For the longest time, the thought of being on camera made me want to shrink into a corner. As a private person, it wasn’t just about discomfort—it was downright scary. But here’s the thing: in 2025, video is everywhere. People want to connect with the faces behind the brands, the real stories, and the authentic personalities. So, I decided to take the leap and step into this unfamiliar territory. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t nearly as terrifying as I thought.
Let me share my journey, some tips for getting started, and why making yourself visible on video might be one of the best decisions you make for yourself and your brand.
Why Video Matters
Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the why. Putting yourself on camera has real benefits, both personally and professionally:
- Showcasing Personality: Video lets people connect with the real you. Your expressions, tone, and energy can’t always come through in text or static images.
- Building Brand Authority: Being visible on camera shows confidence and expertise, establishing trust with your audience.
- Creating Deeper Connections: When people see you talking passionately about your ideas, they’re more likely to feel connected to you and your message.
- Standing Out: In a saturated market, video is a powerful way to differentiate yourself and make an impression.
My Journey: From “No Way” to “Let’s Do This”
I won’t sugarcoat it: getting on camera was a big step for me. My business partner and friend, Tysheda Williams, became my accountability partner. I told her flat out that I hated being on camera, that I got shy the moment the lens turned to me—but I also knew it was a step I had to take.
With her encouragement, I recorded my first video. Guess what? It wasn’t as bad as I’d built it up to be in my head. The fear wasn’t in the act itself—it was in the idea of it. Once I got over that mental hurdle, things started to flow. Now, we have a schedule for video content for our business, Authentic Ambitions, and I’m stepping into video for Mitsooz too.
Tips for Getting Started with Video
Getting on camera for the first time can feel overwhelming, but these tips can help you take that first step with confidence:
1. Find an Accountability Partner
Having someone to support you and hold you accountable is invaluable. It could be a family member, loved one, friend, mentor, or business partner—someone who encourages you to push past your fears.
2. Set Up Your Camera for Success
The right camera angle and lighting can make a huge difference. Make sure your camera is at eye level to avoid awkward angles (nobody wants a shot up your nose!). If your camera isn’t at the right height, consider using a stand or an adjustable tripod to get it perfectly positioned. Natural light works wonders, but if you’re indoors, invest in a ring light or softbox for even lighting.
3. Check Your Makeup and Appearance
If you wear makeup, test how it looks on camera. Some makeup that looks flawless in person can appear washed out or overly shiny under bright lights. Also, double-check for things like mismatched foundation or that one strand of hair doing its own thing (we’ve all been there). And if you see me looking a little rough in my first few videos… just do me a favor and erase it from your memory. I swear I look better in person! Those were my starter videos—proof that we all have to start somewhere.
4. Start with a Script
For my first few videos, I worked off a script, and it made a world of difference. Here’s how I did it:
- Get familiar with your content: Read through your script multiple times so you know your key points inside and out.
- Use it as a guide, not a crutch: If you freeze, glance at your notes and pick up where you left off seamlessly.
- Practice beforehand: Rehearsing helps you feel more natural and reduces the chances of blanking out.
- Minimize distractions if using a laptop: If you’re reading from a Word Doc or notes on your computer, minimize the document window so it’s close to the camera. This makes it look like you’re maintaining eye contact instead of glancing up and down (trust me, I learned this the hard way!).
5. Don’t Fear Mistakes
Mistakes happen to everyone. If you stumble over a word or lose your train of thought, simply pause, restart from where you left off, and keep going. Editing will take care of the rest.
6. Minimize Blanking Out
Blanking out can feel nerve-wracking, but here’s how to combat it:
- Break your content into chunks: Focus on one section of your message at a time.
- Use cue cards or a teleprompter app: These tools can help you stay on track without feeling overly scripted.
- Take a breath and pause: If you lose your place, pause for a moment, breathe, and reset your focus.
- Remember, editing is your best friend: Whether you’re editing the video yourself or someone else is doing it, you can always cut out those awkward moments. The audience will never know!
- Use cues or signals for editing: If you mess up, create a small signal or codeword—like snapping your fingers, clapping, or saying “fix this”—to mark the spot for editing. This makes it much easier to identify the areas you want to adjust later.
Why Taking the First Step Matters
The scariest part of getting on camera isn’t the act itself—it’s taking that first step. Once you try, you realize it’s not as intimidating as you made it out to be. That first video helped me respect people who do this for a living so much more. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
So, whether you’re introducing yourself to your audience, sharing your brand story, or building authority in your field, remember: we all have to start somewhere. You might surprise yourself with how quickly you adapt and how much fun it can be.
Here’s to taking bold steps, one video at a time. The camera’s ready—are you?
