Capturing Success: 6 Essential Practices for Your Next Content Shoot
Lanie shooting content at the 2025 Devour Cocktail Contest.
In a world where video content dominates our feeds, it’s easy to overlook the strategy and skill behind every standout shot. Creating compelling content isn’t just about hitting records, it starts with a clear concept, a solid plan, and the right approach behind the lens.
Let’s explore six essential best practices of capturing impactful content, both in front of and behind the camera, that will elevate your next content shoot and set your work apart from the rest.
1. Preparation
Behind the Camera: Before stepping foot into the shoot, it is important to prepare. Charge your phone/camera, your mics, and any other tools you plan on using. Look ahead at the calendar for opportunities you’d like to have content for ahead of time. For example, if you plan to shoot in January, take some time to think about what you’d like to post on Valentine’s Day. This helps to 1) batch content that you can pull from as needed, 2) create a consistent feel on your page, and 3) potentially save money and time on day rates, future shoots, and editing fees.
PRO TIP: Create a shot list to outline planned content in advance. This not only helps you stay organized throughout the shoot, but also serves as a valuable preparation tool for your client to reference in advance!
In Front of the Camera: Sometimes being in front of the camera can feel intimidating. The best way to approach filming content is to come prepared. Ask your director to plan questions/concepts before your shoot, allowing you time to practice your responses and roles. The more practice you get, the greater chance you have to feel comfortable and confident staring down the lens.
PRO TIP: Dress for success! Feeling your best can truly make a difference when shooting content. Once you have a feel for the shoot, plan your wardrobe accordingly and take the time to pamper yourself before putting in the hard work!
2. Consistency
Behind the Camera: When shooting content, it is imperative to capture consistent cuts with each take. Understand the purpose of the content and film accordingly. For example, short-form video for social media should be filmed vertically, whereas long-form video may be best suited for horizontal filming. What is most important to recognize is that how you start is how you should finish. If your first successful take is filmed with no zoom at a vertical angle, DO NOT CHANGE THAT for the following takes.
PRO TIP: Avoid zooming in on your camera during takes. Your editor can zoom in as needed!
In Front of the Camera: Consistency in how you speak, act, and interact with the camera is key. This can be as simple as keeping your tone of voice and energy level the same throughout the shoot. If you're aiming for a professional, calm vibe, try to maintain that across all takes. If you want to be energetic and enthusiastic, be sure to keep that energy level steady. Consistency is not only important in how you present yourself, but how you present your brand. Be sure to speak confidently!
PRO TIP: If asked a question for any specific take, try stating the question at the beginning of your answer to ensure you are hitting your mark. This not only keeps you consistent in how you respond, but also allows your editor to categorize video within the first 10 seconds of review!
3. Direction
Behind the Camera: They're not called “directors” for nothing! Be direct. Someone who may not have experience in filming may feel uneasy or unsure of what they are doing. Clear and concise communication can diffuse that confusion while providing clarity, simultaneously creating a sense of confidence during each take.
PRO TIP: Add notes to your shot list that can help clarify what it is you are looking for during each take. What are you trying to accomplish, and what do you need participants to do to effectively achieve that goal?
In Front of the Camera: Taking direction is just as important as sharing it! Jump into each shot with an open mind, eager to knock out takes one by one. It can become tiresome filming multiple takes, but understanding that each take gets you closer to the finish and having fun with it can help the shoot fly by.
PRO TIP: Be sure to ask questions as they come up! Maintaining alignment on what exactly it is you are trying to accomplish can create a greater sense of collaboration.
Lanie shooting content at the recent ATO Leadership Conference.
Lanie reviews the video with the group.
4. Comfort
Behind the Camera: Practice makes perfect! Approaching something new for the first time in front of a client can feel like unnecessary pressure. Be sure to refer back to your preparation. Take the time you need to master your tools, establish your communication style, and practice, practice, practice.
PRO TIP: Be sure to plan for plenty of time to familiarize yourself with your filming space. Get there early, take your time, and stick to your process!
In Front of the Camera: Sometimes it is going to take several attempts - and that’s OK! In order to get comfortable, you need to push through the uncomfortable. The more you practice, the better you will feel. Don’t feel bad about reworking your responses until you produce content you feel proud to share. It’s okay to ask for another cut. Most editors would prefer options, anyway.
PRO TIP: Great preparation leads to comfortable takes. Refer back to your prep when you feel frazzled. Consider rewatching your takes to help you learn exactly where it is you want to adjust if you feel like you are retaking the same shot over and over.
5. Repetition
Behind the Camera: Being repetitive when shooting videos can help reinforce your message, improve engagement, and maintain consistency. It is important to encourage your participants to repeat the most important points or calls to action multiple times throughout your content.
PRO TIP: Restating your main message in different ways ensures the audience retains it. The way you introduce a question can make or break the impact your content has. It may feel silly or weird to be repetitive, but it is effective and efficient for your participants to take your direction in the same way each time!
In Front of the Camera: Repetition ensures your audience retains the most important information. By reiterating key points or themes, you're increasing the likelihood that your message sticks. Repeated exposure to consistent content, whether through formats, calls to action, or themes, keeps your audience engaged. When they know what to expect, they may feel more inclined to engage and interact.
PRO TIP: Know your brand inside and out before shooting and decide what message you are hoping to get across. This can help you to pinpoint exactly what it is you’d like to say, influencing what your audience can take away from your content!
6. Confidence
Behind the Camera: Be confident in everything you do during a content shoot. Easier said than done, right? But seriously, your client/participants are following your lead. Remind yourself that you have prepared, practiced, and know what you are doing! A confident director seeps good vibes into your space, thus infusing your participants with confidence, resulting in epic content.
PRO TIP: Stack your wins! When something goes well during a content shoot, add it to your celebration list for after the shoot. It’s easy to take small wins for granted. To avoid this, take time to reflect after you’ve called it a day. What did you do well? Where can you improve next time? Carry this reflection over into your following shoots and watch your win list grow!
In Front of the Camera: Start small. Starting with smaller clips first can feel easier to manage and will give you quick wins that build your confidence. Ultimately, not everyone is used to being in front of the camera. If you’re camera-shy, start filming yourself when you’re not under pressure (e.g., while doing everyday activities) and work your way up to formal content.
PRO TIP: Confidence comes from within. When you feel silly, embrace it. When you complete a successful take, let it fire you up! Your emotions are valid, and they will ebb and flow. Feed off the positive moments and learn from the awkward moments. Ultimately, the message you are sharing is what people will remember, vs. the way your mouth looked at the 0:23 second mark.
Mastering the art of capturing content requires a balance of preparation, consistency, and coachability. By following these practices, whether it’s planning your shots, maintaining a consistent style, or honing your confidence in front of the camera, you can create content that stands out and resonates with your audience.
Remember, the key to success is not just in the tools you use, but in the effort and thought you put into each shoot. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to capturing content that not only looks great but also connects and engages on a deeper level.
Lanie graduated as a student-athlete from Marian University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. After graduation, Lanie was selected to join Indianapolis' very own, Orr Fellowship, where she spent two years committed to the Indy community, career development, and continued learning, all while managing a full-time role in Marketing. Lanie is passionate about all things people - connecting, collaborating and building meaningful relationships to achieve results.
When out of office, you can find Lanie coaching softball at Marian University, walking her dogs Philly and Mookie through downtown Speedway, or soaking up some sunshine at Sweetwater Lake with her family.