Free Guide For Shooting Video on Your Cell Phone
The Best Tips for Filming Yourself with a Cell Phone in Widescreen
Filming yourself with a cell phone is more common than ever—whether you're creating content for social media, vlogs, or presentations. One key aspect to get right, especially for platforms like YouTube or cinematic-looking videos, is filming in widescreen. While smartphones are incredibly capable, following a few simple tips can ensure your widescreen shots look polished and professional.
1. Turn Your Phone Horizontally
This may seem obvious, but many people forget that filming in widescreen requires turning your phone on its side. Most phones naturally record in portrait mode (vertical), but flipping it to landscape (horizontal) gives you the widescreen aspect ratio—usually 16:9—that you need for a more cinematic look.
2. Stabilize Your Phone
Nobody enjoys watching a shaky video, and if you're filming yourself, you’ll want your phone to remain steady. A tripod or phone mount will give you a professional setup without breaking the bank. If you're in a pinch, prop your phone on a stable surface like a bookshelf or stack of books. Many phones also have built-in image stabilization, so be sure to enable that feature to smooth out any minor movements.
3. Use the Rear Camera
The rear camera on most smartphones is typically much better than the front-facing one. It often has better resolution, improved focus, and enhanced lighting capabilities. Even though it’s more difficult to monitor yourself while filming with the rear camera, the payoff in quality is worth it. You can practice framing before you start recording or use a mirror or second device to check your shot.
4. Frame Yourself Properly
A widescreen shot gives you more space to work with, but make sure you're the focal point. Position yourself using the rule of thirds—place yourself slightly off-center, allowing negative space around you. Avoid placing yourself too close to the edges of the frame, and ensure you have headroom—without too much empty space above you.
5. Optimize Lighting
Good lighting makes all the difference. Natural light is your best friend—position yourself facing a window to utilize soft, even lighting. If you’re indoors, make sure the light source is in front of you, not behind, to avoid backlighting and unwanted shadows. If you need additional light, consider using a ring light or other affordable lighting setup to illuminate your face evenly.
6. Check Your Background
Since widescreen captures more of your surroundings, pay attention to what’s behind you. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from your video’s quality. Choose a clean, minimal background or something that fits the tone of your content. If you're outdoors, make sure you’re not backlit by the sun or have too much visual distraction.
7. Use a Microphone or Record in a Quiet Space
While cell phone microphones have improved over the years, they can still struggle with clarity in noisy environments. If possible, invest in an external microphone, like a lapel or shotgun mic, that can connect to your phone. If you don’t have a mic, filming in a quiet space with minimal background noise will significantly improve the audio quality.
8. Lock Focus and Exposure
Most smartphones will automatically adjust focus and exposure, but this can result in unexpected changes during your recording. Tap on your phone screen where you want to focus (typically your face), and lock that setting so your camera doesn’t readjust. The same goes for exposure—lock it in so your lighting stays consistent throughout the video.
9. Record in High Resolution
Always record in the highest resolution available to you—most smartphones now offer at least 1080p, with many capable of 4K. Higher resolution video allows you to maintain sharpness and quality, especially if you need to crop your footage later on. Just be mindful of your phone’s storage, as higher-quality footage takes up more space.
10. Edit Your Footage for a Professional Finish
Once you’ve recorded your widescreen video, take the time to edit it. Apps like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, or even free options like InShot, allow you to trim, add transitions, and correct colors. Editing can help enhance your video and make it look more professional, even if it was filmed on a phone. If you need help with this step, hiring a professional like Yes and Video can make your life easy so you can just focus on the stuff that you do best.
Conclusion
Filming yourself in widescreen with a cell phone is easier than ever, but a few simple techniques can elevate your video from amateur to professional. With the right setup, proper lighting, steady camera work, and attention to detail, you’ll be able to create videos that look sharp, well-framed, and polished—perfect for any platform or audience.
Download Our Free One-Page Shooting Guide
Ready to take your filming skills to the next level? Download Yes and Video’s free, one-page shooting guide for quick tips and tricks to ensure your videos look their absolute best. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned creator, this handy guide covers the essentials—from framing and lighting to audio and stabilization. Perfect for keeping on hand whenever you're ready to shoot!
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