Our Favorite Gear + Tips for Going Solo
Written by Alissa, Social Lead at Studio West 🤠

Let’s be real. Filming content by yourself can feel a little like heading out on horseback without a saddle. It’s exciting, a bit chaotic, and totally doable with the right setup. You don’t need a full production crew to create content that connects. Just a solid plan, a few tools, and a whole lot of confidence.

As the Social Lead at Studio West, I help clients show up on camera every day. Whether it’s Reels, TikToks, or behind-the-scenes content, I’ve got a few go-to tips and favorite gear picks to help you get started.

1. Start with a Game Plan
Before you hit record, get clear on your message.
Are you teaching something? Highlighting a product? Saying hey to your audience?

Even a quick list of bullet points can keep your thoughts focused and your delivery more natural.

Pro tip: Batch your content. Set aside one afternoon a month to knock it all out. It’ll save you time and help you avoid scrambling every week.

✨ Bonus idea: Script your opening and closing lines. It’ll give you an easy way in and out of every video.

2. Lighting Can Change Everything
Good lighting makes a major difference. Natural light is your best friend, so face a window if you can.Filming inside or after dark? Time to grab a ring light.

My go-to:
💡 Newmowa 60 LED High Power Light – Bright, adjustable, and easy to stash in your content bag.

Extra tip: Film in the morning or around golden hour for the most flattering light. Midday overhead lighting is usually too harsh.

3. Keep It Steady
Shaky video? Hard pass. A solid tripod is a must when you’re filming solo.

My go-to:
📱 TONEOF 67″ Selfie Stick Tripod – Lightweight, easy to set up, and comes with a Bluetooth remote so you can start filming without the awkward scramble.

• Give yourself a little headroom in the frame and always check your background before you hit record.

4. Audio Is Key
You can have great visuals, but if your sound is off, people won’t stick around.

My go-to:
🎙 BOYA Wireless Lavalier Mic – Delivers clean, clear audio and clips on in seconds.

5. You Don’t Need Fancy Equipment
If your phone is newer than a few years old, you’re good to go. Learn how to use it well and you’re already ahead of the game.

• Always wipe your camera lens before filming. It sharpens your footage instantly.
• Turn off beauty filters in your camera settings. They can blur your features and lower video quality.

✨ Bonus tip: Skip heavy editing filters too. People connect with the real you, not a smoothed-out version.

6. Keep Edits Simple
Editing doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on clarity over perfection.

My pick:
📱 CapCut – Quick and user-friendly. Great for trimming clips, adding captions, and using trending audio.

• Save Reels or TikToks that inspire you and remix them with your own twist.

7. Don’t Let Fear Get in the Way
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be yourself. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

Watch your content like a new follower would. Notice what grabs attention and feels true to you. Your goal isn’t to go viral. It’s to show up for your people and stay consistent.

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Filming solo doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few tools and a little practice, it starts to feel second nature.

Whether you’re introducing yourself, sharing what you know, or simply showing up, remember this: your voice matters. Your personality and presence are what make your brand unforgettable.

So hit record and go for it.

And if you ever need help figuring out what to say, how to say it, or how to make it feel more like you—you know where to find us.

🤠 With love from the content trail,
Alissa
Social Lead at Studio West