Have you ever struggled with the question of whether your video subject should be looking on- or off-camera?
You probably have. It’s one of the bigget decisions you have to make when you plan a shot of a single subject.
Why does it matter? Because your presentation is just as important as your content.The question you need to ask yourself is: how can my message be most effectively communicated?
Specifically, you need to ask:
- What is my goal with this shot?
- Are we using an interview format? Will the subject be speaking directly or indirectly to the viewers?
- Who are our viewers, exactly?
- How urgent is our message?
- What do we want the viewer to take away from this video?
Looking Off-Camera
It’s common to instruct your video subject to look away from the camera when you’re shooting a documentary or interview. It’s best when the interviewer and interviewee are both on-camera, having a conversation together.
Looking off-camera feels more dynamic, interactive and “real.” It will make your video seem natural and unscripted.
It’s also the best way to make a subject look at home in their environment, which is good if you want to highlight the video’s setting—for instance, if you’re shooting in an artist’s studio, their place of work, or out in nature.
Additionally, looking directly into the camera can be intimidating for subjects. Looking away from the lens can make them feel more relaxed and engaged, which in turn will make your video more compelling.
Lastly, looking off-camera tends to suggest objectivity and detachment, which will make your content more convincing.
Looking into the Camera
Having your subject look directly into the lens will instantly make your video feel more intense. Remember, looking at the camera is equivalent to looking directly into the viewer’s eyes.
This can be very effective in small doses as a way to communicate urgency. Even if you choose to have your subject look off-camera for most of the shoot, you can instruct them to look at the lens periodically to connect with the audience, especially when emphasizing a particular point.
This is also a good strategy in interviews when the interviewer themselves is off-camera. Looking at the lens forms a stronger and more direct connection with the viewer. You can see this at work when you watch the news—when you (the viewer) are presented with a “talking heads” scenario, notice where the reporters are looking and how open and expressive they seem.
As mentioned, looking directly at the camera for long periods can be intimidating. It will usually be more challenging for the subject than looking at an interviewer. Consequently, the success of this strategy is dependent on your subject’s skills.
The Takeaways
Instructing your subject to look off-camera can put them at ease, and will make your video content feel natural. Conversely, looking into the lens will create an instant connection with your viewers. However, it can cause your content to feel stilted or staged. Ultimately, the right strategy depends on the needs of your video and the skill and comfort level of your subject.
FAQs
Instructing your subject to look off-camera can put them at ease, and will make your video content feel natural. Conversely, looking into the lens will create an instant connection with your viewers. However, it can cause your content to feel stilted or staged.
What's more important, the camera or the lens? ›
If you absolutely need a certain camera feature, such as a robust autofocus system or fast burst rate, then yes, go for the body upgrade, but when it comes to image quality, generally, the lens will have a bigger impact on, particularly when we are talking about modern camera sensors, which are all quite good.
What does looking off the camera mean? ›
'Off camera' is when a subject has their body twisted about 45 degrees off camera, facing the interviewer. They normally respond when asked a question by the interviewer in this set up. Here is an example of a case study where the interviewee's are looking off camera: 02:16.
Should I look at the camera or the screen interview? ›
Maintain eye contact
Look directly into the camera while answering your questions instead of your screen. This makes it seem like you're speaking to your interviews face-to-face.
Are you supposed to look into the camera? ›
Try looking about 6-12 inches away from your camera. This will allow your audience to still see both of your eyes and most of your face. Whereas if you go side on it may look a bit artier but it is harder for the viewer to form a connection with you as they can't see both of your eyes.
Does the lens really make a difference? ›
Lenses are the tools you use to bend light, and an image can only contain as much detail and light as the lens allows. Generally speaking, the best lens always produces the best images, regardless of the number of megapixels.
Can eyes see better than cameras? ›
Most current digital cameras have 5-20 megapixels, which is often cited as falling far short of our own visual system. This is based on the fact that at 20/20 vision, the human eye is able to resolve the equivalent of a 52 megapixel camera (assuming a 60° angle of view).
What is the difference between in camera and off camera? ›
Into The Lens: Having an subject look and speak directly to the video camera. Off-camera: When subjects look off to the side rather than directly at the camera lens. Usually they look at the interviewer outside of the camera's frame.
Why look away from camera? ›
By photographing your subject as they look away from the camera, the viewer's attention follows their gaze. The environment is welcomed into the photo and the viewer not only connects with the subject in the photo but also what surrounds them. This is a powerful element in lifestyle photography.
Why do interviewees look off the camera? ›
Having the interviewee look off-camera and talk directly to the interviewer helps them to feel much more comfortable and relaxed.
Unprepared for the Interview
A lack of preparation is a significant red flag, indicating potential disinterest in the role or the company. While AI tools can analyze facial expressions for emotions like nervousness or confidence, it is essential to use your judgment as well.
Should you stare at the camera or screen? ›
Maintain Eye Contact
Looking directly at your interviewer is essential during any interview. But some job seekers might find it challenging to know exactly where to look while they are talking during a video interview. Make it a point to look directly into the camera, rather than your computer screen.
How do you respond to an illegal interview question? ›
You may choose to answer illegal questions if you are comfortable doing so. It is not illegal if you do. If you are not comfortable, you can respond with “I do not feel that is relevant to the position or interview”. You can also answer the question by addressing the concerns behind the questions.
Is it better to look at the camera or away? ›
Additionally, looking directly into the camera can be intimidating for subjects. Looking away from the lens can make them feel more relaxed and engaged, which in turn will make your video more compelling.
Am I uglier in person or on camera? ›
It is important to understand that pictures are a 2-D version of real life. This simply means that photos tend to flatten your features or distort them due to certain angles. Also, since photos store everything, any awkward movement which goes unnoticed in real life is captured for everyone to see.
Do I actually look the way I do on camera? ›
Because of the proximity of your face to the camera, the lens can distort certain features, making them look larger than they are in real life. Pictures also only provide a 2-D version of ourselves.
Does camera body or lens matter? ›
In terms of the artistic look of the image, the lens has more effect more than the camera body. An upgraded camera body may have functions such as a faster burst rate (allowing you to take more shots in high speed continuous mode). It might have more focus points to choose from or video capability.
How important is the lens? ›
The lens is what focuses light from what you see through the viewfinder into a tiny, (typically) 35mm spot on the back of your film, DSLR, or mirrorless camera. If you remove the lens from your camera, the only kind of image you can produce is white light.
Does the camera body matter or lens reddit? ›
The body itself doesn't matter all that much since it's the lens that mostly determines the end result but it's the body that enables you to choose and use certain settings/functions, making the shooting process easier/more accurate.
Does camera lens affect video quality? ›
Does a camera lens affect picture quality? Absolutely. Just like when you use a gimbal or drone, your footage is only as good as your equipment allows. You'll need a carefully chosen, clean camera lens that'll help you capture the perfect shot every time.
