So you've added your first online event(s) and may be wondering which technical accessories are best for a flawless production. Things are going smoothly so far, but you want to add a certain touch to your video technique - well, we may be able to help!
We've done some research online and wanted to recommend a few accessories that we think will work to improve your online event.
Tripods
When we say tripods, an image of a professional photography on the side of mountain range, hoping to get that perfect sunset shot, comes to mind. But guess what, you can use them too!
The best way to use a tripod for online events, is to set up an additional device to join in on your event, so you have both a camera on your face, and one for up close shots and mobile use.
You can get tripods for both phones and tablets, but we would recommend using your phone so that you can easily move this around and use it to get up close and personal to what you want to show, without it getting in your way.
While your desktop is placed to look at you, you can set up your tripod to point down towards your work. This may be directed down in front of you as you draw on paper, shooting from behind as you paint on an easel, or pointed towards your hob or kitchen counter. The benefit is that customers can view you while you instruct at the same time.
We've looked into some tripods via Amazon.co.uk but you could also try Argos.co.uk or Currys.co.uk
A few we've found:
(Bonus: Selfie Stick)
Flexible Tripod for iPhone and Android Stabilizer + Bluetooth remote
(Bonus: Flexible Grip)
Ailun Phone Camera Tripod Mount
(Bonus: Large holder for bigger phones/tablets!)
Webcam Lens
Another accessory to consider is the camera lens. This is not to improve the quality of your feed (you can purchase a high quality webcam for this - but they can be expensive!), but to widen or narrow the shot you show on screen.
Most lens kits come with a wide angle, fish eye and macro lens. The wide angle and fish eye are great for capturing more into one shot, and the macro could be used on your additional device for a closer view.
The wide angle or fish eye lens could be useful for yoga or meditation sessions, or when trying to create a particular ambience with the environment around you on screen (e.g. plants or artwork in the background).
The macro lens can also be attached to your phone/tablet that you may be using as an additional device, to show a closer shot of important aspects of your online event.
Again, we've looked into Amazon, but there are a number of other sites you can look to find one.
You'll notice they are all built for a phone in mind - but don't worry, they fit onto laptops too.
A few we've found:
Can you recommend any?
We know there are lots of brands and websites out there, so if you know of, or have found an accessory you think other teachers may want to know about, let us know!