How to Film Yourself and Look Cinematic 

I teach cinematography. You did a better job with this video than 99% of cinematography teachers. Kudos.

I just love amount of efforts and ambitions she throws into every video. Normal videos of this would normally just be a boring dude with no enthusiasm sitting in his chair listing up things, but Riza takes us with her, shows us, and tells us what she does and showing why it works. When a tutorial or tips video is entertaining, it's nor just any creator. You are going PLACES!

I love the opening realization: "I didn't want to bother anybody, and I didn't want to rely on anybody... Let's unpack that later..." hilarious 😂😂💚

Learning to love the process when you're an artist is an absolute must. You'll never make it for the long haul if you don't fall in love with every part. Thank you so much for highlighting that!

Things You'll Need: 1:33 - Camera 2:19 - Lenses 2:27 - Tripod Optional: 2:45 - External Monitor 2:53 - Mic 3:23 - Motorized Slider (if you're a baller) Considerations: 4:21 - Shot Lighting 6:14 - Coverage 6:50 - Establishing Shot 8:01 - Give Every Shot a Purpose 8:29 - Learn How to Enjoy the process

Honestly, one of the best tutorials about filmmaking on RU-vid

I recently dove into the art of cinematography headfirst, needless to say it can be overwhelming. Your video was not only beautifully shot but was incredibly easy to interpret, I aspire to shoot a video that is even relatively comparable to your work.

"... because chances are if you're watching this, you don't want to go outside." I have never felt so seen!

I’m not looking to film myself at all, but there’s so much knowledge here that applies to so much in life. Like: “Learn to love the process.” I needed to hear that for what I0m going through right now, so thank you. And, of course, you’re videos are always a treat to watch, regardless of the subject matter! ✨

Even the "big guys" on RU-vid didn't manage to make such a comprehensive guide to shoot, yet. This is absolutely amazing information you summarized here. From the perspective of working in the industry everything you said is correct and very well explained, especially regarding the motivation of specific creative decisions and their result. The quality of your example shots is !!by far!! the prettiest I've seen in long time!! But the most astonishing thing is the way of your verbal presentation. Calm, insightful, 0% bragging or over-self-confidence. I adore your work! SUBBED!

I love how you describe filming yourself as a meditative experience. I've never heard that before. I'm so excited to try!

This is amazing. Thank you Riza - I haven't seen anything like this on RU-vid lately and it is a breath of fresh air! The storytelling, the cinematic quality, lighting, everything. It is clear that this is what you were born to do.

9:12 “You’ll wear the same clothes for 4 days in a row.” That one hit home 🙃. Awesome video, Kariza! Super inspiring

I have hit a creative block recently, and this video honestly is going to be what makes me make my comeback. I'm gonna try to film myself, I've always been self-conscious to do so, but this video has inspired me to produce something beautiful. The editing in this video as well, can I say - the L cuts and the flow of each clip is perfection, made me smile!

can't get enough of your videos

This is the very first video I watch of yours, and I was just in a period of uncertainty considering filming by myself, for the exact same reasons you mentioned: don't want to bother anyone, and don"t want to rely on anyone. Because an idea worth filming often is personal, and it's hard to put that in someone else's hands. Loved every bit of your video, so thankful for it, and will definitely follow and catch up on your little world!!

Loving the process is key. Editing can be stressful and sometimes equipment doesn't work, but taking that breath by noticing how you feel when you create is remarkable.

I always figured you shot solo because of how personal your videos feel but then your cinematography and dynamic shots are so good I thought you might have help… so cool to see behind the scenes, really educational and fun to watch, thanks!

