Live streaming family milestones like weddings, anniversary events and birthday parties is a trend that is growing popular by the day.
And with good reason as it allows family and friends near and far to join in the celebrations. But if you want a smooth live-streaming experience, you need the right equipment.
Let’s take a look at how you can live stream precious family milestones and preserve the memories.
Preparing for the Live Stream – Planning and Logistics
The planning stage lays the foundation for your live-streaming event. Decide which family milestone you would like to share with others. Select an appropriate platform on which to do so. Think about who will manage the camera and other equipment, and who will chat and interact with guests/viewers.
YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch and Zoom are just some of the options that allow you to live stream. Choose one with a live recording option so you can save the moment for future enjoyment..
However, consider who you want to share the live stream with when you make your platform choice. It is best to select a platform that your loved ones already use and are familiar with. This will prevent the frustration of them trying to use a platform they’ve never used before.
Coordinate the logistics with your family and friends and settle on the best time for everyone to participate in or view the live stream . Also, be sure to obtain permission from anyone who will be visible in the live stream. Then go ahead and share promotional posts about your upcoming livestream.
Essential Equipment for a Professional Stream
You’ll need some basic gear including cameras and microphones. Choosing the right high-definition webcam, DSLR, or camcorder not only makes live streaming easier, but it also enhances the quality of the event.
Alternatively, consider a pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) camera for the most professional live stream. These remotely-controlled cameras capture every angle, without a cameraman or bulky equipment.
You don’t have to blow the budget. You can hire PTZ cameras at affordable rates, whenever you need them.
Proper lighting is also essential, as it makes a big impact on the quality of the streamed imagery. A stable internet connection is a must for smooth streaming. Wireless connections often fail, so you may need to connect over cables.
Setting Up the Live Stream: Step-by-Step
Create a live streaming channel on the platform you chose. Do a test run and check that it is up to the task. Aim to rule out any technical issues well ahead of the livestream timeslot.
Check your camera, sound and lighting equipment one last time before starting the livestream. An online mic test tool will help you to rule out any issues with sound. Get the lighting right. Go for the daylight color temperature (5600k) to avoid yellow or blue tones and make skin appear more natural.
Switch on your livestream a couple of minutes earlier than the designated starting time. This allows you to greet viewers and check with them if they can see and hear you properly.
Managing the Stream During the Event
Successful livestream events engage the virtual attendees. So, keep the live stream lively and entertaining with music and visuals, and interesting commentary. Of course, some events like a baby shower or birthday party offer lots of lively interaction all by themselves.
Have a contingency plan for unexpected interruptions. Switch mobile phones off or on silent mode. There’s nothing worse than a ringing phone interrupting a livestream. Inform your neighbours you will be live streaming, so they know not to make undue noise in the background.
Sharing and Storing the Stream After the Event
There is typically a “save” option within live stream interfaces. This lets viewers access the recorded version after the live stream ends, and download it for later viewing.
It also allows family and friends who cannot attend the live stream to enjoy your milestones with you, strengthening the bonds that connect you.. Ensure that only your intended viewers have access to your family milestone livestream event and the recorded version.
Review the analytics that the chosen streaming platform provides. This will show you exactly how many viewers ultimately joined in and more importantly, how long they stayed on the broadcast. It will allow you to refine your live streaming for future milestone events.
Wrapping up The Best Ways of Live Streaming Family Milestones
Live streaming requires careful planning, choosing the right equipment and platform and through testing before the event to ensure that all goes smoothly. It is not particularly difficult but it will take time to master the technique.
Explore different streaming setups and equipment options to find the one that works best for you. And bear in mind that your family milestone should still be fun for everyone physically present. Sharing a family milestone is just that, sharing and should be equally enjoyable for everyone involved.
