📹 ✅ Before we dive into trending audios, seamless transitions, and captions - let’s hit pause for a second. Because great content doesn’t start in the edit…

It starts the moments before you hit record.

This week, we’re breaking down how to shoot scroll-stopping UGC like a pro - with just your phone and a lot of creative energy.

Let’s go 👇

🎯 The #1 Setting You’re Probably Not Using (But Should)

📲 Set your phone to: 4K at 60fps — and TURN OFF HDR video!

How to do it (iPhone):
Settings > Camera > Record Video > Select “4K at 30fps” or “4K at 60fps”

⬇️ Then scroll down and make sure that:
HDR Video > OFF

✅ Why it matters:

• 4K = sharper video + more flexibility in editing

• 60fps = smoother for product reveals, transitions, and all your hair flips

🚫 Why turn OFF HDR?
High Dynamic Range (HDR) sounds fancy, but it can actually ruin your edit. It makes the colours overly saturated and bright, creating problems in editing apps (especially CapCut, VN, or InShot). You might notice blown-out highlights or weird colour shifts - and it’s often unfixable post-recording.

💡 Pro Tip: After turning off HDR, film a quick test video and import it into your editing app - you’ll notice how much easier it is to colour-match and cut your clips!

☀️ Natural Light is Your Bestie (And It’s Free!)

Lighting = 80% of your video’s vibe. You don’t need a studio lighting system - you just need a window and a nice looking background.

✅ Best option:
Set up near (ideally right in front of) a window during soft daylight hours - ideally between 8–11am or 2–6pm.

🚫 Avoid:

• Harsh sunlight (especially mid-day)

• Yellow ceiling bulbs, but any overhead lighting really

• Fluorescent office-style lighting

✅ Do:

• Use a sheer curtain to diffuse bright light (in the hours that are a bit too intense)

• Face the window directly for even lighting on your face and/or product

• Test with your back camera to find the best spot (lighting hits differently!)

💡 Pro Tip: Even on a cloudy day (or especially on those ones) - the closer you get to a window the better. It will always up the quality of your final video.

📱 Use a Tripod (Your Hands & Content Will Thank You)

A shaky hand ruins even the cutest footage. Tripods = your secret weapon (sometimes even in the selfie mode!)

✅ Why you need one:

• Stable framing = easier editing

• You can film hands-free (no more balancing on random objects and fighting to unbox that package one-handedly)

• Keeps your shots consistent for longer scripts or transitions

📷 Creator favourites:

• UBeesize Phone Tripod with remote (affordable + flexible)

• JOBY GripTight ONE (great for vlogs where you don’t need the height)

• Victiv Tripod for Phone (great for steady shots on higher set-up or outdoors)

💡 DIY Hack: Think about creative perspectives where tripod might not be a solution - tape your phone to the wall or ceiling for a cool POV - just make sure it’s level and steady.

🖼️ Frame It Like a Pro: Composition 101

🎯 Use the grid feature
Go to Settings > Camera > Grid > ON
Now you can use the Rule of Thirds - positioning yourself or the product slightly off-centre for a more dynamic look. And remember - the most important part of each clip should be in that middle part!

👀 Check your background

• Remove distractions (messy bed, cluttered table)

• Use neutral or textured backgrounds (fabric, bedding, tiles)

💡 Pro Tip: Want your product to stand out? Use a contrasting backdrop (white bottle on dark towel = chef’s kiss). Small thing but really changes the game!

🚨 BONUS: Quick “Pro” Moves

✅ Clean your camera lens. Every. Single. Time. (and between takes)
✅ Lock focus + exposure. Tap and hold your subject before filming - super helpful!
✅ Shoot extra takes. Future-you will thank you in the edit
✅ Film vertically (unless the brief says otherwise or you want to go for a split screen)
✅ Leave headroom. Don’t crop too tight — but also don’t leave too much space (think the Rule of Thirds!)

You don’t need a film degree - just these fundamentals.
Now go shoot your next UGC with pro-level confidence (and hopefully settings 💡😉)

👀 JOIN US LIVE 👀

🎬 Join us on Instagram Live tomorrow:

Wednesday, 18th June at 5:30PM UK time 🎥

We're breaking down:

• What “Up To The Creator” actually means

• What are the key parts to focus on and how to make your creative juices flow

• How to make the most of the brief and work out that story

👉 Follow us on IG @useclip and hit that 🔔 so you don’t miss it.

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

🚀 🛠 Now that you’ve passed the Shooting Masterclass… Log in to Clip, check out the latest briefs, and start applying today!

Happy Creating,

Team Clip