Your video message will be watched by someone you care about deeply - potentially years or decades from now. Taking a few extra minutes to ensure good quality will make your message more impactful and easier to watch. Here's everything you need to know to record a professional-looking video.
Before You Record
Quick Pre-Recording Checklist
Lighting Tips
Good lighting is the single most important factor in video quality. Even an expensive camera will produce poor results in bad lighting, while a basic webcam can look great with proper illumination.
Natural Light (Best Option)
Face a window during daytime for the most flattering, natural look. The window should be in front of you, not behind you. Indirect sunlight (cloudy days or north-facing windows) provides even, soft light without harsh shadows.
Never record with a window or bright light source behind you. This will make your face appear dark and silhouetted. Always face the light source.
Artificial Light
If recording at night or in a room without windows:
- Place a lamp in front of you, slightly above eye level
- Use soft, diffused light when possible (lampshades help)
- Avoid overhead ceiling lights alone - they create unflattering shadows under your eyes
- Two light sources (one on each side) can eliminate shadows
Audio Quality
Clear audio is just as important as video quality. Your recipient needs to understand every word you say.
Minimize Background Noise
- Close windows to block traffic and outdoor noise
- Turn off fans, air conditioners, or noisy appliances
- Put your phone on silent (or in another room)
- Ask family members to keep noise down during recording
- Avoid rooms with hard surfaces that create echo
Rooms with carpets, curtains, and soft furniture absorb sound and reduce echo. A bedroom or living room usually sounds better than a kitchen or bathroom.
Microphone Positioning
If using your computer's built-in microphone, sit about 2-3 feet away from the screen. Getting too close can cause distortion; too far makes your voice faint. If using external earbuds or a headset, the microphone will be closer to your mouth and pick up less room noise.
Camera Setup
Eye-Level Position
Position your camera at eye level for the most natural, engaging look. If using a laptop, stack some books underneath to raise it. Looking down at a laptop camera creates an unflattering angle and can make you appear disengaged.
Framing
- Head and shoulders: This is the most personal framing for a video message
- Leave some headroom: Don't cut off the top of your head
- Center yourself: Or follow the "rule of thirds" with your eyes in the upper third
- Check your background: Make sure nothing distracting or inappropriate is visible
Look at the Camera
This is counterintuitive, but look at the camera lens, not at yourself on screen. When you look at the lens, you create eye contact with your viewer. Looking at the screen makes you appear to be looking away.
Put a small sticker or sticky note near your camera lens to remind yourself to look there. Some people also find it helpful to minimize or hide the preview window.
Recording Your Message
Do a Test Recording
Record 10-15 seconds, then play it back. Check your lighting, audio, and framing before recording your actual message.
Take a Deep Breath
Relax your shoulders, take a breath, and smile before you hit record. Nervousness shows on camera.
Speak Naturally
Talk as if the person is sitting right in front of you. Don't read from a script word-for-word - it sounds robotic. Brief notes are fine.
Keep It Conversational
Pause between thoughts. It's okay to have brief silences - they're easier to watch than rushed, non-stop talking.
Don't Worry About Perfection
Small mistakes make your message feel authentic and human. You don't need to re-record for minor stumbles.
Technical Settings
Browser Permissions
Make sure your browser has permission to access your camera and microphone. When you first start recording on Bovella, your browser will ask for permission - click "Allow".
Internet Connection
A stable internet connection ensures smooth uploading. If your connection is slow or unreliable:
- Connect via ethernet cable if possible
- Move closer to your WiFi router
- Close other apps and browser tabs that use bandwidth
- Ask others on your network to pause streaming or downloads
If Something Goes Wrong
Don't panic if your recording isn't perfect. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Video is too dark: Add more light in front of your face
- Audio is echoey: Move to a room with more soft surfaces (carpet, curtains)
- Camera won't turn on: Check browser permissions and try refreshing the page
- Recording is choppy: Close other apps and check your internet connection
- You look nervous: Totally normal! Watch your test recording - you probably look more relaxed than you feel
The person receiving your message cares about YOU and what you have to say, not professional production quality. Authenticity matters more than perfection. Don't let technical concerns stop you from recording your message.