A note on shooting a video hello of yourself for use on the site – Obviously comb your hair and have a shave (even though i didnt) but also think about and prepare the room – be aware of backdrop and backlight – consider fill light sources like overhead and desk lamps – make sure your face is lit up and not the stuff behind you.
I suggest you take the video on a laptop or by phone on a mini tripod or stand if at all possible.
Also I suggest they shoot the video sitting down like they are in a zoom conference – for consistency and familiarity.
Vertical Selfie
Not very professional or appealing – note the black bars on the sides from holding the phone vertical – video is meant to be wide.
This actually looks like a cheesy phone selfie video and its so easy to do better than that.
Horizontal Selfie is still no good
Better – no black bars on the sides but you can see the arms of the person video taping themselves.
This would be ok if someone else holds the camera, but make sure to remind them to hold it firmly and dont let it drift around and if you do want the video to pan for whatever reason – move very slowly and deliberately
Horizontal Tripod or Laptop is best
As you can see – no arms and a steady continuous image – you can balance your phone on your laptop or a couple of books on your desk or where ever…
Note: A window behind you, backlight, is bad.
Another note is after you start recording give yourself 3-5 seconds to let the camera record a lead-in – the same goes for the end of the video – dont lunge at the button immediately. Record a lead-out.
Horizontal Tripod or Laptop is best – With fill light
The natural light from a window is good but find a backdrop that is not a window or a light source which will create shadows on your face and some fill light from your overhead light or a desk lamp- yes in the middle of the day – turn every light on and you will be surprised how it improves the video you are taken.