Full live stream produced from Maryland with the subject matter expert located in North Carolina. Huge benefit of using a tool like Switcher Studio that offers a video chat option allowing the addition of remote guests.
We run a regular monthly series using this format.
Equipment used:
Equipment used:
Equipment used:
– Cameras: 1 iPhone 6s plus, 1 iPhone 8 plus
– Switcher: iPad Pro 2018
– Software: Switcher Studio
– Audio: 2 Audio-Technica AT875R Line/Gradient Shotgun Condenser Microphones connected to Behringer Xenyx 1202 Premium 12-Input Mixer
Check out a live stream I produced using the rig pictured here.
Sometimes, the best Facebook Live events are the simplest ones. No fancy graphics, no camera switching. Just good, authentic, informative content for the relevant audience.
To produce something like that, you really need three things: Power, connectivity and audio.
Power
If you don’t have power, you don’t have a broadcast. Make sure whatever camera or phone you’re using has a full charge or is plugged into power during your broadcast.
Connectivity
Notice how video quality isn’t on this list. That’s because with strong connectivity, you really won’t have to worry about video quality being an issue. I regularly go live using iOS devices using only cellular connectivity. If the signal is strong, the broadcast quality is great. The important thing here is to make sure you test, test and test again. Go to the location of your shoot well ahead of the day of your event to make sure the cell signal is enough if you’re going this route.
Obviously, if you can go with an ethernet or strong, secure Wi-Fi network, do that. But we’re talking simplicity here. All the options for connectivity are for another post.
Audio
If they can’t hear you, what’s the point? I absolutely recommend investing in a small microphone to attach to your camera or phone to use during your broadcasts. I love the Rode Videomicro.
I know this all seems pretty basic, but the point here is that going live is incredibly simple. And as a tactic that can really take your business to the next level, the simplicity is important to note.
Equipment in photo:
The iOgrapher case is the latest piece of equipment I’ve added to the live streaming arsenal. As of right now, most of my live streams are done using an iPad Mini 4, and it was time to finally invest in a case.
Previously, I had been using a cheap case that got the job done. All it was really designed to do was to support an iPad on a tripod. But I ran into enough minor issues that I was ready to move on. For example, when using the previous case during an Instagram Live and plugging in my iRig, the lightning plug had to be forced into the jack because this particular case wasn’t made to accommodate that sort of thing. Forcing cables into jacks is neither good for the cable or the jack on the device.
The iOgrapher is designed to not only allow easy cable access, but has room on the top for lighting equipment and microphones.
It provides nice stabilization if you’re shooting without a tripod as well, with grips on either side.
So far, so good on the iOgrapher 👌.
Equipment mentioned in this post:
I realize this doesn’t particularly go along with the “theme” of my website, but hey, I enjoy working out and have discovered a pretty good home system. So I figured I’d share with you.
About a year ago, when my wife and I found out she was pregnant with our first child, we decided it was time to think about regular monthly expenses and what we should consider cutting.
I used this as an opportunity to finally start the home gym I had always wanted. Removing the monthly gym membership and purchasing my own equipment made more sense financially for the long run. Plus I’m just that kind of person who would rather work out with no one else around.
Below is a list of equipment I’ve purchased over the last year to use in my basement. I don’t have a garage, so I’m limited in space for my gym. This list has been enough for me to maintain muscle mass and keep decent shape while getting used to being a new dad.
Power Block Elite Dumbbells – 50 lb Set – $285
I absolutely love these. I’m considering buying the 50-70 lb expansion set soon, but still get everything I need with this set. The only exercise I really need to go up for is bench press.
These dumbbells take up minimal space, are super easy to use and have great grip. If you’re serious about starting a home gym, I think the Power Block dumbbells are great place to start.
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – $10.95
This is the only brand of this kind of resistance bands I’ve ever tried, so there may be better ones out there. However, I’ve had no problems with these.
I use these bands when doing squats or any sort of leg lifts to add a little more tension. When you have minimal equipment, stuff like this is a great way to switch up the exercises.
Again, this is the only brand of ab wheel I’ve ever purchased. They’re all probably about the same. I enjoy incorporating the ab wheel into my routines every so often. If you don’t like it, it’s not a must have.
For a long time, I had issues doing push-ups with my hands flat on the floor, which is the reasoning for getting push-up bars. My left wrist just didn’t feel quite right for a long time. I grew to like using the bars though, and even though my wrist issues are gone, I still use the bars. I like the extra depth you get on the way down, as well as the different options for hand position.
Unfortunately, it looks like these particular bars are no longer in stock. However, I’m sure there are a lot of comparable bars out there for under $20.
Functional Fitness Resistance Bands – $20.95
Again, when you have minimal equipment, these kinds of resistance bands can make a lot of traditional exercises more challenging. They’re also great for the joints.
Fitness Gear 10 lb ($9.99) and 25 lb ($24.99) Dumbbells
I bought these before I bought the Power Block dumbbells. If I had done it the other way around, I probably wouldn’t have purchased these. I still use them, but only if I’m being lazy and don’t feel like taking the extra ten seconds to adjust the Power Blocks to the weight I want.
AmazonBasics 30 lb Cast Iron Kettlebell – $35.99
I wish I had gotten a heavier kettlebell, but I have no complaints about the Amazon brand. I use them mainly for kettlebell swings.
Fitness Gear Fixed Flat Bench – $69.99
I regret not paying the extra $20 to get the adjustable bench the first time around. This flat bench is good quality. But I miss not being able to do exercises like the incline bench press or rows. I’ll be purchasing a new adjustable bench soon.
Fitness Gear Multi-Purpose Mat – $34.99
If your basement has carpet like mine does, this mat helps not ruin it. Weights, benches and other equipment can eventually take its toll on carpet. Invest in a mat.