I felt it when you said learning how to love and enjoy the process.As a film creative we often just brush away the feeling of doing the production after seeing the final products but what I realized over the years I tend to look forward more on doing everything again from scratch the pre production the scouting even the editing that takes more time than anything - just being in that position is ecstatic enough that you're a part of something that could be bigger that whatever you first thought of. Thank you for sharing this. Watching from the Philippines ♥

I am so glad the algorithm chose to put this on my feed, I'm just speechless, the quality of every shot & to think that this was all shot without help is just mind blowing

Your camera skills are crazzzzy but your ability to teach is what really gets me, from how to film to how to plan to how to write and... your ideas and thoughts are truly special. You're really pretty too.

I recently lost my passion for cinematography. And watching your videos made me want to get back on track again. So thank you so much for this.

This is truly inspiring for me! Filming myself/by myself has been an absolute challenge for me. Not having to rely on others help to me create videos is something I'm working on at the moment, since I have been using it an excuse for not creating any videos. But I know that learning this skill, will help me exponentially in all aspects of film making! Thank you for this! I'm definitely subscribing!

Wow, you even made your tutorial cinematic... I just bought my first tripod, I'm looking to do talking head type videos but I saved this video for when I start playing around with my style. Truly, inspiring. This is like a master class for free.

Riza, your storytelling is next-level! Loved how you told a story while discussing storytelling-so meta and so smart. Your FX3 camera work is on point, and kudos on the seamless sponsorship integration. Keep going and keep it fresh! 🌟

The thing that really stands out about this instructional video, is that it looks absolutely beautiful... and it really tells the story of what it is to do what you do. You've created a work of art to explain an artful trade... which, lets face it, gives the viewer incredible confidence in what you're saying. Bravo.

Just discovered you, and now I’ve subscribed! ❤ There are so many points you mention in this video that I can relate to. Having been a tv editor for ~10 years, it can feel incredibly isolating when you’re working on someone else’s passion project and become conditioned in this way to the creative process. The jump from this to full independence is invigorating and terrifying. Not relying on others is one I can heavily relate to… it means diving head first into the depths of your own creativity and sharing that with the world. It’s incredibly vulnerable, brave and freeing. But you normalize it here and share it in a beautiful way. 🥰 it’s also so lovely to see more and more women in this field!

This is an excellent point about process and habit. The more we repeat the same creative processes (whatever wee are making) the easier it is to be conscious of all the choices we are making, and it is incredibly motivating when we can make a decision based on lesson we learned the last time. It gives us a real sense of joy. In fact, this is true of any skill, like driving a car or cooking dinner.

A masterclass from the queen herself 😍 Thank you so much for spilling your cinematic secrets - it's really one of the things that makes your content so unique! Please keep on creating 😊

i loooove that i found this video and this page. i’ve been a self taught photographer for years. i started taking pictures with my ipod back in the day, point and shoot cameras, my phone and eventually when i had enough money i bought my first DSLR camera. all my life i have always seen photography as storytelling. i’ve tried to maintain my photography like this. i want to tell a story behind just one picture. i’m not a pro and i don’t even consider myself as one but what i do consider myself is a lover for art and a lover for photography and cinematic photography/videos. i’ve enjoyed the process of each photo i have ever taken and when you said to enjoy the process i felt relieved to hear that because some people enjoy the aftermath but not the journey of it. and that’s completely okay! but for me, i love to enjoy the journey of telling a story by just one picture or a short video. thank you so much for this video, i immediately subscribed because i enjoyed this video and loved how you explained everything. thank you so much!

this is so realistic, your voice is so calming, and your advice is so meaningful and to the point. i love your fashion!!! the stuff you're talking about is so relatable which makes me feel like i can finally close the (imagined) "gap" i feel when i look at content creators vs myself. i want to get started too!! j like the people i look at as being so different from myself just becuase they put themselves out there but i haven't yet. no more waiting!! thanks so much :)

It's the journey, not the destination where the magic is discovered. This was so enjoyable to watch, like seeing a painting come into existence. It appears that many small intentional decisions are being made with a general strategy in mind. Not only for the video, the audio too has a cinematic vibe. So enlightening. :)

You're work is so incredible and I can see how much time and effort you put into every work. I'm planning on having a vlog through my time in university, and I've been watching your videos trying to take notes and figure out how to make things look 'cinematic'. Thank you so much for this!! xx

First time viewer (now sub). The audio quality and your natural tone are just perfect. I worked in theater education for lots of years and it’s great to see a young person creating such beautiful work with a vocabulary and maturity that exceeds the expectations of their age. I learned a few things today and I’m grateful to you for that! Keep it up!!❤

When you talked about the several years old Sony, that quiet music change was wonderful. Very nice transition to accompany the mood being sent.

