How do you film yourself without a cameraman?

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Hoe film je jezelf zonder cameraman?

You want to record a video, but there's no one to operate the camera. So you spend time setting up your phone, walk to your spot, discover you're half out of frame, and have to start all over again.

Fortunately, you don't always need a cameraman for a good video. With a fixed setup, a clear recording sequence, and a few handy accessories, you can easily film yourself.

In this blog, we explain step by step how to film yourself with a smartphone or camera. From choosing a tripod and checking your composition to starting the recording and creating different shots.


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Can you film yourself without a cameraman?

Yes. You can film yourself without a cameraman by placing your smartphone or camera on a tripod and controlling the recording remotely.

A fixed camera works well when you stay in one spot. Do you move around the room while filming? Then you can use a tracking tripod that automatically follows you.

To monitor yourself during recording, you can use:

  • the front screen of your smartphone;
  • a flip-out camera screen;
  • an external selfie monitor;
  • automatic tracking;
  • a test recording;
  • floor markings.

Which solution works best depends on the type of video you want to record.

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First, choose what type of video you are creating

Don't start by setting up your tripod right away. First, determine what will happen during the video.

Will you be sitting or standing in one place? Will you be moving around the room? Do you want to talk during the recording? Or will you mainly be creating short atmospheric shots without spoken text?

By choosing a recording situation in advance, you prevent having to constantly adjust your entire setup while filming.

The overview below will help you choose a suitable setup.

Opnamesituatie Handige opstelling
Je praat op één vaste plek tegen de camera Vast statief met afstandsbediening
Je loopt tijdens het filmen door de ruimte Tracking statief
Je filmt jezelf op reis of buiten Compact reisstatief of flexibel statief
Je wilt de achtercamera van je telefoon gebruiken Statief met selfie monitor
Je maakt een tutorial aan een tafel Tafelstatief of overhead statief
Je filmt sport of een activiteit Tracking statief, actioncam of vaste groothoekopstelling
Je maakt korte sfeerbeelden Vast statief en meerdere afzonderlijke shots
Recording situation Recommended setup
You speak to the camera from one fixed position Fixed tripod with remote control
You move around the room while filming Tracking tripod
You film yourself while travelling or outdoors Compact travel tripod or flexible tripod
You want to use your phone’s rear camera Tripod with a selfie monitor
You create a tutorial at a table Tabletop tripod or overhead tripod
You film sports or another activity Tracking tripod, action camera or fixed wide-angle setup
You create short B-roll or atmospheric shots Fixed tripod and multiple separate shots
Aufnahmesituation Geeigneter Aufbau
Du sprichst an einer festen Position in die Kamera Festes Stativ mit Fernbedienung
Du bewegst dich während der Aufnahme durch den Raum Tracking-Stativ
Du filmst dich auf Reisen oder im Freien Kompaktes Reisestativ oder flexibles Stativ
Du möchtest die Rückkamera deines Smartphones verwenden Stativ mit Selfie-Monitor
Du erstellst ein Tutorial an einem Tisch Tischstativ oder Overhead-Stativ
Du filmst Sport oder eine andere Aktivität Tracking-Stativ, Actioncam oder feste Weitwinkel-Aufstellung
Du erstellst kurze Stimmungs- oder B-Roll-Aufnahmen Festes Stativ und mehrere separate Aufnahmen
Situation d’enregistrement Installation recommandée
Vous parlez face à la caméra depuis une position fixe Trépied fixe avec télécommande
Vous vous déplacez dans la pièce pendant l’enregistrement Trépied avec suivi automatique
Vous vous filmez en voyage ou en extérieur Trépied de voyage compact ou trépied flexible
Vous souhaitez utiliser la caméra arrière de votre smartphone Trépied avec moniteur selfie
Vous réalisez un tutoriel à une table Trépied de table ou trépied pour vue du dessus
Vous filmez une activité sportive ou physique Trépied avec suivi, caméra d’action ou installation grand-angle fixe
Vous réalisez de courtes séquences d’ambiance ou de B-roll Trépied fixe et plusieurs plans enregistrés séparément
Ulanzi TT88 Overhead smartphone selfiestick - Wit - Selfiesticks

Steady your smartphone or camera

When no one is holding the camera, your recording device needs to remain stable independently. A tripod is therefore usually the foundation of your setup.

