equipment recommendations
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LIGHTING
MUST HAVE: Neewer 18-inch SMD LED Ring Light Dimmable Lighting Kit
Here is one of the nicer ring lights. Ring lights don’t seem to have the durability that some other types of equipment provide, but if you are on a budget and looking for a simple way to enhance your natural light, this is wonderful. You have a tripod/cell phone holder and light all in one. Thats all you need.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND: Aputure Amaran P60x 60W Output Bi-Color Lensed LED Panel Video Light
Step your game up with the newer version of the lights that I have in-studio. I’ve had mine for 5 years and I am ROUGH on them. I had one of the cords go haywire and now use the batteries for that light. They still work WONDERFULLY.
Get two and angle them towards your face at head level on opposite sides of your camera and voila…instant, beautiful lighting. This set comes with softboxes, chargers, carrying cases and tilting mount support.
SPLURGE: Aputure amaran P60c RGBWW Full-color LED Panel Video Light
Want lights that you can program, save, and cue up on your phone? I LOVE these lights. They’re perfect for different times of the day and creative options—if sunlight affects your shot, if you’re feeling extra and want to be creative with more contrast lighting for edgier material, or need brighter option for a comedy. This is the same brand that I use (and LOVE) with similar features—just updated to be higher quality and more sophisticated. This also comes with the softbox carrying. A tripod is needed (see below).
Mount your lights! This tripod extends 2.8’ - 6.7’. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and straightforward.
CAMERA TRIPODS
Sunpak 620-663LX 6630LX 66" Photo/Video Tripod with Adapters
If you’re 5’10” and under, this is a wonderful option.
KINGJOY 75" Camera Tripod with Wireless Remote Travel Bag
If you’re 5’11” and above, this is the option for you.
Microphones
FOR DSLR CAMERAS: Rode VideoMic GO Lightweight Directional Shotgun Video Mic
This is the microphone that I have—and love. It’s durable and high functioning. Rode is an exceptional company with great customer service.
FOR PHONES: Rode VideoMic Me-C USB-C Directional Microphone
This addition is an easy way to up your game when taping with a phone. I love Rode. Can you tell? They have great products and superior customer service!
FOR PHONE & DSLR CAMERAS: Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphones
This is the lavalier mic I have. It works well for still scenes—just be a little louder than normal, since this mic is all about you. It requires a lightening adapter for phones.
Back drops
MUST HAVE: A gray, blue, or black sheet that is steamed or ironed (hopefully) and held up on your wall. Bam. Backdrop.
UPGRADE: Neewer 2-in-1 Chromakey Blue/Gray Collapsible Backdrop Background 5'x7'
Love that its gray and blue rather than green and blue since WHO LIKES GREEN AS A BACKDROP? And I’m not green screening anything for auditions—neither should you!
FOR THE UPGRADE: EMART T shape backdrop stand portable, 8.5’x5’ adjustable backdrop stand
You also need something to hold up the screen (just propping it vertically against a wall kind of ruins the purpose of getting it). I use this!
SPLURGE: I LOVE a painted wall! Backdrop is my favorite paint company. Order their peel and stick swatches and figure out which of their colors works best for you!
Extras
Kamerar D-Fuse Large LED Light Panel Softbox (12"x12") With Carrying Bag
Fabulous, easy to use, and foldable for self tapes on the go! These are what I have in my studio for my pretty, diffused lighting.
Speak with Distinction by Edith Skinner
This is my favorite book and an essential tool for accents and dialects. Mine is over 30 years old and I still use it daily.