Your work is truly inspiring and this is one of the most special channels I have found. You are truly a gem and you are soon to find much success if you keep up this amazing work. Keep at it, and best of luck from Toronto!

I loved how when you were talking about loving the process of filming and you filmed your examples.. that’s just the ideal of what you were explaining ☺️

That light through your window is splendid! It looks so magical.

It's my first time seeing this youtuber and I just instantly fell in love. In the next few weeks I'll be moving back to another part of my country to continue studying and I'll be living alone again. This video inspired me to consider filming myself and my journey in med school and just make a record of my story. I'm not sure where this idea will take me, but I hope it'll allow me to discover more about myself. Thank you so much!

I love your relaxed, authentic vibe - not like those 1000% energy youtubers that sometimes feel fake. It always gives me a nice, warm feeling after. Thank you for your lovely content

Shoutout to anyone shooting solo 🎥, it’s hard work but keep going, your work is appreciated!!! 🙋🏻‍♀

ok your green forest and emerald furtnitures and wall are gorgeous. its really cold vibe but also feels like forest with wood furtniture and black shelf just deepened the feel of going deep down to the fores

Your video is a visual treat! Every frame is incredibly soothing to the eyes. The combination of beautiful shots, stunning color grading, and compelling storytelling is truly enjoyable. It's been a while since I've come across such a captivating RU-vid video. Wishing you all the best on your creative journey!

your videos have never fallen short of being incredibly inspiring and it has inspired me to pick up the camera again, also a well deserved first sponser!! Super excited for you and can't wait for the next video 🥰

Your insights into the solo filming process are invaluable! The dedication to mastering the art of self-filming, from lighting to storytelling, is evident in every frame. Your emphasis on enjoying the process and seeing filmmaking as a tool for storytelling resonates deeply. Thanks for demystifying the journey and inspiring creators to embrace the challenges and find their own rhythm. 🎥✨

Even cinematography in this video evokes emotions within me

Girl I didn’t need this info but I stayed because you grabbed me in

I always struggle with filming by myself but it’s so nice to know you do the same 💕 Your videos are my inspiration 🫶🏼✨

This was an extremely inspiring video - Thank you for sharing! I’m looking to getting back into filming myself after a 2 year hiatus. Your advice on ‘enjoying the process’ really struck a chord with me because I do tend to stress when shooting 🥺 beautiful shots, amazing advice, keep creating, keep inspiring ✨✨ wishing you and your channel all the best!

Me too. I love to see me growth up and I really enjoy the process. That feeling is so good.

I always thought you put a big light outside your window for that warm sunlit look. Crazy to think that it's all natural light and that you take the time to always film at just the right moments!

As someone who films others all the time, this was great in boosting my confidence to start filming myself. Just subscribed to your channel thank you for the effort behind this 🙏🏽

Your voice sounds so soothing and you’re super easy to understand. Thank you for sharing this.❤❤

Hello Riza, congratulations on a successfully curated channel, I’m subscribing! This video is so easy breezy, your tone, the color, the music, just nice and soothing to watch. Thank you for put in the hard work and tell the process. I love how you document your 20s, bravo! Can’t wait for more. Happy New Year!

You’re so relaxing to listen too. The video just flows so easily.

Great video!!!

