---
source: newsletter
source_url: https://helloworldmedia.notion.site/Self-Filming-Guide-by-Hello-World-Media-2f60dfa5e2e180cfa6efcef23c882e57
tags: [article]
title: "Self-Filming Guide by Hello World Media"
sha256: 2c6f44a729d8d6dfdd48b30e638ba137d82274ea45e1518ac4fdbf6cf0c5ed73
date: 2026-05-16
review_value: 7
review_confidence: 8
review_recommendation: neutral
ingested: 2026-05-16
---
Published Time: Fri, 15 May 2026 16:02:46 GMT
Markdown Content:
![Image 1](https://helloworldmedia.notion.site/image/attachment%3A0e9adc6a-53e3-4809-9653-77701f56d246%3ASelf_Filming_Guide.png?table=block&id=35f0dfa5-e2e1-8031-8609-ec932a5a21da&spaceId=fb40dfa5-e2e1-8173-b94c-0003a0e12e64&width=1410&userId=&cache=v2&imgBuildSrc=requestProxiedImageUrl)
[Hello World Media](http://www.helloworldmedia.com/)is an end-to-end video creative studio and media company. We produce cinematic video commercials and provide creative direction for tech companies and consumer brands. If you want us to handle the creative, filming, post-production etc, book a call [here](https://cal.com/helloworldmedia/intro-call)
> When you film yourself, the 2 most important things to consider for what looks good is lighting and audio (outside of the most important aspect: the story). Without these two being great the video quality will suffer. Let’s get started!
Only set these settings if you are planning to colorgrade, if not then just make sure to film in 4k and not set filming in log footage.
In order to have maximum flexibility when color grading the footage, we need to enable log settings for the iphone. Apple has a specific format called Apple ProRes that we’ll need to configure: Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and toggle Apple ProRes. Set ProRes Encoding to Log, then enable Log option in the camera app. Also set to 4k at 24fps and slightly underexpose brightness by -1.0.
Film in Horizontal with Aspect Ratio of 16:9 *Warning: filming in this setting takes up a lot of space, so make sure to clear space or save the footage on hard drive.
The image may look flat or washed out on your screen — this is normal
Do not adjust color or add filters
Shooting in Log preserves more detail and gives us the most flexibility to color-correct and match footage professionally in post. If you’re unsure or don’t see a Log option, it’s okay to skip this step. Here is a video on how to do the instructions above:
Camera Setup
We highly recommend getting a simple iPhone tripod so that you can angle and stabilize your shot. There are lots of options on Amazon, [like this one.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQY66NH/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B09TQY66NH&pd_rd_w=cNwFU&content-id=amzn1.sym.8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_p=8c2f9165-8e93-42a1-8313-73d3809141a2&pf_rd_r=1WZT3SV09NVEQTSMG5G2&pd_rd_wg=OPkpT&pd_rd_r=e7ffdde5-85d9-45cf-a654-9a90223924ec&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1)
Use the back camera(not the selfie camera)
Place the camera at eye level
Frame yourself with space above your head
Wipe the lens clean before recording.
To get the most dynamic range and color grading flexibility, follow these steps. Please note that Log recording is primarily available on Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL models and beyond.
1. Open Video Pro Settings
Open the Camera app.
Switch the mode slider at the bottom to Video.
Tap the Settings (gear icon) in the bottom-left corner or swipe up on the viewfinder.
Select Pro (if not already selected).
2. Set Resolution and Frame Rate
For the highest quality output, ensure the following are selected:
Resolution: Select 4K.
Frame Rate: Select your preferred speed (usually 24fps for a cinematic look).
3. Enable Log Format
In the same Settings menu, look for the Video Format or Advanced section.
Find the Video Coding option.
Choose Log.
Note: This will automatically disable "10-bit HDR" as Log is its own specialized high-dynamic-range format intended for post-production grading.
4. Storage & Processing Tips
File Size: Log files are significantly larger than standard MP4s. Ensure you have ample storage space before a long shoot.
The "Flat" Look: Don't be alarmed when the preview looks grey or "washed out." This is intentional; it preserves detail in the highlights and shadows to be "brought back to life" during color grading.
> Pro Tip: If you are using a standard Pixel (non-Pro) or an older model, the native app may not support Log. In those cases, I recommend using a third-party app like Filmic Pro or Blackmagic Camera from the Play Store.
1. Try to film in a place with big windows where natural light is coming through, it’ll elevate the shot without much effort.
![Image 2](https://helloworldmedia.notion.site/image/attachment%3A66e97ee5-8282-470d-9434-c0a876291cd3%3AScreenshot_2026-01-28_at_11.24.23_AM.png?table=block&id=2f60dfa5-e2e1-8045-bb68-c39d7dee24a2&spaceId=fb40dfa5-e2e1-8173-b94c-0003a0e12e64&width=1410&userId=&cache=v2&imgBuildSrc=requestProxiedImageUrl)
Lighting setups I recommend: Rules:
Film on the shadow side of the face.
