Fiona's Gear List!
Microphones
Watch timeĀ is important for your reach and while you may think the visual matters most and it probably does, do NOT underestimate how fast someone will scroll away from BAD sound.Ā
Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Microphone
One of my absolute fav recent purchases. I especially love the way this mic lets me vary my dynamics, from my stage voice to a whisper!
Get it now!
Hollyland Lark A1 Wireless Microphones
This is a cheaper version from the brand I'm using now and love.
Less expensive wireless
Boya by M1 Collar Microphone
I love this collar mic for crisp audio on a budget! Perfect for talking head style videos. I used this one all the time for the first several years of my online journey.
You'll need a headphone jack adapter. I linked several below. They are also CHEAP!
Cheap & Cheerful!
Rhode Wireless GO III
If I really wanted to go all out, I'd get something like this from Rhode. I'm not quite there yet, so if you get it, let me know what you think.
Serious Uplevel here!
Pro Studio Microphone
This was a recent purchase as part of my studio upgrade and I'm so happy with it. I really wanted my live training calls to be on par with the pros and this mic helps me pullĀ that off. Directional mic can also be used wirelessly attached to a camera.
Outstanding Sound!
Studio Mic Arm Stand
Good sound isn't just for reels, which means you'll need a set up for your studio mic. This arm is cheap, flexible and sturdy. I'm really happy with it.
Anchor your studio sound!Adapters
Be sure to double check and get a mic compatible with your phone. BUT if you want a mic that's NOT compatible, not to worry. These adapters are a cheap and easy solution!
Headphone Jack to USB C Adapter
Very simple adapter for the $14.95 wired mic above.
USB C to Lightning Adapter
If you have an older iPhone, but a newer mic, you may need this.
Lighting
First of all, YES place a nice sized window behind your camera with natural light and you're good to go. BUT for those of us who want to film everywhere with no constraints and still produce great looking videos, lighting matters!
UBeesize 12 inch Ring Light with Stand
I use a ring light indoors whenever I want to shoot inside without great natural light. I also use it in my studio, when I don't feel like setting up my studio lights. Ring lights are such a cost effective way to improve production values instantly. This oneĀ has adjustable brightness and color temperature.
Instant Indoor Uplevel
Desktop Ring Light
It seems silly how much I love this mini ring light, when I also have pro studio lights and yet... I DO! It's a down and dirty instant uplevel,Ā perfect for enhancing video calls and streaming.Ā
Quick Fix!
StudioĀ Light
These lights are perfect forĀ a pro studio setup.Ā They give off a great color and are easy to adjust. They were one of my first upgrades and I've used them in all my YouTube videos from the beginning.
PRO SET UP
Colored BackgroundĀ Light
You def don't "need" this, but I sure LOVE it! Take another look at my photo at the top of the page to see what I'm talking about. I've got a whole bunch of colors AND settings that makes them static or changing based on my whim. This link is what I'd get now if I needed a new one.
I'm a fan!
Colored BackgroundĀ Light
You def don't "need" this, but I sure LOVE it! Take another look at my photo at the top of the page to see what I'm talking about. I've got a whole bunch of colors AND settings that makes them static or changing based on my whim. This link is what I'd get now if I needed a new one and didn't get the other one!
I'm a fan!
HairĀ Light
This is such a subtle touch and if you don't know what you're looking at, you'll just think it looks "good." Also, this is exactly the kind of little extra that takes your setup from amateur to pro.
This light is very similar to the one I'm using now. Mine is clamped to a tall bookshelf.Ā
Get it here!
HairĀ Light
This is another good option. Just don't forget to get a light standĀ tall enough to hit your hair and shoulder from behind. If your light is heavy though, you'll want to purchase a stand that is sturdy enough to protect your investment!
Get it here!
Light Stand
Just in case you order a light that needs a separate stand, here's a tall one for the budget conscious.Ā
To elevate your light!
Versatile Light Stand
The boom arm with this one provides more flexibility for placement. Still lightweight, but may be sturdier than the option above.Ā
To elevate your light!Misc Favorites
These don't necessarily fit in the above categories and I def didn't want to leave any out!
Selfie MonitorĀ Screen
My new BFF and current fav gift from my husband! I'm in LOVE! This tiny gadget has completely changed the game for my self photography and talking head videos. Spoiler: Now you can use your phone's BEST camera and still SEE yourself!
GAME CHANGER
Suction Mount
Attach to cars, windows, mirrors, etc. There's a tiny learning curve to get the suction going, but once you figure it out, you're good to go. Comes in really handy for the serious content creator atĀ a budget price!
Instant Tripod Effect!
Boss RC-505mkII Loop Station
I've been using this for over a year now to create improvised sound transmissions, layering my own voice to create harmonies and backing tracks. I'm using only a tiny fraction of its functionality and I still think it's incredible! Perfect for both home studio recording and live gigs.
Just WOW!
Mackie Thump GO Speaker
I did a lot of research before purchasing this speaker. I got it specifically for gigging with my looping station, but turns out I've also been using it for lifestreams. It's the most economical I could find in its class.
Take it on the road!
Music Stand
Most importantly, this is STURDY and comes with a travel bag. BUT, I'm gonna be completely honest and say I wish it was taller.
For home or travel!Tripods & Selfie Sticks
I am serious about selfies! In fact the art of great self photography has become one of my passions. So yes, I DO carry a selfie stick with me just about every where and NO I don't care that it makes my children cringe.
Selfie Stick
I'm OBSESSED and sooooo sorry this is currently out of stock. What I love is how small this is. It fits inside my back POCKET. I'm on the lookout for more small selfie sticks, but in the meantime take a look for comparison.
Fits in my POCKET!
Tripod with Clicker
Simple tripod with clicker for the budget conscious. Stable, non skid feet, works with both iPhone and Android.
Good to go!