This is amazing! I was literally thinking about something like this yesterday! I'd like to try out filming some day, but have absolutely zero film making skills. So thank you so much for making this guide and for all the effort you're putting in filming your content. It's really paying off and an amazing work of art! It's obvious, that this is your passion and I'm grateful for you to share it with the world ❤

For some reason i always find your videos when i need a sign in what to do with my life, i'm a little lost and i think i want to take a path like yours, i truly feel like the universe is sending me a signal through you and i want to thank you for it.

The things you say are so simple yet overlooked a lot. I even forgot how to find joy in them which made my last project one hell of a ride Thank you for the reminder!

Wow thank you so much for this informative and inspiring video! 🥺 i've always struggled with filming and translating the images in my head into satisfying footage, and it's soothing to hear your experience with this. This video is truly helpful, thank you for putting so much time and love into this 💕🙏

i love it how peacefully you explained all of the things! Love u for this!! Literally watching this one at 3:33am and with so much of peace

In tears watching this, I’m doing it by myself as well. And you truly inspired me. Thank you.

4:10 this is the most beautiful shot , it feels very cozy "aesthetic and cinematic

I got a filming lesson from Colt AND Riza today? I FEEL SO BLESSED

Thanks for making this! I'm working on making more films with/by myself, and it's been challenging figuring out how to piece all the stuff together. This is helping me a lot with just getting into the process of it.

This is the only video filmmaker need to watch. You're an inspiration 🙌 Your voice and personality is so sweet ✨

Your sweet, honest and direct energy is so engaging. Thank you for this video!

I always enjoy to see young ppl get into the craft, its a dying art form in some ways. But I especially enjoy seeing young women get into it because there simply isn't enough representation within the industry, even and maybe especially at the top A-list level. This has to be inspiring for other young aspiring female creators out there, and just young ppl in general. Also, you have a great sense of mood and motivation in your compositions, and I appreciate your ability to make your message about the craft, rather than the central focus of the type of gear, that so many aspiring, and even seasoned professionals get caught up in. At the end of the day, art is the antithesis and freedom expression against the psychosis of blind consumerism. Congrats and wish you much success going forward. 🎉

Absolutely incredible video. One of the few creators who are actually making their videos on here feel cinematic. Thank you so much for doing this. I only started getting into filmmaking in the last few months to try to make my content more appealing and this helps so much (as did Colts video the other day!). By the way, the shot at 4:09 is just absolutely gorgeous. The composition is just perfect.

I have always loved and enjoyed the aesthetic of your room/office. You popped into my head as I work on my assignments after haven't seen your videos for I think maybe a month or two, but I am glad to see that you are still posting as I enjoy your content.

Hi Riza, you project such a great feeling in front of the camera. You have natural sweetness, but you are also so welcoming and non-threatening. Brava!!!

i love how this educational video looks like art itself

The filming style is beautiful, and the editing, sublime! Thank you very much for the excellent advice!

Such consistent immaculate lighting, understated, effortlessly executed. So impressed.

Excellent video. You had me at “I didn’t want to bother anybody and I didn’t want to rely on anybody, you can unpack that later.” Lol. I’ve been working in the film industry for 25years, both in front of and behind the camera and your video is both beautiful and professional but also charming and engaging. Thank you so much for the inspiration and great technical help I’ve been needing. You are very skilled and intelligent.

Wow. Practically an entire quarter of filmmaking info in less than 10 minutes! 👏😎 Thank you so much! 🙏 I’m ready to make 2024 the year I start my solo filmmaking career and this is what I needed to get going! ❤️ subscribing & sharing!

Wow, I can’t stop pausing and wanting to paint the shots that you chose for this video. Beautiful, intentional framing. Learning a lot from how you draw attention to the ordinary! It feels so peaceful, like a Ghibli film. I hope I can craft some inspiring filmic narratives like you do one day :)

Riza, your video is a good example that we don't have to talk so loud or energetic to create a compelling vlog and video. Kudos!

