Are foleys supposed to stand out?

Foleys are supposed to fit the scene, not to sound like they're out of the scene. The sound should match the production sound, even if that means processing and reducing the quality of the foley.

>What to do when recording foleys?

Don't forget to do it in a silent environment with few room reflections. Avoid wearing clothes that make much noise and try to control your breathing.

How to properly record footsteps as foleys?

When recording footsteps, ensure you capture a lot of the texture. The type of shoes and surface are very important. Use the heel and toe to create a nice-sounding, natural footstep. Depending on where the footsteps occur in the scene, you can add layers of sound, such as floor squeaks.

When recording props, think in terms of layers if necessary. Break the action into separate sounds and build up until you create the final sound. Some sounds have an essential role, while others act as 'sweeteners.'

What should be the microphone distance for recording foleys?

For a more natural sound that fits the production better, maintain some distance between the microphone and the foley artist. If you want a more modern sound, recording close will enhance the bass and definition, but might be harder to match the picture. Too close can create a pronounced proximity effect, making it sound unrealistic due to bass boost. However, don't record too far away, or it might sound too noisy and lack texture.

Recording and performing in simultaneous?

If you're performing and recording simultaneously, ensure it sounds great on the monitors before recording. Otherwise, you'll waste time on the performance.

Prioritize the performance and quality of the recording. It's not always easy to record while syncing with the video, but you can edit it later to match more accurately.

~ Foley Artist Audio Tips

Audio tips for foley artists.

Professional audio post-production tips.
As always, experience, listening environment, equipment and the quality of the recordings will dictate the final work.

Are foleys supposed to stand out?

Foleys are supposed to fit the scene, not to sound like they're out of the scene. The sound should match the production sound, even if that means to process and reduce the quality of the foley.
What to do when recording foleys?

Dont' forget to do it in a silent envrioment, with few room reflections. Don't wear cloths that make much noise and try to control your breathing.
How to properly record footsteps as foleys?

When recording footsepts, make sure you capture a lot of the texture. In that sense, the type of shoes and surface are very important. Use the heel and toe to create a nice sounding natural footstep. Depending where the footsteps are ocurring in the scene, you can add layers of sound, such as floor squeaks...
How to record props?

When recording props, if necessary think in terms of layers. Break the action into separated sounds and build up untill you create the final sound. Some sounds have a essential role and others, act as 'sweeteners'.
What should be the microphone distance for recording foleys?

If you're looking for a more natural sound, that'll fit the production's sound better, you should move have a bit more distance between the microphone and the foley artist. Otherwise, it'll have a pronounced proximity effect (will sound more unrealistic due to the bass boost).

If you want a more modern sound, recording close will enhance the bass and definition, but might be harder to match the picture.

Don't record too much further, otherwise it might sound too noisy and will lack texture.
Recording and performing in simultaneous?

If you're doing both tasks at the same time, first, make sure it sounds great on the monitors before recording. Otherwise, you'll waste the time of the performance.
How to sync foleys?

You should prioritize the performance and the quality of the recording. It's not always easy to record while syncing with the video, but you can edit that later, to match it more accurately.