UPDATE: The world looks a bit different than it did just 2 short weeks ago. I believe we’ll get through this rough patch of road in the not-too-distant future, but some of us may need to adapt.

One of the most effective things you can do right now is to be a hub around which your market can coalesce. You don’t need to be the star; just the organizer. Just have something to offer and lead by example.

A couple of years ago I made this video to help people appear more professional in a webcam video. Today it’s more a matter of giving people confidence and trust in what you have to offer.

And I will immodestly say that the tips in this video will be both effective and easy to remember. 🙂

And by the way, if you doubt that this is an effective strategy, just know that the workhorse Logitech C920 webcam that most of us already use, and which normally sells for under $80.00 US is now on Amazon for almost $400.00.

If you want specific advice on which camera to buy, how to install it on a Windows or Mac, how to do the settings and add audio, I have a free video course with a whole webcam section you can opt into here or at the little ad over on the right side of the blog.

If you like this idea, perhaps next time I can show you how to conduct an effective webinar using tools like Zoom, something we do here every week.

    15 replies to "The Takeaway Technique For Webcam Wizardry"

    • Ronald Ross

      How did you dim the light?

      • Steven Washer

        I had a dimmer at my fingertips, just for demonstration purposes!

    • Shane

      Great acronym Steve. Makes it easy to remember. I pulled three action items from this video that I’m going to implement immediately.

      Have you done a video just on lighting? It seems there are as many options as opinions. I would love to hear what you have to say about it.

      • Steven Washer

        Glad it helped, Shane. As for lighting…hmmm.

    • Doug Greene

      What mic are you using? I didn’t know they made a USB lav mic (it looks like that’s what you’re using).

      • Steven Washer

        Yes, the USB lavalier mic kind of a newer concept, and about time, too!

    • michael

      Great video Steve – especially like your “CHES” acronym – I just may borrow it 🙂

      All Good Wishes,
      michael

    • Dennis Chighisola

      Great, as always, Steven. I have to add something, though…

      Over 30-years ago, my brother’s best friend told me I couldn’t get into video production unless I had a kzillion dollar camera (and more). He was as eager as I to get into producing teaching videos, but I started doing it a few weeks later — with some modest gear, while I don’t believe he’s produced one yet.

      My real point: Although we’d all like to create perfect videos, I think such concerns sometimes discourage a lot of folks from putting out their first one. Don’t get me wrong, because I devour everything you share with us, and I try to come as close as I can to doing things right (my wife and I just bought a pair of lavalier mikes like you recently recommended). At the same time, however, I think an important message is worth rushing to market, warts and all.

      • Steven Washer

        Dennis, thank you for that stunning story about the virtue of taking action! And now you can look back and see the gift that taking that difficult action gave you. All I would add is that there is never really a valid reason to rush anything. We’ll always have warts to deal with and perfection is a Platonic ideal best viewed from afar. 😉

    • Michelle

      Just bought that lav mic! What a huge difference it makes! I’m ready…just as soon as I figure out what people wanna hear me talk about…

      • Steven Washer

        Here’s a hint…keywords…shhhh 🙂

    • Mike

      Hey Steven! Great video too!

      You mentioned VIP light? Can you let me know what that is and the one you use, please?
      Do you have an affiliate link?
      I have softboxes but no matter where I place them or at what angle – I’m always overexposed. It’s driving me crazy. I literally spend hours and it’s not working…haha I showed my wife your latest webcam video and she said it looked like watching TV! Mine is looking like (insert 4 letter word here) Haha. Thanks!!

    • Steven Washer

      I used that for effect. But you should use this one: https://www.amazon.com/VILTROX-L116T-3300K-5600K-Temperature-Brightness/dp/B07D8TTFSR/

      This way you likely won’t be overexposed. Hope that helps!

      • Mike

        Thanks, Steven! I just bought it from your link!

        I really appreciate it!

        I’ll let you know how it goes. (-:

    • Nick hicks

      March 2020 comment. Good strategy steve. One which I am currently following

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