Conquering the Camera: Your Shy Girl Guide to Filming in Public (Without the Anxiety)

Jessica Wat
Nov 7
3 min read

Ever scrolled through a beautiful travel reel or portrait photo and thought, "I could never do that?" Maybe you've wanted to start creating but felt held back by the fear of filming yourself in public, confusion over gear, or just not knowing where to begin.

You're not alone. A few months ago, seasoned travel influencer and marketing professional, Malikah Kelly, jumped on a Women of Hong Kong Community Call to help us demystify the world of content creation. In a session packed with actionable advice, Malikah proved that with a few key tips, anyone can start "Filming From Anywhere."

Your 3-Step Guide to Beating the "Filming in Public" Fear

Let's be honest, pulling out a tripod or talking to a camera in a crowd can feel terrifying. Malikah’s advice? Acknowledge the fear and do it anyway.

Start Small & Safe: Begin in less crowded areas or, while traveling, where you feel more anonymous. Your comfort and safety always come first. "If you're really shy, you can go to areas where less people can see you," Malikah advises, but she adds that being in a visible spot is often safer. Always be aware of your surroundings and don't venture too far from your tripod in case it might get stolen.
Use Tech to Your Advantage: If speaking to the camera on a busy street feels like too much, don't! Film the scene silently (this is your B-roll) and add a voiceover later during editing. It’s a game-changer for easing anxiety.
Be a Respectful Creator: Always be mindful of others' privacy. Avoid filming people without their consent, and when in doubt, just ask for permission. Being a kind creator is non-negotiable.
Remember, Nobody Cares (In a Good Way!): Filming in public is so normalised now that you stand out far less than you think. "It's important to remember that most people do not care about what you do if you’re not in their way."

Gear Up Without Breaking the Bank

You don't need a Hollywood budget to create professional-looking content. Malikah shared her go-to list of accessible tools:

For Crisp Vlogging: The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a favorite for its superb quality and stability.
For the Perfect Shot: A lightweight tripod with a remote is a must for hands-free filming and selfies.
For Easy Editing: CapCut (for both desktop and mobile) is a powerful and user-friendly editing app, while Adobe Lightroom is great for photo touch-ups.
For Staying Organised: Use the Notion app to plan your content ideas and Dropbox Pro to back up your heavier video files.

Working with Brands: How to Stay True to You (And Get Paid!)

Turning your passion into partnerships is a thrilling step. Malikah’s core principle? Partner with brands that align with your personal and audience values. If a product doesn't feel right, just say no. In addition, Malikah reiterated the power you have to create your own opportunities. Malikah revealed she reaches out to brands 80% of the time, using professional platforms and software to find contacts.

When it comes to pricing your work, remember your value! Consider these factors:

Content Type & Production Time: A simple static post is different from a polished 60-second reel.
Your Audience Reach & The Brand's Size: A local boutique might have a smaller budget, making your engagement rate king, while a global brand often has the resources to pay for both your creativity and the sheer scale of your audience. Remember, the bigger your dedicated audience and the larger the brand, the more you can (and should) charge for your work.
Usage Rights & Exclusivity: If they want to use your content in their ads or on their website, that should cost more.

Always clarify the deliverables upfront to avoid "red flag" clients and ensure you're being paid fairly for your creativity and effort.

Your Content-Creation Cheat Sheet

Quality is Key: In a world of short attention spans, good lighting, clear visuals, and captions can make all the difference.
Plan, But Stay Flexible: You don't need a rigid script for everything. Capture more B-roll than you think you need as it gives you more creative freedom in the editing suite.
You Are Camera-Ready: Remember, camera angles, styling, and editing can help anyone feel more photogenic. Your unique perspective is what people want to see!

Conclusion

Are you feeling inspired? A reminder that the best next step is to just start. Pick up your phone, find a quiet corner, and film something today.

A massive thank you to Malikah Kelly for her incredibly generous and practical advice. If you have any more questions or would like to follow along on Malikah’s journey, you can find her on Instagram or check out her website.

For more information on our Women of Hong Kong Community Calls, you can look at our upcoming events here: https://www.womenofhongkong.com/wohk-events