How to Shoot a testimonial video with professional gears

A simple guide for shooting at home with minimal crew. Download PDF guide

  • Background
    ◦ Preferred: A plain black background (black curtain, backdrop, or wall).
    ◦ Alternative:
    • 1. Any simple background is fine as long as the subject is at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from the wall.
    • 2. Avoid clutter or distracting objects behind you.

  • Noise Control
    ◦ Choose a quiet space with minimal outside noise (close windows, turn off fans/AC if possible).
    ◦ Silence phones and other devices before recording.

  • ◦ Place the camera at eye level with the subject.
  • ◦ Use a tripod or stable surface - avoid handheld unless absolutely necessary.
  • ◦ Frame the subject with head and shoulders visible from Waist Up (medium shot).
  • ◦ Leave a little space above the head (“headroom”) and center the subject.
  • ◦ Shoot in 4k if your camera has the capability. If not, then 1920 x 1080 is fine.

For professional results, use the three-point lighting setup:
  1. 1. Key Light ◦ Main light source, placed about 45° to one side of the subject. ◦ Should be the brightest light.
  2. 2. Fill Light ◦ Placed on the opposite side of the key light, softer and less bright. ◦ Helps remove harsh shadows.
  3. 3. Back Light (Hair/Edge Light) ◦ Positioned behind the subject, slightly above and pointing toward the back of the head/shoulders. ◦ This separates the subject from the background and adds depth.
Tip: If you don’t have professional lights, you can use lamps or LED lights—but still follow the same placement principles.

  • • Best option: Use a lapel (lav) microphone clipped to the subject’s clothing.
  • • Alternative: A shotgun microphone close to the subject, just outside the frame.
  • • If using the camera’s built-in mic, ensure the room is very quiet.
  • • Always do a quick sound test before recording.

For professional results, use the three-point lighting setup:

  1. 1. Key Light
    ◦ Main light source, placed about 45° to one side of the subject.
    ◦ Should be the brightest light.

  2. 2. Fill Light,
    ◦ Placed on the opposite side of the key light, softer and less bright.
    ◦ Helps remove harsh shadows.

  3. 3. Back Light (Hair/Edge Light)
    ◦ Positioned behind the subject, slightly above and pointing toward the back of the head/shoulders.
    ◦ This separates the subject from the background and adds depth.
Tip: If you don’t have professional lights, you can use lamps or LED lights—but still follow the same placement principles.

For professional results, use the three-point lighting setup:
  1. 1. Key Light ◦ Main light source, placed about 45° to one side of the subject. ◦ Should be the brightest light.
  2. 2. Fill Light ◦ Placed on the opposite side of the key light, softer and less bright. ◦ Helps remove harsh shadows.
  3. 3. Back Light (Hair/Edge Light) ◦ Positioned behind the subject, slightly above and pointing toward the back of the head/shoulders. ◦ This separates the subject from the background and adds depth.
Tip: If you don’t have professional lights, you can use lamps or LED lights—but still follow the same placement principles.

How to Shoot a Testimonial Video with Just Your Mobile Phone

A simple step-by-step guide for beginners.Download PDF guide

  • Background
    ◦ Best choice: a plain wall or black curtain.
    ◦ If not possible: just make sure the background is simple, tidy, and not distracting.
    ◦ Stand or sit at least 6 feet away from the wall so no shadows fall behind you.

  • Quiet Space
    ◦ Close windows, turn off fans, TV, or anything that makes noise.
    ◦ Put your phone on Airplane Mode or Do Not Disturb to avoid calls or notifications.

  • ◦ Place the phone on a tripod if you have one.
  • ◦ If not, balance it on books, a table, or any steady surface.
  • ◦ Keep the phone at eye level so it looks natural.
  • ◦ Use horizontal (landscape) mode unless you’re told to use vertical for social media.
  • ◦ Use “Cinematic” or “Portrait Video” Mode if you have on your device.
  • ◦ Use the rear camera for best results (Get someone to assist if possible)

Daylight is your best friend.
  1. ◦ Face a window so the light shines on your face (not from behind you).
  2. ◦ If the light is too strong, close the curtain slightly to soften it.
At night or no window?
  1. ◦ Use two house lamps
  2. ◦ Place one in front of you (slightly to the side) and another on the opposite side if you can.

  • • If you have a small clip-on microphone, use it.
  • • If not:
    • ◦ Sit close to your phone (2–3 feet away).
    • ◦ Make sure the room is quiet.
  • • Do a quick test recording to check how your voice sounds.

  • • Look straight at the phone's camera lens
  • • Sit in a relax and comfortable position
  • • Speak clearly and naturally, like you’re talking to a friend.
  • • Start by Introducing yourself
  • • Start recording, wait 5 seconds before speaking, and let the video run 5 seconds after you finish.
  • • Record at least two takes, so you have options.

  • • Background plain (black or simple).
  • • Quiet room, phone on airplane mode.
  • • Phone steady, at eye level, in landscape mode.
  • • Face a window for light, or use lamps in front of you.
  • • Speak clearly and naturally.
  • • Do a short test before the main recording.


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