On-Camera Confidence at Sea: A Phone, a Pillow Fort, and a Paid Gig
- Laura Doman
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Yes, you can stay visible, credible, and camera-ready, no matter where you are in the world.
I’m writing this from the deck of a cruise ship somewhere between the Faroe Islands and Iceland. It’s a dream trip - and yet, in the middle of glaciers, puffins, and Nordic sunrises, I found myself back in performance mode: recording a national radio spot and auditioning on-camera for a major commercial brand… from my cruise cabin. Two different things, one small space.
Here’s the kicker: I had no fancy studio. No controlled lighting. No broadcast-quality voiceover booth. Just a smartphone, a mic and small gear I travel with, and the confidence I teach my clients every day.
And you know what? It worked.
Confidence on camera isn’t about having the perfect environment - it’s about mastering your energy, message, and mindset no matter where you are.
Your Confidence Is More Important Than Your Setup
So many entrepreneurs I work with tell me, “I’ll start creating videos when I have the right camera,” or “I need a perfect space first.” But here I was—no soundproofing, minimal lighting—delivering a paid commercial voiceover and submitting an audition I’m proud of.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And presence begins with the confidence you have in yourself.
Simply put, you’re enough. You don’t need a highly polished setup. Videos that perform the best are often those that are most casually shot.
And if you wait for your setup to be “perfect” – face it, you’re procrastinating and it’s unlikely that your winning video will ever be made. No video, fewer leads converting to happy, paying clients. So just do it!
You don’t need a perfect setup to show up powerfully. You just need the courage to press record.
On-Camera Confidence Is a Skill - Not a Trait
Confidence begins with the basic skills that help make you comfortable and natural on camera. And they work ANYWHERE. And can be done by ANYONE.
Whether I’m on a TV set or a cruise ship, I use the same techniques I coach: breathwork, mental focus, body awareness, and connection to my message.
So I don’t worry about feeling ready. I make myself present. And just do my thing because I know what I want to say.
That’s what sticks on camera. Authentic energy. Not flawless production.
Professionalism Can Travel
Some people like to shut all business down when they’re on vacation. Others, like me, prefer to keep their hand in it.
When you’re not on vacation, though – let’s say you’re traveling on business or visiting family – you CAN bring just enough equipment with you to do your show on the road. And then use what’s on hand!
On Camera ... For Your Videos
For videos, you just need the basics: camera with tripod, lighting, sound, and backdrop (or a nice background setup). Here’s what I did for my on-camera audition:
Camera on a tripod
The camera app on any smartphone works just fine. I turned the camera horizontally to shoot in landscape mode, and had it securely on a lightweight, compact, expandable tripod.
Lighting
I attached a small, bright light normally used for Zoom calls and webinars to my laptop, which I had perched on top of a suitcase on top of a chair to give it sufficient height. I positioned this behind my camera on the tripod. (I could have also brough a standing ring light with a phone holder, but that would have been too big and bulky to bring on my trip.)
Sound
This was easy. I have an external lavalier mic with a very long cord, but the sound on my phone worked well enough on its own, so I didn’t bother with an external device.
Backdrop
I used the heavy, plain white drape that closed across the window of my cabin. If light were to penetrate through the curtain, I would have used a solid color of wall instead. (Sometimes you have to take down a painting or two.)
Overall… easy peasy!
Voice Over ... When You Just Want Narration For Your Videos
The client needed voice over for an upcoming radio commercial. No problem!
The voiceover setup was a bit more specialized, but I have a tiny travel kit that I bring with me that includes a small microphone on its own tripod, headphones, a compact preamp, and of course, my laptop with software for recording and editing.
The biggest challenge when recording a voice over way from your studio? A quiet space, hence the McGyvered “pillow fort” in the photos below, assembled from pillows, cushions, and that same suitcase popped onto a small sofa. Here are a couple photos of my rigged VO setup:
By the way, if you want to know the specific equipment I use for either videos or voice overs, just drop a comment or DM me.
Want to Feel This Kind of Confidence On Camera?
Whether you’re launching a course, growing your brand, or starting to show up on video for the first time, you can do this!
I can help you go from hesitant to high-impact. My clients aren’t actors—they’re experts who are ready to own their message on camera.
If you’d like to learn how to build unshakable on-camera confidence (even when you’re not in a “perfect” setting), check out my coaching program.
Want to learn more? Let's talk!
I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
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