Fix placement and settings.
Improve the room, move the light and microphone, raise the camera, simplify the frame, and lock the applications.
Start a conversation The $14.95 place to start
Look better.
Sound better.
Stop guessing.
The Tattooed Nerd On-Camera Playbook is the practical, no-BS guide to better lighting, sharper video, clearer audio, and a studio you can trust every time you turn it on.
Digital PDF · 24 pages · Secure checkout powered by Stripe
TN / FIELD GUIDE24 PAGES
THE TATTOOED NERDON-CAMERA
PLAYBOOK
PLAYBOOK
Lighting · Camera · Microphone · Workflow
GOODGREATREQUIRED
24Branded, practical pages
2Approved equipment systems
0Random shopping lists
$14.95One-time digital purchase
Fix the signal first
You probably do not
have a gear problem.
Most bad video and audio starts with the wrong camera height, weak light, automatic settings, a distant microphone, a reflective room, or an inconsistent startup routine.
This playbook fixes those problems in the right order. It helps you improve what you already own, identify the real bottleneck, and buy only when an upgrade solves something specific.
Change one variable at a time. Lock it in when it works.
One process · three levels
Start where you are.
Build only what you need.
Add dedicated control.
Choose the right key light, manual webcam, USB microphone, mounting, and presets for a consistent daily signal.
Build one complete system.
Integrate mirrorless video, multi-light design, dependable USB audio, power, saved profiles, and automation. XLR is an option only when a custom workflow needs it.
Inside the playbook
Every link in
the signal chain.
Not a collection of generic gear links. It is a step-by-step system for diagnosing the room, improving the result, and making it repeatable.
Camera ladder
Laptop, webcam, phone, and mirrorless options mapped from Good through Best.
Phone as camera
Why Patrick recommends the rear camera, an eye-level mount, and a reliable connection.
Lighting ladder
Natural light, overhead light, a $30 ring light, and the single LED key-light upgrade.
Three-point lighting
Patrick's 45-degree key, lower-intensity fill, rim or hair light, and motivational RGB lights.
Microphone ladder
Improve placement first, then use the Shure MV7+ over USB. Add XLR only when the workflow requires it.
Zoom video settings
HD video, Portrait Lighting, Adjust for Low Light, and Touch Up My Appearance.
Zoom audio profiles
Noise removal, Personalized Audio Isolation, Original Sound, and Live Performance Audio.
Final upgrade plan
A video-grounded scorecard for fixing the weakest link and knowing when to stop.
Approved equipment lists
Good with Elgato Facecam; Great with Canon R8 and RF 35mm. Clickable Amazon links and separate equipment and required-accessory budgets.
This is for you if
Your ideas are strong.
Your setup should be too.
- You lead important Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet calls.
- You create LinkedIn, YouTube, webinar, course, or podcast content.
- You own gear but still cannot get a consistent result.
- You want to upgrade without wasting money on the wrong equipment.
- You want a studio that is ready in seconds instead of rebuilt every time.
Start here
The On-Camera
Playbook
$14.95One digital guide. A complete improvement path. No new gear required to begin.
- 24-page downloadable PDF
- Good and Great approved equipment lists
- Separate equipment and required-accessory budgets
- Lighting graphics, camera guidance, and USB audio
- Clickable Amazon links and studio-service next steps
Want help with
your setup?
Patrick can help you choose the right equipment and put it all together for your room and budget.
Explore studio servicesStraight answers
Before you
download.
Do I need to buy new equipment?+
No. The first sections are designed to improve placement, lighting, settings, microphone distance, and workflow before you spend more money.
Is this only for YouTube creators?+
No. It is built for professional meetings, sales calls, webinars, LinkedIn and YouTube content, courses, livestreams, and video podcasts.
Does it include the approved equipment lists?+
Yes. The updated edition includes the standardized Good and Great systems, clickable Amazon links, and a separately budgeted Required section. The teaching sections also explain the original Good / Better / Best upgrade ladder.
What if I still need help?+
The $299 Studio Blueprint helps you improve the equipment you already own without buying anything new. Pro adds equipment planning and virtual build guidance; VIP adds onsite installation.
The fastest useful next step
Fix what you have.
Then build what you need.
Start with the $14.95 playbook. Upgrade to Patrick's personalized help when the questions become specific to your room.
Buy the Playbook · $14.95