The size you need depends on the shooting angle.

A large tripod for eye-level videos

For talking-head videos, demonstrations, and presentations, an eye-level tripod usually works best.

Position the camera at approximately the same height as your eyes. A camera that is too low will look up and can create a restless composition. A camera that is too high will look sharply downwards.

The MOJOGEAR Creator GO travel tripod is suitable if you are looking for a lightweight tripod that you can use with a smartphone, action cam, or compact camera. You can choose between a Video Head or a MagSafe mount.

Do you mainly film at home or at a fixed location? Then also check out all phone tripods.

A flexible tripod for small spaces

You don't always need to use a large tripod. A flexible tripod is useful when filming on a desk, kitchen counter, wall, or other small surface.

The MOJOGEAR MG-TS1 has flexible legs and can also be used as a selfie stick. The phone holder also has a cold shoe where you can place, for example, a light or microphone.

When using a flexible tripod, always check that the legs are stable. Especially when your phone is placed high or at an angle, the center of gravity can shift.

An overhead tripod for tutorials

Do you make drawing videos, unboxings, cooking videos, or product demonstrations? Then you don't always need to be fully in the picture yourself.

With an overhead tripod, you film your hands from above. You can also use a second smartphone to record yourself from a different angle.

Read more in the blog Filming from above: how to do it and what you need.

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Use your smartphone's rear camera

The selfie camera is convenient because you can see yourself directly on the screen. However, it can be interesting to use the camera on the back of your smartphone.

The disadvantage is clear: as soon as the phone is pointed away from you, you can no longer see if you are properly in frame.

First, take a test shot

The simplest solution is a short test shot.

Place the smartphone, stand in your desired position, and record for a few seconds. Then check:

  • if you are fully in frame;
  • how much space is above your head;
  • if the background is clearly visible;
  • if the camera is straight;
  • if the focus is correct;
  • if the image is not too light or too dark.

Only then adjust the position of the tripod or your own spot.

Use a selfie monitor

Do you want to keep seeing yourself during recording while filming with the rear camera? Then you can use an external monitor.

The MOJOGEAR VS4 Selfie Vlog Monitor mirrors your smartphone screen via Wi-Fi. This allows you to use the rear camera and simultaneously check how you are in frame. The monitor is suitable for both iPhone and Android, and if you connect it with Bluetooth, you even have a touchscreen.

A selfie monitor is especially useful for:

  • talking-head videos;
  • makeup and beauty tutorials;
  • product demonstrations;
  • TikToks and Reels;
  • clothing videos;
  • fitness and instructional videos;
  • solo vlogs.

Also check out all selfie monitors.

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Make sure you stay in the frame

Without a cameraman, no one can adjust the camera during recording. You must therefore determine in advance where you can stand and how much room you have to move.

Mark your position

Place a small piece of tape on the floor or use an object as a reference point.

For example, mark:

  • where you need to stand;
  • how far you can move to the left;
  • how far you can move to the right;
  • where a product should be placed;
  • where you perform an action.

These markings do not need to be visible in the final video. They just give you a point of reference during recording.

Give yourself extra space in the frame

Do not position yourself exactly against the edge of the image. Leave some space around your body, especially when you are moving or talking with your hands.

Are you filming vertically for TikTok, Reels, or Shorts? Then also check where text, subtitles, and platform buttons will appear later.

It is better not to place important products or actions at the very bottom or right of the screen. Interface elements may overlap them.

Use an object as a temporary stand-in

When you are not yet in place, the camera may have difficulty focusing at the correct distance.

Therefore, temporarily place a chair, lamp stand, or other object where you will soon be standing. Adjust the image to it and then replace the object with yourself.

Then always make a short test recording to check the focus.

Let a tracking tripod follow your movements

Are you not staying in one place? Then filming with a completely fixed camera becomes more difficult.

A tracking tripod can automatically follow your movements. The phone then rotates with you when you move left or right.

