Rachael’s Recommendations for Setting Up Your Home Studio and Getting Camera Ready

Setting up a virtual studio in your home or office doesn’t have to be overly complicated or super-expensive. There are a few things you definitely need–and then some things that are nice to have, but that aren’t totally necessary when you’re getting started. Here is a list of links* to some of the tools and equipment I’ve used personally and recommend!

Camera:

Your computer’s native webcam might be fine for virtual client sessions or team meetings, but for remote interviews for TV, telesummits, or video podcasts, you will want a quality HD webcam. I personally use the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920.

Microphone:

For up close or “talking head” style remote interviews, the built-in microphone on your computer or webcam might be sufficient (although it is a good idea to wear earbuds if you are using either of these options). However, if you want to upgrade your sound quality, I recommend either a USB desktop mic with a pop blocker, or a wired lavalier clip-on microphone. I personally use:

Lighting

In a home studio, you need more lights than you think you do–even if your space is already well lit either with overhead lighting or windows. I recommend 3-point set of lights, as well as one or two ring lights. The ring lights are great because you can control the visual “temperature” of the lighting.

Here’s what I use:

If you’re shooting from an iPhone or iPad:

I recommend the MoviePro app. It allows you to choose focal points, and adjust your background lighting and sound. After you record in MoviePro, move the video to your camera roll, then upload it to your computer so you can edit it.

For shooting and editing recorded segments with your webcam:

Some networks are asking their guests to film and edit their segments themselves. If you have a high quality webcam, lights, and microphone, you can produce very professional-looking segments yourself. If you have a DSLR camera, that will give you the best visual quality (you’ll still need a good mic and lighting); but if you don’t have one, your HD webcam can get the job done. Though you can record your own segments through video conferencing platforms like Zoom, it will look MUCH better if you use a screen recording and editing software that records off your webcam, with your good mic.

Here are my recommendations:

  • If you have a Mac, use Telestream’s Screenflow (this is what I use personally). It’s very user-friendly (for beginners), and also has advanced editing options for more experienced editors. Yes you can use iMovie, but Screenflow will give you many more options and better quality.
  • I don’t have a PC, but have been told by those who do that Camtasia is comparable to Screenflow.

Hair

No matter your hair type, you will likely need some sort of styling tools to get your hair camera-ready. Here are some popular options I’ve gathered from friends who have given me advice on how to DIY my own hair for camera, as well as the option I ultimately went with for my own hair!

Makeup

Ardell False Lashes Faux Mink Wispies Multipack, 1 pk x 4 pairs If you need false eyelashes (which you will unless your lashes are naturally long, thick, and dark), I recommend strip lashes over individuals for camera. It will make your life easier! You can use either magnetic ones or ones that require liquid adhesive. I like the faux mink ones from Ardell.

If you do not need false eyelashes, I highly recommend ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight Black. It is one of the best mascaras I’ve ever used for anything (and has a very clean formulation, which is a bonus for me!).

In addition to your regular foundation (that matches your skin), you will also need a highlighter and bronzer to add dimension to your face on camera. REMEMBER, do NOT use shimmery or sparkly highlighter, blush, or bronzer for camera. You will look sweaty or greasy. It is NOT a good look.

Here are some of my favorite options:

  • My favorite highlighter is the unpigmented Signature Mineral makeup base from MakingCosmetics.com. If you have darker skin, choose an opaque mineral makeup several shades lighter than your skin. I prefer powder, but plenty of makeup artists just use a concealer for this purpose.
  • Makingcosmetics.com also has other pre-mixed powders (including a sampler pack) that you can choose. Just pick one several shades lighter than your skin for the highlighter, and several shades darker for your contour.

For lipstick, I also recommend a matte lipstick (nothing pearly or shimmery), though a dab of gloss on the bottom lip is OK. Choose a color that is close to your natural lip color, but a little bit brighter or bolder. I do not recommend a red or bright lip on camera, unless it is a specifically for a beauty or fashion segment that involves the lip. ILIA – Natural Color Block High Impact Lipstick is one of my favorite brands, and I also love how Axiology’s lipsticks look on camera.

Rachael Pontillo Getting Camera ReadyYou’ll also want a good (non-shimmery) blush. I recommend Rituel de Fille’s Inner Glow Crème Pigment. And of course eye shadow. I recommend earth tones for camera, but make sure you know your skin’s undertone (here’s a great book to help with that) so that you know if you need warm, cool, or neutral colors. Antonym Cosmetics Natural Quattro Eyeshadow palettes come in several different undertone options, and look great on camera.

I hope these tips were helpful, and that you are ready to rock your remote interviews!

*Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). I appreciate your support!