Questions people always ask me or in the online groups I’m in:
- What do I use to create social media posts?
- What camera do I use?
- I don’t have a huge budget, what other equipment do I need?
So I’m going to tell you what’s in my camera bag when I cover social media for an event or even just a short shoot, and no, it’s not complicated or expensive! I’m also going to give you some other tips & tricks to covering an event for social media so stay till the end.
- Phone. Yes, my phone. I have had clients ask me where’s my fancy camera. And yes, I do have one but I don’t use it that often and I only use it for specific things. Why do I use my phone? Because the platforms mostly require it. I recommend you ALWAYS go live from the event on each platform, Facebook, Instagram, and if you’re on it, TikTok too, and that requires a phone (or a camera with an internet connection, but that’s expensive, phone is fine.) Also, you need to shoot vertical video for Reels & TikToks (and stories), and those platforms work best if you edit your video within the platform (you can edit it elsewhere and upload it to the platforms too, but I find it easier to shoot on my phone and have the video already there to make TikToks and Reels.) If you’re wondering if other people also use their phones, we got TV coverage from a local TV station for one of my clients and they left their fancy camera outside and shot inside the business with their phones…. which is also what I did when I worked in TV, so yes, it’s very common. Make sure it’s fully charged!
- A microphone. There are tons of little mics for $7-$40 (I have both), I use a Purple Panda lav mic with an iphone connector to do interviews with people at events because events are usually super loud with music and crowds, so a mic in this situation is helpful. You don’t need it to just get video, but it’s helpful for interviews. It even comes with a cute, fuzzy little wind screen to block out the wind and other noise. If you’re going live for yourself, Air Pods or earbuds with a mic will work too!
- A tripod. I have this ring light and tripod, and most times I just bring the tripod (and leave the light at home.) But both are good to have. You can use the tripod to hold the camera steady for a live stream if there’s not closeups you need to get, and you can use it for interviews.
- A handheld phone holder helps keep shots steady also when you’re roaming around an event. I have a phone holder/table tripod one kind of like this from 5 Below ($5) but I really want this one called a Gimbal that I used to use when I was in TV (but it’s not necessary, it’s a fun toy.)
- Backup external batteries. Your phone being on the whole time WILL ABSOLUTELY drain the battery so always bring one or two backup portable batteries. I have one regular and one solar powered, which can continue to power the phone in the sun. (Don’t forget the phone cord!)
- If you want to know which non-phone camera I have, it’s the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. I added a Rode external mic to it so it picks up better audio. Make sure to charge that battery before you leave and that your memory card is in the camera before you leave! (I’ve made that mistake.) Also make sure you have a backup and that your memory card has enough memory on it (or save stuff off it beforehand – I’ve also made that mistake!)
- OTHER THINGS: Sunscreen, hair ties, and WATER! It is BRUTAL in Florida so these are must-haves for me. This past weekend I went from presentable to Frankenstein in the heat and forgot my sunscreen so I got a nice little burn on my arms. But think about the environment you will be shooting in and always make sure you’re prepared ahead of time for the weather or if it’s indoors, a mask and/or sweater/sweatshirt, and in either one, you’ll be on your feet a lot so wear comfy shoes. (I’ve also made that mistake).
In my next post, I’ll talk about what content to get at your event and how to prepare for it on social in ways that will actually get some traction organically!
***This post contains contains Amazon affiliate links, but I support you wherever you purchase from! You don’t have to use my links.