The MOJOGEAR TS4 combines a smartphone tripod, selfie stick, and automatic tracking. The tripod extends up to 176 cm and comes with a MagSafe holder, universal phone clamp, and Bluetooth remote control.

A tracking tripod is especially useful for:

  • dance videos;
  • fitness instructions;
  • cooking videos;
  • presentations;
  • product demonstrations;
  • clothing and lifestyle content;
  • videos where you walk through a room.

When do you not need tracking?

Automatic tracking is not necessary for every video.

If you stay in one fixed spot during a talking-head video, a normal tripod setup often gives a calmer result.

Tracking is especially useful when your movement is part of the video. Do not use it automatically just because it is available.

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Start recording remotely

Without a remote control, you first have to press record, walk to your position, and then cut the beginning out of the video.

That's fine, but with many short takes, it quickly becomes cumbersome.

Use a Bluetooth remote

With a Bluetooth remote control, you can take a photo or control the recording while standing away from the smartphone.

Many phone tripods already come with a remote. Don't have one yet? Then you can also use a separate Bluetooth remote control for smartphones.

Test in advance whether the remote actually starts and stops video recording in your camera app. The operation may vary per app.

Does the remote not work well in TikTok or Instagram? Then record the video with your smartphone's standard camera app and then upload it to the social media app.

Use a timer

Don't have a remote control? Then use your camera app's timer function.

A timer is especially suitable for photos or video apps that support delayed recording. Give yourself enough time to walk to your position and stand still.

Let the camera run a little longer

Don't stop immediately after you've spoken your last sentence.

Stay still for another two or three seconds before ending the recording. That gives you extra room during editing to make a clean transition.

Do the same at the beginning. Start the recording, take your position, and wait briefly before you start talking.

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How to record clear audio without a cameraman

When you are further away from your smartphone or camera, your voice is often recorded more softly. At the same time, reverberation and background noise become more clearly audible.

An external microphone is therefore more important as the distance to the camera increases.

For most solo videos, a wireless lavalier microphone is the most practical choice. The microphone stays close to your mouth, while allowing you to move freely.

The Ulanzi A200 Mini Mic consists of two transmitters, a USB-C receiver, and a charging case. This allows you to use it for solo recordings, but also when filming with a second person later on.

Place a lavalier microphone about a hand's width below your mouth. Check that the microphone does not rub against clothing, jewelry, or a zipper.

More explanation about microphones can be found in the blog Which microphone do you need for TikTok, Reels or vlogging?.

MOJOGEAR Video KIT / vlog set: Mini-statief + telefoonhouder + microfoon + lampje - Ministatieven

Ensure adequate lighting

A cameraman might notice during recording that your face is getting too dark. When filming alone, you often only notice this when reviewing the footage.

Therefore, check where the light is coming from before recording.

Use daylight

Stand by a window and turn your face towards the light. Preferably do not film with a bright window directly behind you. The camera may then properly expose the background, while your face becomes too dark.

Overcast daylight often gives an even result. Bright sunlight, on the other hand, can cause harsh shadows.

Use a video light

Is there little daylight or are you filming in the evening? Then place a video light slightly above eye level and diagonally in front of you.

Do not automatically set the lamp to maximum brightness. Adjust the brightness until your face is clearly visible without bright areas becoming overexposed.

The MOJOGEAR Lumi video light is available in three sizes: Mini, Medium, and Max. Choose the Bicolor version for adjustable warm and cool white light, or the RGB version if you also want to use colored mood lighting. Thanks to the cold shoe mount and 1/4-inch screw connection, you can easily attach the light to a camera, rig, or tripod.

Use colored light primarily for the background. For your face, neutral white light is usually the safest choice.

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Shoot various shots without assistance

A video from a single fixed angle can quickly become static. Even without a camera operator, you can create various shots by filming each take separately and combining them later.

Start with a master shot where your entire story or action is visible. This is your basic shot that you can always fall back on. Then, move the tripod and repeat important actions from other angles.

For example, consider:

  • a close-up of your hands;
  • a detail shot of a product;
  • a shot from the side;
  • a wide overview of the space;
  • an over-the-shoulder shot;
  • a low camera angle;
  • a shot where you walk towards or away from the camera.

