✅ YouTube Pre-Filming Checklist
**There is a downloadable PDF of this checklist attached to this post** Before you hit record… 🎥 1. Camera Setup (Choose Your Section) A) Regular Camera (DSLR / Mirrorless) • ☐ Battery fully charged • ☐ Backup battery ready • ☐ Memory card inserted • ☐ SD card has enough free space (format if needed) • ☐ Lens cleaned (microfiber cloth) • ☐ Camera settings correct: • ☐ Resolution (e.g., 1080p or 4K) • ☐ Frame rate (24/30/60fps) • ☐ Shutter speed (e.g., 1/50 or 1/60) • ☐ ISO set low as possible • ☐ White balance manually set • ☐ Autofocus working OR manual focus set • ☐ Tripod stable and level ⸻ B) Smartphone Camera • ☐ Phone charged + plugged in if needed • ☐ Storage space checked (delete or offload old files) • ☐ Rear camera selected (better quality) • ☐ Lens cleaned (microfiber cloth or shirt) • ☐ Airplane Mode ON • ☐ Do Not Disturb ON • ☐ Video settings correct: • ☐ Resolution (4K if available) • ☐ Frame rate (24/30/60fps depending on style) • ☐ Lock exposure & focus (tap and hold on most phones) • ☐ Phone mounted securely (tripod, clamp, etc.) ⸻ 🎤 2. Audio • ☐ Mic connected • ☐ Wireless transmitter/receiver charged & paired • ☐ Lav or shirt mic placed correctly (no rubbing on clothes/beard) • ☐ Test recording made and listened to • ☐ Background noise monitored • ☐ Gain levels not too hot (no clipping) ⸻ 💡 3. Lighting • ☐ Key light on & positioned • ☐ Fill light / background lights placed • ☐ No harsh shadows • ☐ No glare on glasses (adjust angle of lights) • ☐ Background clean and intentional ⸻ 🧍♂️ 4. Framing & Composition • ☐ Camera slightly above eye level • ☐ Proper headroom • ☐ Subject centered or following rule of thirds • ☐ Arms/head not cropped awkwardly • ☐ Background tidy and not distracting ⸻ 👕 5. Clothing & Appearance • ☐ Shirt clean, unwrinkled • ☐ No loud patterns (avoid moiré) • ☐ No clothing rubbing your mic • ☐ Hair in place • ☐ Shine removed (quick powder or blot) • ☐ Lint/pet hair removed • ☐ No loud jewelry