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How to Set up your own Video Recording studio at home on a budget.

A video camera on a tripod recording a women that is sitting on her couch.

If you have ever thought of setting up a home video recording studio, now is the time! Since COVID-19 has hit and stuck around, content plans have had to be reworked, or even put aside. With these tips, you can set yourself up right from the comfort of your own home. 

Having the right equipment is going to make a huge difference for your home video recording studio setup. Luckily, we can help you find the basics at almost any price point. 

At Home Video Equipment Checklist for Beginners:

  • Phone Camera or Web Cam 
  • Camera Tripod
  • Lighting
    • You can totally get away with natural lighting, however, for those overcast days, an LED ring light can make all the difference. 

TRICK:  You can find LED light rings & tripods in one!

TIP #1 – Choose an Appropriate Setting

Use a nice space in your home to make your backdrop not only beautiful but full of personality! Having a set of props that reflect your brand image will not only make set up easier but also keep your videos more consistent. A tall plant and a trade show banner work in a pinch!

TIP #2  – Keeping Consistent Lighting

Having good lighting makes all the difference in videos. Lighting helps to keep the camera focused on what you are shooting, and not on re-adjusting to the lighting. Whether it is natural or artificial lighting, you want to make sure your subject is facing the light, and that the light is smooth. We don’t want any harsh shadows…unless that’s what you are going for. 

Because sunlight is constantly changing, investing even a little into some artificial light will be well worth it. Google the “Three-Point Lighting System” to see the setup we use and recommend to all our clients.

TIP #3 Adding a Second Camera

Adding a second camera can add some dimension to your content. Whether it’s a second phone or a second video camera, getting some different shots can increase the “professionalism” of a video. If your subject is shot from the front, try adding your second camera 45 – 90 degrees from your primary camera. When editing, you can take footage from both angles, leaving you with a more dynamic video. 

TIP #4 – Floor Markers 

Setting down markers on the floor will allow you to take snack breaks in between takes…but in all seriousness, setting down markers will help you stay consistent in the long run. When working at home, sometimes you are the producer, director, stylist, lighting, and camera operator all in one. Having place markers on your floor will help you stay consistent. It will also help you with continuity while editing. 

TIP #5 Check 1..2..3..

Tip #5 but Rule #1: You’re going to always want to do an audio check. There is nothing worse than filming an amazing video, then finding out during editing that the audio wasn’t very good. A solid tip for any at-home studio is to figure out what your space’s baseline audio sounds like, and then fix that. A great example is an empty room that tends to echo; we can fix this by putting some furniture in it to help absorb the sound. Another great example is knowing what goes on outside of your space. If the garbage truck comes every Wednesday at noon, then it is probably not the best idea to try to film during that time. 

TIP #6 Prep B-Roll Shots to Cover Any Mistakes

B-Roll footage is what is outside of your main set up. Examples of B-Roll could be closeups of a prop, or of someone’s hand. Having B-Roll can help you hide any filming mistakes. You can cut to some B-Roll instead of using the original footage. 

TIP #7 Practice 

Be kind to yourself, practice makes perfect. Your first video isn’t going to look and sound like your 5th, 10th or even 50th video. You’ll learn your own tips and tricks along the way! 


Remember, if you aren’t up to filming in-house content, you can still book your professional photos and videos with the Rosewood Team. Commercial photo/video shoots are still permitted to operate during the pandemic.

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5 Ways to Stay Focused this Summer

5 ways to stay focused this summer rosewood deanna simone

Summertime is officially in full effect – complete with rising temperatures, family activities, exciting trips, pleasant weather, and BBQs with friends. I am sure that almost every business owner can agree – it’s incredibly challenging to maintain the same level of focus on your work during the warmer months.

Let’s be real here – how are you supposed to maintain productivity with so much other stuff going on? That’s where this article can help! By implementing a few simple changes to your routine, you will be shocked at how productive your summers will become! Check out our top 5 summer-specific tips to stay on task below.

