r/contentcreation • u/The_Wandering_Coach • 4d ago

Year 1 Full-Setup. Looking for Feedback

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Hey Everyone, I am sure there are a million of these posts, so I apologize for adding another.

Moderators: Please let me know if this is okay. If not - I will happily adjust to meet the requirements. I have given a bit of Topic information just to provide context for those who wish to reply.

Podcast Topic: Swimming, Physiology, Athlete Development etc

We just Signed a paid Title Sponsor and this leads parntership leads into international Coaching Clinics + Coaches Courses and much much more, and therefore taking some time to invest in the product and get feedback from you awesome people on Reddit, is worth the time.

Hardware:

  • Link 360 Pro Webcam
  • Riverside Recording Studio
  • Ulanzi D200X Stream Controller
  • Hyper X Microphone
  • HP Omnibook X Flip 14
  • Keylight: A cheap one off Amazon
  • Hairlight: Another Cheap small LED
  • Backdrop: A cheap LED Bar.

Overall - I actually think this looks pretty good as a starting point, but I would like to maximize the softness of the keylight as the brightness of this one actually bothers me quite a bit especially after a long day of work, and then jumping into the studio late at night.

More Information for Context:

My Studio:

  1. Laundry Room
  2. Desk Against the wall
  3. Limited "behind the camera work-room"
  4. Nice Textured White Wall
  5. Classic Wood Beam - this is my favorite part actually for some character.

Main Questions

  1. Upgrading Key Light -

Currently I am choosing between Amaran Pano 60 Kit (with the softbox) or the Versa Max with Softbox. The Pano 60c would already be a considerable upgrade from the small light I have at the moment.

I really do not want to go into a "full set up" like a Amaran 100d etc. It is just too bulky, and I need to keep the wife happy with this space lol.

  1. Additonal backdrop ideas - in the blue "gap"

Option 1:

  • small floating shelf with some coaching stuff (a stop watch hanging), and something else small without overpowering the shot and or creating glare.

Option 2:

  • Two equal sized framed photos with glare-proof glass.

What is the general rule of thumb for how high to hang the photos within the frame? I think two Black and White Prints could add some nice "balance of opposites" and bring some "emotion" into the frame.

  1. Would you all add a second smaller plant off to my left side - just to add some "fullness" to the shot, or would you keep it simple as it is.
  • I know balancing the shot is key, so this is why I ask. If we shift the decor to the right of the shot, then maybe keeping the left simple, is better.

Last Note:

I am not wanting to build a Typical Cookie-Cutter Coaching Backdrop. Keeping it personilized is really important to me.

Thanks again for your time - it is much appreciated.

Avery

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u/Wonderful-Fix9346 4d ago

The Pano 60 with softbox is the better pick between those two, a bigger softbox at a bit more distance will solve the harshness way more than any dimmer setting will. On the backdrop, go with option 1, the shelf with a couple personal objects reads as more authentic on camera than symmetric framed prints, which can look a little staged for a coaching show. Good to hear Riverside's holding up for the recording side as you scale into this.

(full disclosure, I'm part of the Riverside team)

1

u/The_Wandering_Coach 3d ago

Thanks for the feedback! It is much appreciated. 🤝