I'm excited to show you my behind-the-scenes video & tech setup for virtual teaching kitchens!
Everything I am going to teach in this session is 100% doable.
It's never too late to start teaching online or to share your expertise through videos. Take it one step at a time and use the simple tips I'll share with you soon.
I invite you to ask any questions that come to mind during the session. Can't wait to share what I have planned for you!
Looking to connect? Get updates on cooking classes, recipes and resources.
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favorite software used
Here are some of the video production studio software I'll mention during the session.
my favorite video production studio program (for Mac users only)
I use Ecamm Live Pro – Pro Plan (*affiliate link) for all my virtual cooking classes/demos and in-person workshops like this one.
It's what makes it possible to share my phone and laptop screens for live, interactive demonstrations! It also allows me to have a multi-camera view all on one slide.
Additionally, I use it to record my cooking videos as a one-person production. It allows some to view my video shots for a more efficient workflow, and all videos get saved to my computer for easier storage management!
highlights
- Extensive customization options
- User-friendly
example virtual cooking class highlights:
system requirements
Ecamm System Requirements:
- MacOS 10.12 or newer
- A Mac with hardware-accelerated video encoding (most Macs manufactured after 2015).
- Latest Macs offer more options
programs for PC users:
Disclaimer: I don't have personal experience with these programs, but have seen them recommended by other video production professionals.
- Restream, Streamyard – Has limitations
- vMix, OBS – Offers more customization, but with a steeper learning curve
go live logistics
Check Your Internet Speed (speedtest.net):
An internet connection with an upload speed of at least 1 Mbps. 4 Mbps is required for HD quality.
video equipment examples
disclaimer: Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, which means we do make a small profit from your purchases (your price is not affected by this commission). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you click on an affiliate link, you consent to a cookie being placed on your browser for purposes of tracking commissions.
wireless mic
When you're ready to upgrade on sound quality, I use this Rode Wireless Go II mic (*affiliate link) for all my virtual cooking classes and during virtual speaking engagements. It can be connected to a phone (check their site for compatibility – you may need to purchase a separate wire connection) and to mirrorless cameras.
I connect a lavalier mic to it, but this is optional. A popular one is the Rode Lavalier Go.
tripod
Options will depend on the type of overhead camera you use. For example, you'll need a sturdier tripod if using a mirrorless/DSLR camera. Note: The examples listed below are ones I've used extensively, but there are many others to choose from. These may not be the best for your setup.
- Tripod with an overhead arm – Manfrotto 3-Section Tripod MT055XPRO3, Aluminum (*affiliate link) – I used this up until early this year.
- Useful if you need a flexible station that needs to be disassembled after classes
- Attachments:
- Professional Tripod Head for Mirrorless, DSLR and Video Cameras
- Overhead tripod extension arm
- Sturdier stand (that takes up more space) – C stands with boom arm
- Lightweight option for phones
- A tall (up to 63-inch height) microphone stand, adapter, & phone holder. I use one that can rotate. Check for your specific phone compatibility.
- A tabletop stand if you have a built-in counter and the counter space
- I do not recommend the Arkon stand
Examples of other video equipment are listed below.
Level 1: just starting out
| camera options | notes |
|---|---|
| Front Facing Camera - Option 1: Your computer/laptop built-in camera | Start with what you have. This camera will have lower video quality, but still works! |
| Front Facing Camera - Option 2: An older iPhone/Android phone with a camera that you might still have around | For better video quality, use the front-facing camera on your phone, not the selfie one. |
| Overhead Camera - Option 1: Your iPhone/Android phone with camera | Use the front-facing camera on your phone for better video quality, not the selfie one. |
| Overhead Camera - Option 1: Your iPhone/Android phone with a camera | Use the front-facing camera on your phone for better video quality, not the selfie one. |
| light options | notes |
|---|---|
| Option 1: Diffused natural light through windows (White paper or sheer curtains can help create a softer light). | |
| Option 2: Do you already have a large ring light? You can use that for now! | Point the ring light towards a light-colored wall in front or next to you. This will bounce diffused light from the wall |
notes:
Level 2: when you're ready to level up
| camera options + lens | notes |
|---|---|
| Front Facing Camera - Option 1: Your iPhone/Android phone with a camera | Use the front-facing camera on your phone for better video quality, not the selfie one. |
| Front Facing Camera - Option 2: A mirrorless camera made for video. Some popular ones include the Sony ZV-E10 or the newer ZV-E10 II + lens | Investing in a mirrorless camera also requires investing in a lens and memory card. |
| Overhead Camera - Option: A mirrorless camera and zoom lens with fast autofocus. The one I'm currently using is a Sony FX30, however, a Sony ZV-E10 should work well. The lens I currently use for Sony E mount (*affiliate link). |
| light options | notes |
|---|---|
| Option 1: 2 x Elgato Key Lights (mounts to a desk/table, not free-standing) | Use when there is some source of natural light. Larger lights are needed for dark spaces. |
lighting and glasses pro tip
If you wear glasses like me, here's how to reduce that pesky light reflection.
Option 1 (if using a ring light):
Point the ring light towards a light-colored wall in front or next to you. This will bounce diffused light from the wall and reduce glare in your glasses.
Option 2 (for any type of LED light panels):
- Place lights slightly to the side of you (one front-left and the other front-right).
- Raise the lights so that the bottom is just above your eye level.
- Tilt the lights down towards you at a 45 degree angle. This should reduce the glare significantly.
Important: Always reduce the brightness on your computer
screen/monitor to as low as possible!
accessibility color contrast checker
Use tools like this one to help check your text color contrast with the background.
questions
Feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions!
share your thoughts below. let's chat at the kitchen table: