Tips for getting comfortable in front of the camera?

The great thing about YouTube and making your own videos vs. performing for other people's cameras (I've done both) is that you can just let the camera run and do as many takes as you need to, which takes a lot of the pressure off each take.
Also, sometimes it helps to think of someone you know (either personally or a character or famous person) who wouldn't be fazed by being on-camera, and then just try to channel them more. Eventually you'll forget that being in front of that lens was ever weird.
On the other hand, Al Pacino supposedly still throws up every night before he goes on-stage...
 
Catie WahWah said:
The great thing about YouTube and making your own videos vs. performing for other people's cameras (I've done both) is that you can just let the camera run and do as many takes as you need to, which takes a lot of the pressure off each take.
Also, sometimes it helps to think of someone you know (either personally or a character or famous person) who wouldn't be fazed by being on-camera, and then just try to channel them more. Eventually you'll forget that being in front of that lens was ever weird.
On the other hand, Al Pacino supposedly still throws up every night before he goes on-stage...
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Doing takes is the only way I can do my videos. I do guitar lessons and for each video I do at least 10 to 20 takes. I know within the first minute whether I'm relaxed and in the groove. Every take I get more comfortable with the material. If I have a sliver of doubt about what I'm talking about, I know that will come across on camera. I've finished a lesson and then re-shot the whole thing over.

You gain confidence with every video you do. Stick with it for a year and you'll be surprised with how comfortable you will be! I never thought I could do it until I just did it! good luck!!
 
i have an opening that i say at the start of every video, and it takes me like 7 tries to get it right, and then after that it's smooth sailing. i would recommend taping while you're alone, even home alone so you don't have to worry about keeping your voice down. then just try to look confident and make direct eye contact with the camera. make fun of yourself every time you mess up and get comfortable with talking to yourself. remember how low the stakes are because no matter what you do, you can edit out any mistakes and no one has to see them but you
 
Info Nation said:
I always freeze up and get nervous and forget what to see when i go in front of the camera.
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Everybody all ready nailed it by saying practice makes perfect. I know in the beginning you feel so stupid talking to yourself. But the more you do it the more it becomes natural and really easy to do. Just like others said just act like your talking to your friend sitting in the room and do a lot of test runs. Upload a lot of videos as private just for practice. The more practice the better the real production will be!
 
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