❌ Overhead lighting – it creates distracting shadows

❌ Light that’s too bright (overblow)

✅ In front of window (natural light)

✅ Ring light with brightness adjustments

❌ Things in the background (bookshelf, posters, furniture) 

❌ Patterns

✅ Large neutral wall

✅ Backdrop (popup or hang up)

✅ Pin up a large solid sheet

TIP: Regardless of what you use, make sure that your backdrop has no wrinkles! Use a steamer or make sure it’s stretched as taut as it can be. A clean, smooth backdrop is the goal.

❌ Background noise

❌ Placing accompaniment (live or pre-recorded) too close to your recording device

❌ Reader too close to recording device

✅ Relatively quiet room

✅ External speaker for pre-recorded accompaniment

✅ Optional: lapel mic

✅ Test volume for your setup

❌ Cutting off forehead

❌ Close ups

❌ Looking directly in camera

✅ Monologues: Top of head to above your belly button

✅ Dance: Full body

✅ Song: Top of head to hips

✅ Eyeline just left or right of camera (sometimes above)