Introduction
You’ve nailed your daytime content, but night filming? That's a whole other beast. Maybe you've found yourself in a scenario where a brand wants an evening vibe for their product, or you're trying to capture the nightlife essence for your travel niche. Yet, without professional lights, you’re left wondering if your smartphone can handle the job. You’re not alone. Many UGC creators face this hurdle, feeling stuck and often ghosted by brands for not delivering the expected quality. But before you give up on night shoots, here are some practical strategies to make the most of your available resources.
With the right settings, a few creative hacks, and some post-production magic, filming UGC at night without professional lights is not only possible but can also give your content a unique edge. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making nighttime UGC that catches a brand's eye.
ttings
Your smartphone is more capable than you think. Start by manually adjusting the exposure settings. For instance, lower the ISO to around 400 to reduce graininess, but increase it if your footage looks too dark. Use the manual focus feature to ensure your subject is crisp, especially in low light. Try setting your smartphone to shoot at 60fps; this can help in post-production if you need to slow down footage for clarity.
Case in point: Sarah, a lifestyle creator, used her iPhone 13 Pro to film a night scene for a beverage brand. By adjusting her phone’s exposure and using a $15 app like FiLMiC Pro, she improved the clarity significantly, leading to a $500 paid deal after they saw her sample content.
lutions
You don’t need to break the bank for lighting equipment. A simple ring light, which you can get for around $25, can be a game-changer. Position it behind the camera to provide an even light on your subject. Alternatively, use LED strips (costing about $
- to create an ambient glow.
Consider this scenario: Jake, who primarily shoots tech reviews, taped a few LED strips around his desk setup. For under $50, he transformed his night-time filming environment into something that looked professionally lit, helping him secure a collaboration with a tech accessory brand.
flectors
Natural reflectors are your secret weapon. White walls, mirrors, or even large white sheets can bounce light back onto your subject. If you’re outdoors, car headlights or street lamps can serve as unexpected allies. Position your subject to face these light sources.
Take Maya, who filmed a night-time fashion haul in her backyard. By utilizing a white bed sheet hanging from her fence as a reflector, she maximized the light from a nearby streetlamp. This simple trick helped her video stand out and led to a $300 deal with a boutique brand.
st-Production
Editing is where the magic happens. Use software like Adobe Premiere Rush or DaVinci Resolve (both free options) to adjust brightness and contrast. A 10-20% increase in brightness can bring out details without overexposing. Apply noise reduction plugins to minimize graininess.
For example, Alex edited a late-night cooking video by tweaking the contrast and using a noise reduction filter. This post-production effort took about an hour but turned a poorly lit video into a polished piece, impressing a meal kit delivery service enough to offer a $400 contract.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring White Balance: Many creators leave white balance on auto, resulting in inconsistent colors. Set it manually to match your light source.
- Overexposing Footage: Cranking up exposure can wash out colors. Instead, use reflectors to increase light naturally.
- Neglecting Audio Quality: Night shoots often introduce unwanted noise. Use a lapel mic (around $
- for clear audio.
- Skipping Test Shots: Not doing test shots can lead to surprises. Always test your setup before the main shoot.
- Poor Framing: In low light, framing becomes crucial. Use gridlines to keep subjects in focus.
- Inadequate Battery Prep: Low light drains battery quicker. Carry a portable charger (around $
- to avoid interruptions.
- Forgetting to Adjust Shutter Speed: A faster shutter can help in reducing motion blur. Aim for double your frame rate.
Next Steps
Ready to put these tips to the test? Start by filming a short night-time scene using these strategies. Then, join UGCRoster to automate your brand outreach. Use our verified contacts and Gmail pitches to share your new night-time UGC, showcasing your versatility. Secure more deals with brands looking for that unique nighttime vibe. Dive into our Lighting Equipment Guide and Smartphone Filming Tips for more insights. Prioritize testing your setup and refining your editing skills. You've got this!
FAQ
What phone do I need for UGC content?
You can use any modern smartphone for UGC content, but those with good low-light performance like the iPhone 13 or Google Pixel 6 will give you an edge. For instance, the Pixel 6 has a Night Sight mode that can help you capture clear images in dim settings. Remember, it’s not just about the phone; knowing how to optimize its settings can make a big difference in your content quality.
droid for UGC?
iPhones are often praised for their video capabilities, but Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 have excellent features too. The iPhone’s color accuracy is a plus, while some Androids offer better customization. For example, if you prefer versatility, the Galaxy S21’s Pro Video mode lets you adjust audio and video settings manually, which can be a game-changer for UGC creators aiming for a professional touch.
Should I turn off HDR on my iPhone?
Yes, turning off HDR can be beneficial if you're filming at night or in low-light settings. HDR might cause unwanted noise or graininess in such conditions. Consider what happened when Tom, a travel content creator, turned off HDR during a sunset shoot. The result was a more natural-looking video that landed him a contract with a travel gear brand. Experiment with it to see what works best for your specific environment.
Do I need a professional camera or is a phone enough?
A phone is often enough for UGC, especially if it’s a newer model with good camera tech. For example, creators using the iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S21 have reported landing deals because these phones can produce high-quality content without extra gear. The key is learning to maximize your phone’s capabilities through settings and apps, which can save you the cost and hassle of a professional camera.
What's the best budget phone for UGC?
The Google Pixel 6a is a great budget option for UGC. Priced around $450, it offers impressive camera features like Night Sight for low-light conditions. For instance, a creator using the Pixel 6a managed to create stunning night-time cityscape videos that got the attention of a local tourism board, proving that you don’t need to break the bank to produce quality content.
Should I upgrade my phone before starting UGC?
Not necessarily; if your current phone is less than three years old, try maximizing its existing features first. For example, using a third-party app like FiLMiC Pro can enhance your phone’s video capabilities. However, if your phone struggles with basic tasks or has a poor camera, consider upgrading. A creator once upgraded from an iPhone 7 to a 12, seeing a significant quality boost, which helped secure more brand deals.
Can I use an older phone model?
Yes, you can use an older phone if it still performs well. Models like the iPhone 8 or Samsung Galaxy S9 are capable, but you might need additional apps for better control over camera settings. A creator using an iPhone 8 landed a gig by focusing on strong editing skills to enhance footage. It’s about how you use the tools you have, not just the tools themselves.
What camera settings should I use?
Start with a lower ISO to reduce noise and manually adjust focus for clarity. For instance, using an ISO of around 400 can help maintain quality in low-light scenarios. A creator shooting an indoor cooking video found that manually adjusting exposure and white balance significantly improved the final output. Experiment with your phone’s settings to find what works best for your specific shooting environment.
Should I shoot in 4K or 1080p?
Shooting in 4K is great for high-quality content, but 1080p is often sufficient and easier on storage and editing software. For example, a creator filming a fitness tutorial chose 1080p for smoother editing and faster uploads, which was enough to impress the brand she was pitching to. Consider your project needs and storage capacity to make the best choice for your content.
What frame rate is best for UGC videos?
A frame rate of 30fps is standard for most UGC videos, but 60fps can offer smoother motion and flexibility in editing. A creator shooting a fast-paced dance video opted for 60fps, allowing for slow-motion effects without losing quality. This choice helped make the content more dynamic, ultimately catching the eye of a dance apparel brand. Choose based on the type of content and the effect you want to achieve.