Where Should I Look When Talking On Camera?

When making a video there are 2 common ways to appear on camera. Looking directly into the camera lens and looking off of camera. Which one should you be using and why? Watch the video below or scroll down for some text and GIFs.

TALKING OFF OF CAMERA

Looking off of camera is used more in documentary-style videos.  The idea is that you are talking to an interviewer who is sitting next to the camera and you can ignore the camera is even there. This may be a good tactic if you’re struggling with your confidence on camera as looking down a lens can be a bit daunting.

If you are filming the video yourself and don’t have anyone to talk to, you can always set a mark to look at using an object in the room like a plant or even taping an X on the wall.  This is important as it will keep you looking in the same place even in between takes, keeping consistency between shots.

If you are struggling with your confidence on camera? Check out my top 3 tips to get you comfortable right here.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when talking off of camera, the first is the framing.  You want to move over so that you are in one-third of the frame with the other two-thirds being in front of you. This will help balance the shot.

If I move over to the other 3rd of the frame you can see that there is no looking room in front of my face, this makes it look like I am talking to a brick wall.

The second point is to not overdo the angle of your face to the camera. Try looking about 6-12 inches away from your camera. This will allow your audience to still see both of your eyes and most of your face. Whereas if you go side on it may look a bit artier but it is harder for the viewer to form a connection with you as they can’t see both of your eyes.

TALKING TO CAMERA

The more popular standard at the moment is to talk directly to the camera. In my opinion, this helps build a relationship with your viewer as they feel like you are talking directly to them. 

You may feel uncomfortable staring directly into a lens so there are techniques you can try to overcome this such as imagining that one of your customers is standing directly behind the camera.

Another tip is to make sure you can't see the recording screen.  If you are using a digital camera with a rotating screen or you are using your phone in selfie mode you will be very tempted to keep looking over at your face, doing this will make your viewer wonder what you are looking at.

When talking directly into the camera I would recommend that you centre yourself in the frame and have your eyes placed exactly in the top third of the frame. This will draw the viewers eye towards you and help build the connection you are looking for. 

If you need help lining up your frame your phone or camera will have an option to turn on frame guides.

THAT’S A WRAP

So to wrap up, it's good to talk off of camera if you are making a documentary or you aren't comfortable talking to a lens.  But if you want to create a connection between you and your viewer and you want your viewer to feel like you are talking directly to them, talk to the lens.

What's your preferred method, do you look on or off of camera?  Let me know in the comments below.  If you've enjoyed this post make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch all of our weekly videos.