Your video is a gem for people like myself who is just starting RU-vid journey. Thank you for being honest and generously sharing your skills with us, Riza!! ✨

You captured the whole film making, story telling aspect so perfectly. I love your style, pacing and mood. Yes, it is a lot of work, I'm still working on mine, but as you said, learn to enjoy it. Slowly, but surely, I am :) Congrats on your success, I'll be back for more binging on your content.

Just upgraded from sony 7c to the FX3 and couldn't be more excited. You are awesome!

Just made my very first reel using tips and tricks from this video! 🥰 I'm nowhere near this level of expertise yet but now I'm on my way. Thanks Riza!!

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📽️ Learning to film yourself is a valuable skill for creators; it allows for independence and avoids reliance on others. 01:07 🎥 Essential gear for solo filming includes a camera, tripod, and a versatile lens like 24-70mm. 02:55 🎤 Consider using an external monitor and a microphone for better control and audio quality when filming alone. 03:47 🎬 A motorized slider adds dynamic movement to your shots, enhancing the visual appeal of solo-created content. 04:23 💡 Lighting is crucial for cinematic quality; utilize natural light or invest in lights to transform your footage. 05:46 📸 Experiment with different angles and placements of the camera to create shadows and enhance cinematic feel. 06:45 🌐 Achieve diverse shots for storytelling; establishing shots, long shots, and close-ups provide context and immersion. 07:40 🎥 Utilize stock footage libraries like Storyblocks for time-saving access to visuals, sound effects, and templates. 08:37 🎬 Filmmaking is a tool to convey a story; make purposeful shots, enjoy the creative process, and learn to solve problems to enhance solo filming experience. Made with HARPA AI

K your intro for this video is BEAUTIFUL. Great shots, fantastic editing, catchy rhythm. Hooked me in even though I don’t have any desire to film myself 😂

Loved this video! Your level of being natural and telling a story is wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

I watch youtube content all day, this is the Only one I watch in normal speed.

I absolutely love this! I've been meaning to start filming myself more and your videos have been inspiring me quite a bit lately. Thank you!!!!

I will be returning to this video a LOT. like you said, that 'relying on others' really feels like it holds me back with the things i want to create (probably why all my films just use wildlife and nature as the cast aha) but this makes it seem more possible and i acc wrote down a film idea while watching. THANK YOU!

Watching this makes me feel so lucky to be alive. I love what you said at the end: “Sometimes you can even capture some magic.” ✨

Hello! yes you reading this. I've been waiting for you. I am happy you are here now. You are on the right path. What you seek will come to you.

This was so beautifully produced, thankyou for putting your passion into it. Not just talking about what needs to happen, but visually depicting it in such an artful way - this is an excellent way to communicate what you are telling us!

that wall paint works well with your warm grading. never overlook set and wardrobe guys.

MARAMING SALAMAT, RIZA! I REALLY WANNA LEARN HOW TO FILM MYSELF PROPERLY AND YOU GAVE ME THE ANSWER! MAY GOD BLESS YOUR DAILY LIFE!

So smoothly done, I appreciate everything that you unpacked here. 😇A video creator Angel

Learned how to film myself, and how to use a camera on the same day lol (IYKYK)

Thank you so much for sharing these tips, it makes me feel so much better knowing I’m not the only one stuck using the same camera for 6 years. I saw your recent reel on insta of filming your life and now I’m very inspired to do that!! And I’m trying to save up to upgrade but this just makes me feel better to know you were successful using an old camera.

Im not a content creator nor had I ever watched any of her videos before (why RU-vid?? Why??) but I'm already blown away! Beautiful shots and just the amount of effort and time this takes!

This video was recommended to me at random. After a watch you instantly gained my subscription. Excellent job!

Great video! Can you also give us some insights on how you do music and sound engineering in your videos? How you blend your music into your videos is amazing - would love to learn from you!

I needed this video so badly!! "I didn't wanna bother anybody" has always been my key thing!