5 tips that will make you look great on camera (every time!)
The art of looking good on camera isn't all about investing in the best camera setup by itself. The subtle adjustments are important too.
Like, for example, shifting the plant in front of you slightly to the left so it is able to frame your background rather than your head. Also, arranging your lamp to ensure it doesn't cast stark shadows that cast on your face These small tweaks make a big impact.
Unsure of how for a professional appearance on video? This article will provide tips on how to look great on camera, regardless of whether you're streaming live or recording videos for later transmission.
How to look good on camera when...
We'll start by looking at the best examples of video usage and guide us through some quick and simple tips to look good on every one of them.
It's a virtual event
Take less time getting set and more time checking your WiFi connection, and setting it up.
If you're the host of a virtual event -- not joining with a guest speaker -the testing process could make all the impact on the quality of the event. Do a dry run or even a rehearsal for the event with your participants a few days before the event itself.
Katie writes, "Ask your guests: 'Is this where you'll be calling to?' It will help you avoid horrible situations when guests arrive from their car or similar."
Jay Clouse, the person behind Creator Science and host of the podcast video, Creative Elements, advises the same. "It might seem like a lot of work, but if you're financially able to invest in professional equipment, it can make a huge difference. An DSLR camera that doubles as your webcam, and a powerful lighting system can go a far way. There are lighting devices suitable for any room. If you're able to remove your camera so that you do not have to remove it off when you're not using it This is a major upgrade."
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The sales pitch is being broadcast through video
It is also important to separate yourself from the camera on your desktop just a bit. This will ensure that your face won't look large and bloated. Be careful not to go too far however, as it will add some distance between you and the microphone, which could compromise audio quality.
Lastly, don't move your hands too much as they can cause distraction to viewers and take the spotlight off of your message.
Pro tip!
You're training new hires through onboarding video tutorials
In order to ensure you look at your best in these videos, aim to appear conversational, not perfect. Make sure to be careful it's not a sign that you go off on tangents. Creating and loosely sticking to a plan will allow to create videos that are on the mark and are respectful of the viewers' time (and retain their interest and comprehension).
It's also useful to have a an identical setup for your video series as it helps viewers concentrate on the message that you're providing, not the background.
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It is important to appear modern in your hybrid work setting
Make sure that the lighting and sound are perfect so that coworkers hear you right and clearly can see your face. There is no need for a costly setup for this though. Here are a few tips:
Begin by joining your video conferences using a bright, calm room. If there's windows in the room, make sure that it's not directly behind or on your sides as that can leave shadows on your face on camera. Instead, always position yourself directly in front of the window to let it light up your face correctly.
Second, show your sense of style from the waist up. You can add one thing to your style that you feel most like 'you. It could be a pendant or bandanna, for instance. But it's best to avoid large bracelets since they can hit upon your desk during the call will interfere with the sound.
Then, you can improve the quality of your voice with minor tweaks. Mute your mic while you're not talking to stop noises such as the sound of your keyboard clickingto be able to escape into the virtual room. Close any windows to further reduce external noise. And to reduce echo from the noise in your room, connect to an area with carpeting that also has curtains.
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Think about these 5 points any when you're watching a video
No matter the type of meeting online, remember these tips in mind to look good on Zoom:
1. Camera angle
A camera with a high level makes it difficult for viewers to see your expressions. And if it's too low, it may overexaggerate the angles of your face, creating an unflattering look on screen.
The perfect position for the webcam is over your hairline, slightly tilted downward.
If you're using the desktop's internal camera, change its position with a laptop or monitor stand for setting the positioning. Don't have a desktop stand? Add some books under your monitor.
2. Where can I look?
Directly look into the camera, to simulate IRL the eye. Do you get distracted by your personal image? You can hide your personal video within a Zoom conference to ensure you can be fully in the moment with your coworkers.
3. Clothing and colors
Select colors that match your hair tone and skin colour. Colors that are dark, like deep purple and gray look good on people with light complexions, such as. This is not the case with darker skin toned individuals.
You'll also want to avoid designs, wrinkled clothing, and big logos as those can come across as distracting on camera.
Be sure that the color that you select contrasts with your background. It helps make you stand out against background instead of showing the head as floating on camera.
Another thing to keep in mind this time: you'll want your message to stand out rather than your attire. So pick something that represents the brand you're trying to establish. In the case of a fitness instructor such as a fitness instructor, then you'll need to dress in shorts and a T-shirt.
4. Lighting
It's been discussed before that you should place yourself right in the front of windows to maximize lighting. If you're in different time zones or you don't have windows in the area you're recording videos in, place an overhead lamp next to you.
Install this light on top of the camera to ensure that it can provide sufficient illumination to your face -- all while not blocking the lens of your camera with light.
It is also not recommended to employ overhead lighting since it can create sharp shadows of your face when you record.
A perfect lighting arrangement to use for the perfect lighting setup for a Zoom call is to have two sources of light -- each one behind the camera and looking at each other from different angles so that you can fill your face from both sides.
5. Your background
One of the most crucial tips in this case is to be aware of how busy your background appears. It isn't a good idea to look messy or unorganized as that can get confusing for your people watching. Try to create a simple decor to add visual interest.
As an example, you can add plants, a colorful throw, or books as your wall. If you'd like to make the traditional full-length bookshelf backdrop Make sure that your shelves are well-organized.
Also, be sure to check where the plant or other backdrop item is placed in the frame. After all, you wouldn't want it to give you weird hairstyles.
Final takeaways
TL;DR? Begin by learning the fundamentals correct for recording videos and taking part in Zoom calls:
- Set your camera to eye-level
- You should place yourself directly in front of the glass
- Take a break from a peaceful and well-groomed area
- Design a minimalist clear, neat background
- Look in the camera, not at yourself
- Wear neutral colors that suit your complexion and contrast with your background