As a viewer of this video, you take the perspective of the camera’s point of view. As the subject in the video, I have two options. I can look directly at the camera, or somewhere besides the camera. Each of these options has positives and negatives.
For example. In these videos, I look directly into the camera, because I am speaking directly to you. That’s right. You. These are tip videos, so I want to address my audience head on, since I’m giving you advice. It comes across direct, and can even be intimidating to the viewer. However, when we are filming testimonial videos, we often film an interview with the subject looking offscreen at an interviewer. This gives the audience the perspective of someone listening in on the conversation, rather than having the conversation themselves. However, when done incorrectly, it can also come across uninvolved.
Here’s the bottom line. Having eye contact with the camera is a tool that can be used for direct messages, or be avoided to allow the audience to take the role of an observer.