  1. Take Breaks Often

Even if you only have 5 minutes to spare, always try to find ways to take a quick break to rejuvenate your mind and body. A few of my favourite tactics include:

  • Going for a walk around the block with my dog
  • Stepping outside and soaking in the sunlight for a few minutes
  • Powering through a quick yoga/pilates session to re-energize the muscles
  • Having a yummy and brain-boosting drink to cool off (my go-to favourites are fresh lemonade and fruit smoothies)
  • Taking a quick, 15-minute nap (if your physical location allows it)

Even just a few moments away from your desk can help put you back into the correct mindset to get things done.

  1. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

If you have a special event or vacation coming up, remind yourself that keeping your work-life in order will make your time off even sweeter. If you set your priorities straight now and get your work under control before you go away, you will be able to enjoy it even more wholeheartedly. It is always less stressful to leave for a vacation when there isn’t any unfinished work or loose ends to worry about.

Our very own founder and CEO of Rosewood, Deanna Simone, reflects on her recent vacation to Europe – “I took my first vacation in almost 4 years since starting the business. I ensured that I had a team to cover the day-to-day operations and guarantee no fires started. It allowed me to rest and come back rejuvenated and with a renewed passion for my business!”

  1. Don’t Forget to Treat Yourself!

Plan to allow yourself to indulge in something you really love after you’ve completed tiresome tasks. For example, if you need to get through a long day (or week!) of client meetings and tedious paperwork, you may promise to treat yourself afterwards. This could be a trip to the movies, a bubble bath, a night out with friends, a massage, a new outfit, anything goes! Knowing you’ve earned your special treat will make your hard work that much more meaningful.

  1. Limit Time on Social Media

Try your absolute hardest to refrain from scanning the news feeds of your personal accounts until after you have finished your work for the day. When you’re trying to focus on work, seeing your friends vacation pictures won’t help you concentrate on what you need to accomplish.

A big portion of my own job as a social media coordinator, is to tend to the social media accounts of my clients. However, I am consistently working on fighting the urge to take a quick peek on what is happening on the news feeds of my personal accounts until my time is clear to do that.

  1. Find a Change of Scenery

Of course, it is understandable that getting away isn’t always an option. In those situations, consider moving your work somewhere outdoors for a change of scenery. For example, if I’m craving a breath of fresh air, I’ll take my laptop to a nice park, an outdoor cafe, or sometimes even the front porch or backyard will do. Just a simple and temporary change in your physical environment can do wonders for your mood and motivation.

Voila! By taking these 5 tips into consideration, you will quickly realize that summer doesn’t have to sabotage your business goals. You can enjoy what the season has to offer while staying focused on your career—all it takes is a little creativity and self-discipline.

Questions or Comments? Get in Touch!

Until Next Time,

Ananta

Content Coordinator

Rosewood Inc.

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Holiday Marketing Game Plan for Small Businesses

holiday marketing game plan thanksgiving, christmas, black friday, cyber monday, newmarket, aurora, york region, uxbridge

The official first day of fall has come and gone, even though the scorching weather didn’t get the memo!  As soon as the leaves start falling, and pumpkin spice everything hits the shelves, it’s time to start thinking about holiday marketing.  I’m not talking just about the major holidays in December.  There are a ton of major holidays between now and the end of the year.  I’ve put together a list of the major holidays and some marketing promo ideas.  Keep reading to see my Holiday Marketing Game Plan.

While I am personally in favour of waiting until after Remembrance Day on November 11th to start marketing for December holidays, it is important for businesses to establish their holiday marketing plans well in advance.  If you plan your holiday marketing correctly, not only can it be a profitable time of year for your business, but you’ll also get to relax and enjoy some of the festivities yourself.

Holiday Marketing Game Plan for Small Businesses

There are a few very important days coming up soon.  Here are some ideas to get your holiday marketing creative juices flowing! Keep in mind your demographic and the goal of the event: is the event to drive sales, create marketing material for your website/social media, or customer appreciation?  Here is a list of all upcoming major holidays in Canada for the rest of 2017.

