Filming Yourself and Look Cinematic

By Bolanle Media Staff

In a world where self-made content is dominating every screen—from social media reels to short films—learning to film yourself isn’t just a handy skill; it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re a solo filmmaker, lifestyle vlogger, or creative entrepreneur, being able to shoot your own content gives you freedom, control, and most importantly—consistency.

As one creator put it:
“I didn’t want to bother anybody—and I didn’t want to rely on anybody.”
This quote captures the heart of the journey: filming solo isn’t always about choice; it’s about necessity.

Why Solo Filming Is a Superpower

Creating alone allows you to move at your own pace. You don’t have to wait for someone to help. You don’t have to explain your vision. You just start. And once you develop a reliable solo setup, your content becomes more frequent, more creative, and most importantly—more you.

The key? Start with simple tools and focus on foundational techniques that elevate quality.

Essential Gear Checklist

• Camera: You don’t need the latest model. Many creators used beat-up, older DSLRs for years before upgrading. The point is: just start.
• Lens: A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is ideal for capturing both wide and close-up shots.
• Tripod: An adjustable tripod that allows top-down shots is a great investment.
• Mic: Whether it’s a lav mic or a compact Sony ECM, good audio is non-negotiable.
• External Monitor: Helpful when your camera lacks a flip screen.
• Motorized Slider (Optional): For dynamic movement in solo shots—if your budget allows.

Light Is Everything

One of the most transformative tools in your arsenal isn’t gear—it’s light.

Most creators underestimate how much cinematic quality comes from lighting alone. Natural light is a free asset. Learn how to position your camera near a window, experiment with angles, and manipulate shadows. You’ll be amazed how a simple repositioning can turn a flat shot into a professional-looking frame.

Pro tip:
“Just by changing the placement of our tripod, we can go from this… to this. It’s already a world of difference.”

Coverage: The Secret to Engaging Visuals

Cinematic videos aren’t made from a single angle. Coverage means gathering multiple shot types:

• Wide shots for context
• Mediums for action
• Close-ups for emotion
• Cutaways for detail

Yes, it takes longer when you’re alone—but the payoff is immersive storytelling. Don’t forget to shoot establishing shots to ground your viewers in the world you’re creating. If drone shots are out of reach, stock footage platforms like Storyblocks can fill the gap.

Storytelling Through Visual Intent

Every camera movement, every edit, should have a reason. Ask yourself:

• Why am I moving the camera?
• What emotion am I trying to convey?
• What should the viewer be focusing on?

These visual decisions are silent cues that help your audience understand how to feel.

Embrace the Process

Filming yourself won’t always be smooth. You’ll sweat, make mistakes, re-shoot, and wear the same outfit three days in a row. But with time, those moments turn into muscle memory. And eventually, like many creators have found, there’s peace in the process.

“There’s something almost meditative about it. I put on some music, I set up my lights, I set up my frame, and I get to it.”

Final Thought

To every creator ready to press record: you already have the most important tool—your voice. The rest is just refining the process.