Digital tips and tricks for campaigning

More and more campaigning activity is taking place online, and it’s really important to us that our campaigns feature as many UNISON members as possible.

The ongoing restrictions due to the pandemic mean that we can’t visit workplaces, so we need your help with creating great digital content for campaigns, like NHS pay or the HE pay ballot. Here are a few tips to get you started with campaign photos and videos.

Taking a decent campaign ‘selfie’

  • You need your mobile phone and a well-lit area.
  • Natural light is best, if you can get this. Fluorescent lighting can be very unflattering.
  • If you’re taking a group photo, then be sure to observe social distancing and other Covid measures.
  • Images look best when taken landscape, and are easier to crop for a range of formats.
  • Focus on the face and top half of your body. We don’t need feet!
  • If you are holding a poster, placard or campaign message, be sure that this is in focus, and not covering your face.
  • Photos in uniform are great! Try to hide any ID badges or the name of your employer though.
  • If you’re at work right now, you’re probably wearing PPE of some kind. Don’t forget to smile all the same!

I’ve never made a video before, do I need any special equipment?

No, you can do this on your smartphone (or tablet if you prefer). You’ll need to film in landscape (with your phone turned on it’s side) and turn your camera to face you – much as you would if you were taking a selfie. Most smartphones have a great camera and a built in microphone, so you just set your camera to ‘record video’ and you’re good to go.

Some tips to get you started

  • It’s best to film with full light on your face – eg. facing a window, rather than with light behind you (which will make you appear in silhouette).
  • You’ll look best if the camera is at eye level – you can hold it with both hands, use a selfie stick if you have one, or even stick your phone to the wall with blu-tac. There’s no need for a tripod (although you can buy some great little ones for phones).
  • Think about your background – if you work in a hospital, then can this be your background? If you don’t, then a plain, light coloured background is probably best. (Or a bookcase – if you want to look like an expert!)
  • Try and film somewhere with as little background noise as possible. A slight breeze can sound like a hurricane through your camera, and other conversations in the background will pick up too. If you can find a quiet space, with good light, then you’ll get the best results.
  • Keep it short and sweet! Viral videos ideally should be around 30 seconds long, and definitely no longer than 60 seconds.
Once you’re done, please email your images or videos to us at communicationsteam@unison.co.uk with a quick line about who is the photos.
We are keen to truly represent UNISON members. We welcome photos and videos from all members and all equality groups.
If you send in any content, please confirm that you are happy for UNISON to use it on our website, and our regional social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)