Thanksgiving – Monday, October 9th

While this doesn’t seem like a holiday that will generate huge sales, it provides a chance to show the personal side of your business.  Give thanks to your customers either with special promotions, friends & family discounts, or simply by saying that you appreciate their business.

Halloween – Tuesday, October 31st

This is a holiday to have some fun with.  Depending on your industry, you could hold a variety of contests.  For a child care centre, offer prizes for best costumes.  If you’re in the food industry, you better be all over that Pumpkin Spice Craze (which actually starts September 1st).  You can go big and even host a pumpkin carving contest.

Remembrance Day – Saturday, November 11th

This is also a chance to show the personal and Canadian side of your business.  Try a patriotic promo geared towards veterans, those currently serving in the armed-forces, or even extend it to doctors, nurses, first-responders, etc.

Black Friday – Friday, November 24th

While Black Friday has mostly been an American day, it has traversed across the border. More and more Canadian businesses are getting involved. Popular promos are door busters, spend a certain amount and receive a discount, and cash and carry specials.  Black Friday is a day of sale hunting, and I suggest you start marketing your deals a few weeks in advance, as people will do their homework.

Cyber Monday – Monday, November 27th

Cyber Monday is basically a continuation of Black Friday with perhaps even better deals. It is primarily Internet sales based.  So if you have an online store, you can take advantage of this day.  Why not add an Ultimatum opt-in form where they will receive an additional discount if they subscribe to your mailing list?

What Holidays Should You Promote?

This can be a touchy subject for a lot of people, and especially worrisome for small business owners who don’t want to offend anyone.  My advice is speak from the heart.  If you celebrate Christmas, there’s no reason why you can’t say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  Take the opportunity to learn more from someone who celebrates a different holiday than you.  Below are the major holidays around this time of year, and I apologize in advance if I missed anything.

Hanukkah – Tuesday, December 12th – Wednesday, December 20th

You can try a variety of marketing tactics for Hanukkah.  Why not do a Hanukkah Facebook Giveaway?  The goal is to gain more followers and grow your audience.  Or try a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) sale.  Feeling creative? Plan out a different promo for each day of Hanukkah.  Make sure you plan ahead for this one!

Christmas – Monday, December 25th

While receiving gifts can be fun, giving is even more fulfilling.  Make a Christmas promotion that stands out from your competitors and gets your target audience in the holiday spirit.  It doesn’t only have to be discounts and special promos, hold contests on Social Media to get your audience engaged.  Again, start marketing this a several weeks in advance, as the closer it gets to Christmas the more we want to relax and most businesses are closed!

Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26th

Similar to Black Friday, people expect sales and promos on Boxing Day. Try a Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) sale. It’s a win-win for people who want to give and receive! It is strongest in the retail sector, as most small businesses are closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.

 

Kwanzaa – Tuesday, December 26th – Monday, January 1st

Similar to other holidays around this time of year, Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture and community.  Give thanks and spread the message of peace, love and understanding.

New Years – Sunday, December 31st – Monday, January 1st

New Year’s marks the end of the indulgent holiday season and a time for new year’s resolutions.  The health and wellness industries come to mind as very prosperous after January 1st.  Start planning and marketing your New Year’s promos a few weeks in advance to get the word out. These promos can run throughout the month of January.

I hope this blog was helpful in outlining some of the upcoming holidays and some holiday marketing tips.  Even if you do not have a specific promo to run, acknowledging these special days is a way to connect with your followers and audience.  The holidays are a time for spreading messages of joy, peace and love.

If you need help planning your Holiday Marketing campaigns, now is the time!  Call us and let’s rock this holiday season so you can enjoy it with your loved ones too.

We’re here to help!  You can contact us directly, or comment on this blog post.  Sign up for our newsletter for even more tips.  You can find us everywhere online on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Until next time,

Deanna

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