Looking into LCD vs. camera lens

greggb77

greggb77

Member
Hey all. This is my first post here, so I'll begin by saying hey to everyone. I'm glad to have found such a great resource!

I'm attempting to make my first instructional video. I'm using a good video camera with an LCD that flips forward, and I've found that I'm much more comfortable and look like much less of a spaz when I watch myself on the LCD. When I look into the lens I get nervous... have a much harder time staying on track, and even talk differently.

The problem is that when I look into the LCD, from the viewer's perspective it looks like I'm not really talking to them, but someone behind or off to the side of them.

I was curious what your opinion is on this. How detremental is to not to be looking at the viewer?

Thanks!
Gregg
 
If the camera is directly in front of you, and you are centered on camera, you should look directly at the camera. If you follow the rule of thirds, and put yourself 1/3 of the way from the the edge of the frame (rather than 1/2 if you are centered), then you should be looking "past the camera". This is how most interviews are done. The speaker will be on the side of the frame and looking across the camera rather than at it. It provides a much more visually appealing shot to the viewer as well. :)
 
Hi ConnersCraft, thanks for the information! I'd never heard about the rule of thirds so I did a little more research and learned a lot about it. I found it definitely makes a big difference.

Thanks again,
Gregg
 
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