Mastering the Art of Smartphone Video: A Consignment Business Owner’s Guide

Ricochet POS - video practices - consignment software

Creating engaging and high-quality video content has become a key component of marketing for consignment businesses. As a consignment business owner, tapping into the power of your smartphone can be a game-changer. This blog will guide you through the fundamentals of shooting quality smartphone videos, utilizing features available on both iPhone and Android devices.

Framing and the Rule of Thirds

Both iPhone and Android smartphones offer a “Grid Mode” feature that aids in framing your shots. Understanding the rule of thirds in film can further enhance your video composition. Mentally creating equally spaced vertical and horizontal lines on your shot and placing points of interest on these grid lines and intersections can create visually appealing content for your audience. 

Choosing the Right Mode

Deciding when to shoot in landscape or portrait mode is crucial. Use landscape mode for long-form videos intended for platforms like YouTube or Facebook pages. Opt for portrait mode when shooting Stories, Reels, or TikTok videos. Always use the rear camera for superior video quality, avoiding the limitations of the front or “selfie” camera.

Mastering Lighting

Utilizing natural light in your store is the key to achieving the best shots. However, if your store lacks adequate natural light, consider investing in a small light kit and stand. Stabilizing your shots with a stand and a simple O light can significantly enhance the professional look of your videos. Don’t forget to lock in your phone’s exposure settings for consistent lighting throughout your footage.

Audio Best Practices

Pay attention to audio quality by turning off air or heat while shooting, as background noise can affect the audio. For optimal results, invest in clip-on or external microphones for your smartphone. Alternatively, you can use a second phone to record audio separately and later synchronize it with your video in post-production.

Conclusion

Embrace the world of smartphone videography, and don’t be afraid to explore various video editing apps available. Enhance your content by adding captions or experimenting with different looks. By mastering the fundamentals of smartphone video, consignment business owners can create compelling and professional content to connect with their audience effectively.