For B-roll, short clips of a few seconds are often sufficient. Perform one clear action per shot and let the camera record a little longer at the beginning and end. This gives you more flexibility during editing.

Create a simple shot list beforehand so you don't forget any important shots. For example, first record a wide opening shot, then your talking-head video, a few close-ups, and finally a closing shot.

When filming solo, work in this order:

  1. Choose whether to film horizontally or vertically. For TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, you usually use vertical footage.
  2. Clear away distracting objects and check the background.
  3. Place the tripod firmly and set the camera at the correct height.
  4. Mark where you need to stand, sit, or move.
  5. Make a test recording and check composition, focus, and exposure.
  6. Listen back to the audio, preferably with headphones.
  7. First, record the complete master shot.
  8. Then, film close-ups, details, and other camera angles.
  9. Check the most important files before packing up the setup.

By dividing your video into separate shots, you maintain more control over the visuals and create a varied edit even without a camera operator.

Common mistakes when filming solo

When filming solo, problems often arise because you don't check the recording in between takes. Leave enough space around yourself for movement and subtitles, and for talking-head videos, preferably place the camera at eye level.

Furthermore, don't rely entirely on autofocus. The camera might focus on the background or another object during the recording. Therefore, make a short test recording beforehand and check the image, sharpness, exposure, and sound.

Are you further away from the camera? Then it's better to use an external microphone. The built-in microphone tends to pick up reverb and background noise more easily at greater distances.

Also, try not to capture the entire video in one long take. First record the main shot, then film separate close-ups, details, and other camera angles. This makes both recording and editing easier.

Always check some important clips in between takes. This way, you'll discover in time if the battery is running low, storage is filling up, the wrong microphone is being used, or the image is out of focus.

MOJOGEAR Video KIT / vlog set: Mini-statief + telefoonhouder + microfoon + lampje - Ministatieven

What do you need to film yourself?

For a simple static shot, you usually only need:

  • a smartphone or camera;
  • a sturdy tripod with a phone holder;
  • a remote control or timer;
  • sufficient light.

Do you film regularly, move a lot, or want more control during recording? Then you can expand your setup with a tracking tripod, selfie monitor, wireless microphone, video light, flexible tripod, or power bank.

Choose accessories based on a specific problem. A tracking tripod is useful when you move around the room, but adds little when you stay in the same spot throughout the entire recording.

Conclusion: here's how to film yourself without a cameraman

Filming yourself without a cameraman starts with good preparation.

Place your smartphone or camera securely, determine your position beforehand, and always do a test recording. Use a remote control to start recording and choose a tracking tripod if you move a lot.

Want to use your smartphone's superior rear camera? With a selfie monitor, you can still see yourself while recording.

Don't forget the sound and lighting. A stable image is important, but a dark video or a hard-to-understand voice remains difficult to watch.

Start with a simple fixed setup and only expand it when your filming style requires it.

View all tripods and tripod accessories for stable solo shots

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Frequently asked questions

How do you film yourself with your phone?

Place your phone in a phone holder on a tripod. Determine your position, take a test shot, and start the final recording with a Bluetooth remote control or timer.

How do you see yourself when using the rear camera?


You can take a test shot first or use a selfie monitor. A selfie monitor mirrors your phone's screen, so you can see yourself while filming with the rear camera.

How do you make the camera follow you?


Use a tracking tripod. This type of tripod automatically rotates as you move left or right.

Do you need a tripod to film yourself?

Not always, but a tripod usually provides the most stable result. You can also use a flexible tripod, phone stand, selfie stick, or other sturdy support.

How do you start a video remotely?

Use a Bluetooth remote control, smartwatch, timer, or a camera app that supports remote control. Check beforehand if the chosen method works in the app you are filming with.

Can you film yourself with the selfie camera?

Yes. The selfie camera is convenient because you see yourself directly. If you want to use the rear camera, you can check the composition with a test shot or an external selfie monitor.

How do you film different camera angles when you are alone?

Shoot each angle separately. First, film the master shot, then repeat important actions for close-ups, side angles, and other B-roll.