Kindnss Self Record Setup

We want you to look and sound like yourself just the polished version.

Follow these simple guidelines before recording. Don’t overthink it. Small adjustments make a big difference.

1. Lighting

  • Do:

    • Position the main light source in front of you and slightly to the side (about a 45 degree angle); side lighting is more flattering than completely frontal lighting

    • Turn on lamps and overhead lighting if the room around you looks dim

  • Avoid:

    • Sitting with a bright window behind you (you’ll appear as a silhouette)

    • Overhead-only lighting (creates shadows under your eyes).

    • Mixed light temperatures (e.g., warm lamp + cool daylight).

  • Quick test: If your eyes are bright and there are minimal shadows on your face, you’re in good shape.

2. CAMERA POSITION

• Raise your laptop or webcam to eye level (stack books or boxes if needed).
• Frame yourself mid-chest to just above your head.
• Look directly into the lens when speaking (not at your own image).
• Sit about arm’s length away from the camera.
• Shifting or fidgeting will jostle the camera — only move between statements or soundbites.

Goal: Stable. Eye-level. Intentional.

3. BACKGROUND

Avoid:

• Cluttered spaces
• Beds
• Bright windows
• Distracting or busy decor

Good options:

• Tidy bookcase
• Office setting
• Neutral, plain wall
• Simple art pieces

Simple always wins.

 4. AUDIO QUALITY

Choose a quiet room with soft furnishings if possible. Textile materials help absorb echo.

Avoid large rooms with lots of hard surfaces.

Before recording:

• Turn off fans, HVAC systems, and notifications.
• Remove accessories that may make noise (especially bracelets).
• Close nearby windows.
• Speak at a natural volume.

If it sounds echoey in the room, it will sound echoey on camera.

 5. WARDROBE

• Solid colors work best.
• Avoid tight patterns (they can shimmer on camera).
• Avoid pure white or solid black if possible.
• Choose something that contrasts with your background.

Think: clean, simple, confident.

6. Presence & Delivery

  • Sit upright but relaxed.

  • Take a breath before you start.

  • If you make a mistake, pause and restart the sentence. 

  • Pause between thoughts/soundbites. 

  • Imagine speaking to one person, not an audience.

  • Try to talk with your hands to add some energy and visual interest.

7. Tech Check Before Recording

  • Close unnecessary applications.

  • Plug in your computer (avoid battery mode).

  • Do a 10-second test recording and review it for lighting and sound.

  • Make sure to clean your camera lens; smudges or smears make for a foggy image

  • Check your recording settings to ensure you capture the highest resolution possible