Whether you are streaming or pre-recording a performance to post, the following tips and guidelines can help you maximize the quality of the video.
------------------------------------------------------------
Creating your Stage & Framing your shot:
------------------------------------------------------------
Be mindful of your shot composition–think about your backdrop, and how the audience will view the space you are in. Create some depth by moving yourself away from the background and wear colors that contrast, so you don't blend in.
Your camera angle should be approximately equal to your eyes. An angle coming from too far below or too far above may not look natural. Think about how big or small you are in the frame. Here are some examples:
Example for Full Band - from The Main Squeeze
Example for solo acoustic - Keller Williams
-----------------------
VIDEO Specifics:
-----------------------
Make sure your your video is filmed and uploaded at the highest quality possible, such as 4k, 1080p, or 720p.
If you are utilizing a phone, make sure that you are filming horizontally (with the phone sideways) to ensure your content is 16:9 aspect ratio.
-------------------------
AUDIO Specifics:
-------------------------
Delivering quality audio is very important for the overall experience of your performance, and there are steps that can be taken in order to deliver the best audio quality with your video possible. First, make sure that the environment you are filming/recording audio in is as acoustically isolated from external noise as possible. If you are relying upon a mic on your camera/phone, keep in mind that the framing of your shot will dictate how far away you are from your mic, so be sure to choose a location when you can be heard above any external noise.
-----------------------------
LIGHTING Specifics:
-----------------------------
First, make sure that yourself and or all the subjects are brighter than your background. This can be accomplished by moving your camera position to ensure that any light sources are in front of you. Consider taking advantage of natural light by setting your camera in front of a window or sitting where the light from a ceiling or floor lamp shines on you. If you happen to have professional lighting that is more suited towards filming or concerts you are welcome to use them and if you want to get really technical with it....
Here are some advanced lighting tips:
Three or four-point lighting techniques are standard in interview lighting setups, which you could achieve by hiring a production team, or possibly with lights and windows you have around your house or office.
These points of light are key, fill, hair, and background:
Key
This light creates the subject's main illumination and is usually brighter than any other light on the subject. It is placed in front of the subject about a little off-center to one side or the other.
Fill
This light helps to eliminate the shadows cast on the face from the key light. The fill light is usually positioned in front of the subject, off-center opposite the key light.
Hair
This light helps to separate the subject from the background by illuminating the edges of the subject. The hair light is positioned behind the subject, opposite the fill light, aimed at the hair and shoulders.
Background (not present in a 3-point setup)
This light's purpose is to illuminate the background behind the subject. The darker this light is, the more dramatic the shot will be.
Of course, any of these are subject to what is available to you. Just like all forms of art, these suggestions are by no means rules that can't be bent or broken. Experiment, get creative and don't worry if you don't have a full studio-grade lighting rig in your space. Though this can enhance your shot, it is not always needed.
Now, go create!