If you’re looking for tips for filming reels for your social media, you’re in the right place.
It seems strange now to think that for most of Instagram’s life there was no such thing as a reel. Reels now dominate both Instagram and Facebook and are often the most visible media on these platforms.
For most businesses growing an online presence will include filming and creating reels but it can be tough to know where to start, let alone have the confidence to film yourself!
We’re here to help. At Picture Perfect Photography we know a thing or two about creating great visual content as well as being experts in social media growth and specialising in helping fitness coaches and brands to build their online presence.
We’re committed to helping businesses like yours to produce high-quality content and build confidence both behind and in front of the camera.
So read on to find out more about reels and discover our top confidence tips for filming reels which show you and your brand at their best.
What are reels?
Meta launched Instagram reels in 2020, and they arrived on Facebook in 2021.
They’re widely seen as Meta’s response to TikTok, allowing users to create and share short, entertaining videos, in a similar format to those shared on TikTok.
Reels are a way for users not only to create content but also to be discovered, as they’re posted not only to your profile grid but onto the feeds of followers and non-followers alike.
If you’re trying to grow your fitness brand, reels are great for showcasing what you do demonstrating your coaching or regimes as well as giving behind the scenes insights into your lifestyle.
They’ll help you to be a lot more visible online, if you can produce high-quality content which confidently showcases your brand.
If you need a hand knowing how to shoot and make a reel and build your confidence in doing so, we’d love to share our tips for filming reels with you.
Our top tips for filming reels
We know that stepping in front of the camera can be daunting, so we’ve pulled together our top tips for filming reels to help you to build your confidence to make engaging reels which will connect with your audience.
Plan your content
Before you get the camera rolling, the most important of our tips for filming reels is to take some time to plan first.
What do you want to achieve with this reel?
Whether it’s showcasing a workout, sharing tips for a competition or promoting a fitness product, having a clear goal is key to guiding your content creation.
And don’t be afraid to map out a storyboard and a script for your reel, even if it’s just a few bullet points, having a plan will keep you on track and make sure you cover all your key points.
Give it a trial run (or two!)
Before you hit record, practice what you’re going to say and any of the moves you’ll be doing. This will help you get used to it all, keep your nerves down, and make you feel more comfortable.
Make a few trial recordings too, which you can watch back to see how you come across on camera. You can use these to make adjustments to your delivery and setup.
Create a comfortable filming environment
Find a private, tidy space where you won’t be disturbed – you’ll be much more relaxed on camera if you know you’re somewhere quiet without interruptions!
A clean background will keep the focus on you and your message, and if you can find somewhere with well-lit too, good lighting will help you to look your best on camera.
Wear what you’re comfortable in
Make sure you wear clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in.
Your outfit should reflect your brand and the workout you’re demonstrating, but if you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing you won’t be at ease in front of the camera.
5. Engage with your followers directly
Imagine that your audience are there in the room with you – and speak with the energy and clarity that you would if they were sat there.
Looking at the camera as if you’re speaking to them with eye contact will create a personal connection with your viewers, help them to get to know you, and keep them engaged.
Be yourself
Time and again we find that what resonates most with audiences is authenticity, and your viewers will be able to tell if you’re trying to be someone you’re not.
Instead, let your personality come through and build a genuine connection with your audience.
Don’t be afraid to have fun and add a bit of humour if that feels natural to you, to make your reels more enjoyable and memorable.
Keep showing up
When you start out with reels, they won’t all be perfect, and that’s ok – authenticity often trumps perfection with social media.
The main thing is that the more you post, the more comfortable you’ll become and the wider the reach of your reels. Consistency will build both your confidence and your audience!
So, there they are – our top tips for filming reels that boost confidence in your brand, even when you might not be so comfortable in front of the camera yourself.
By planning out your content, practicing where needed, putting yourself at ease with your environment and clothing, and authentically engaging with your audience, you’ll soon be showcasing your fitness expertise and creating professional reels that resonate with your viewers.
Still need a hand with your content?
If you’ve found our tips for filming reels helpful, there’s plenty more where they came from.
At Picture Perfect Photography we offer content coaching packages to suit your business, boasting our very own photography studio where we create perfect visuals, and give one-to-one sessions to build a content strategy for all your social media marketing.
And if the idea of a photoshoot is a bit daunting, we know how you feel – our photographer, Collette, has been in your shoes herself.
As a world bodybuilding champion title-holder, she has spent plenty of time both in front of the camera as well as behind, so knows how it feels and how to put you at ease.
If you’d like more tips for filming reels, and the chance to get professional help with you content creation, look no further than Picture Perfect Photography and get in touch with us today.
