Yippee! You’re finally getting some professional footage of yourself for your business. I’ve used a professional videographer for years to capture certain events, and for marketing and promo. (Obviously, these informal videos created for my channel are NOT professionally done 🙂

I wished someone had put this little list together for me long ago, it would have made a world of difference way back in the beginning. This list is taking place after you’ve done your research, got referrals and are setting up a shoot.

1)  Begin a dialogue.  Once you’ve found your professional, ask questions and give information. I’m hoping they also interview you (like mine does), but if they don’t, you begin. Let them know the purpose of your video, the energy you want to portray, what your business does. Are you wanting to use a green screen? Special graphics or effects? Outfit changes? Ask for their tips and advice. They often have a few gold nuggets to share. Continue the dialogue throughout the shoot.

2)  Bring your products. Yes, hair and makeup. Bring it to the studio, bring it to your event, if it’s an event shoot. Guys, too. I know many gentlemen that use clear/uncolored lip balm which keeps their lips from getting stiff and dried out.

3) Bring your mirror.  I keep mine within arm’s reach away. Check your appearance in the lighting. A pro knows how to light you in an appealing way, but if your lighting is not flattering, make suggestions.

4)  Check the playback. Ask to see yourself briefly on their monitor. Not for repeated viewings, just one or two brief  look-sees. Observe your lighting and appearance (do you want that jacket buttoned up or not); observe your energy.

5) Low or No Sodium the day before. I tend to retain water, so I’ve discovered if I limit my sodium intake the day before I feel better, have more energy and I’m not as puffy.

6) Wet your whistle. Keep your water nearby. Use a straw so you don’t mess up your lipstick or drip it onto yourself. This also helps prevent that dry lip smacking and other mouthy noises.

7) Practice. The point is, practice so you’re comfortable and relaxed speaking. Consider loosening up with vocal exercises before you get to the studio. I will say, prompters have come a long way and one of the reasons I’ve never liked to use them before was when I see others using them it distracts me because I end up watching their eyes moving back and forth while they read. Nowadays you can hardly tell. Also, prompters are an excellent tool if you have very specific info or technical data you’re communicating. I don’t use prompters or cue cards, so I memorize my message to the point I can forget about it, if that makes sense. I speak that way, too.  If anything, I’ll keep a list of key words nearby. Sometimes, based on my videographer’s suggestions while filming I even make last minute scripting changes.

If you’ve ever used a videographer’s services before, what tips do you have?