Whenever you add a key light (a main light source) make sure to angle it as it’s coming from the direction of natural light.
If you’re able to set the white balance for the light you use and make sure the tone is more leaning to white light if there is a lot of natural light (4400k-4600k).
Use a white thin sheet to diffuse light, do not just point the light directly on to your face (the goal is for the light to evenly disperse on your face).
Split Lighting: Lighting technique that lights up half of a subject's face while leaving the other half in a shadow, essentially “splitting” the face. This is a super easy look to achieve, just place the light on the side of your subject. To ensure that the opposite side is left as dark as possible, you might create some negative fill with a large black felt cloth.
![Image 3](https://helloworldmedia.notion.site/image/attachment%3Acceb862d-21bd-4473-862a-1d320bd5343b%3AScreenshot_2026-01-28_at_11.23.34_AM.png?table=block&id=2f60dfa5-e2e1-8077-b5bf-da83170a5714&spaceId=fb40dfa5-e2e1-8173-b94c-0003a0e12e64&width=1410&userId=&cache=v2&imgBuildSrc=requestProxiedImageUrl)
![Image 4](https://helloworldmedia.notion.site/image/attachment%3Ae4cbd790-e401-4a46-87e9-0bec7ca2c361%3AScreenshot_2026-01-28_at_11.23.43_AM.png?table=block&id=2f60dfa5-e2e1-8018-8bca-fad4645c7937&spaceId=fb40dfa5-e2e1-8173-b94c-0003a0e12e64&width=1410&userId=&cache=v2&imgBuildSrc=requestProxiedImageUrl)
Short Lighting:  Lighting technique used primarily in portrait photography in which the far side of a subject’s face is lit relative to the camera. The result of short lighting is more shadow and contrast on the broad side of the subject.
![Image 5](https://helloworldmedia.notion.site/image/attachment%3A0aa637aa-4654-4c09-af7e-bc1344f3c8e2%3AScreenshot_2026-01-28_at_11.19.30_AM.png?table=block&id=2f60dfa5-e2e1-8010-8c35-e2960a28653d&spaceId=fb40dfa5-e2e1-8173-b94c-0003a0e12e64&width=1410&userId=&cache=v2&imgBuildSrc=requestProxiedImageUrl)
![Image 6](https://helloworldmedia.notion.site/image/attachment%3Ae834a4a5-a92c-40ce-a17b-075358e4b4e2%3AScreenshot_2026-01-28_at_11.23.16_AM.png?table=block&id=2f60dfa5-e2e1-8069-9eb0-c10bda588327&spaceId=fb40dfa5-e2e1-8173-b94c-0003a0e12e64&width=1410&userId=&cache=v2&imgBuildSrc=requestProxiedImageUrl)
We highly recommend getting a lav mic for this shoot.[Here is a set we recommend for under $100.](https://www.amazon.com/DJI-Microphone-Ultralight-Detail-Rich-Cancelling/dp/B0DDL8WGH5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IZWLLAYAY5OC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tfif3azMAcNouH95gOE-Yb0qtJSHsqb3Z5swsM-C9tZahO2UQnUR-T4J7SPAyU7fDyShlyRV8mNFQYHMWPihlzRaI1S_rIQDxdVlwywO-ZLjIh1NcesCGM4fI-qCFZTcykC8HM8v_ZA5fbpS8rXak9D-YYczHwX-_XU3G61tV4XuZ2gtk2XCruIehxoEOTKoHaRgxOExLsUz2yhAcoXpNq9Af4CraeXgxvhYSVvlBx-BTGUGfRBzy4uQTMCw1NOMjG4Yf9WIkVHrDVRLtVPFuof41X1IjD-6i-ritoDdPg4.Z_IQUDPsJNUdh6xSZoAHZiD8omYzpzrHjZveu6FqvHc&dib_tag=se&keywords=dji%2Blab%2Bmic&qid=1769981335&sprefix=dji%2Blab%2Bmi%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1&th=1) They improve audio quality when speaking from a distance and are a great tool to have for any future interviews you want to record of yourselves. It comes with a USB-c adaptor, so you can plug the receiver directly into your phone.
Choose the quietest room available
Turn off fans, AC, and any other machines generating background noise.
Do a 10-second test recording and listen back
Rules: Make sure you’re in a silent room where there is no ambient noise. Even with AI tools, its difficult to isolate voice and still have it sound good. Fixing audio that has a lot of background noise is like trying to unbake a cake. We’ll clean up and compress the audio in post, but make sure there is no background noise (Re-record if needed).
When you’re on camera, make sure to add oomph to how you deliver, pretend you’re on the show Mad Men pitching an ad concept.
Look directly into the camera.
Make sure to smile with your eyes and have an inviting demeanor.
Use hand gestures if it feels natural (but don’t over do it)