to me asking how they can capture good video of themselves or a family member for projects at college or work. What many people do not realize is just how powerful the device in their hand really is. I’m talking about your phone, of course.
For the past year, I have been teaching Field Production as an adjunct professor at Eastern Florida State College. One of our first projects is to film a video using only a phone. During the course, we focus on the basics: framing a shot, finding good lighting, and capturing good audio.
Honestly, that is all you really need to get started.
A few years ago, while traveling in Italy, I visited my friend Marco Priori. Marco owns Natural Survival, an adventure and survival school where he teaches people how to reconnect with nature. He also works with youth, teaching them outdoor and survival skills and the value of spending time in the natural world.
During a trip there, I wanted to create a short piece that represented the work he was doing, but all I had with me was my iPhone. Pulling it out, the two of us drafted an idea of capturing him while he started a fire by hand. Then I started rolling, and he started heating things up for the fire.
1. Understand the Limitations of Your Phone
Phones today can capture incredible video, but they do have limitations. Because of the small size of the lens and sensor, the range for quality is limited to ideal conditions. Good light, reduced motion, and audio are all things you need to pay attention to.
Most phones also have wide-angle lenses. More advanced phones may have a selection of two or three lenses, but you still need to be intentional about how you frame your shots.
Rule: Avoid using the digital zoom.
Instead of zooming in digitally, move closer to your subject whenever possible. Digital zoom can reduce the quality of your footage, making it look soft or pixelated.
2. Think Wide, Mid, and Close Up
If you watch the video I created with Marco (link below), you will notice a series of different shots. Some are close-ups, while others are wider shots that show more of the environment. That variety is important.
Close-ups help you focus the viewer’s attention on details. Wide shots help establish where you are and give the viewer a sense of the environment.
Rule: Keep the phone stable and record short, intentional shots.
Sometimes, the simplest camera movement is no movement at all.
3. Light Makes a Huge Difference
The timing of the shoot with Marco was intentional. We filmed as the sun was beginning to set. The light was softer, warmer, and more flattering.
Good lighting does not mean you need expensive lights. It simply means being aware of the light you have available.
If you are filming outside, pay attention to the time of day. Avoid placing your subject directly in harsh sunlight whenever possible. Early morning and late afternoon often provide softer, more natural light.
Rule: Find rooms with balanced lighting and shoot during golden hour.
Balanced lighting means avoiding dark shadows and harsh overhead light. Golden hour refers to the period around sunrise and sunset, when the light is softer and warmer.
4. Do Not Forget About Audio
One of the biggest weaknesses of filming with a phone is the audio. While phone cameras have improved dramatically, the built-in microphone is still limited. If you need to record someone speaking directly to the camera, find a quiet location. Indoors, rooms with carpet, furniture, curtains, and other soft materials will help reduce echo. If you are filming outside, be aware of the wind. Listen for airplanes, trucks, cars, lawn equipment, and anything else that might interrupt your recording.
Up your game with a lav mic and gimbal
If you want to be sure you have a steady shot and good audio, consider buying the Tentacle Sync TRACK E Pocket Audio Recorder with Lavalier Mic and the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Smartphone Gimbal.
5. Keep It Simple
So, for all my friends, family, and followers who have asked how to capture better video with a phone, start with these simple rules:
Use good lighting.
Frame your shots with purpose.
Get a variety of close, medium, and wide shots.
Keep the phone steady.
Avoid digital zoom.
Keep your shots simple and intentional.
Pay attention to your audio.
Get close to the person speaking, or use an external microphone.
The phone you carry around in your pocket is an incredibly powerful creative tool. You might be surprised by what you can create.
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