5 Tips to Look and Feel Amazing on Your Call
Everyone struggles with how we look on a video call. If you’re using video to chat with a coworker, partner or potential client, it’s not only important how they perceive you, but how your confidence is affected every time you look into your thumbnail image and cringe.
By following these five easy tips you’ll set yourself up to look amazing on your call, feel more confident and in the process, get more work done!
1. Background
Designate a place in your home or office to do your call. If possible use a desk or table and set up in an area that isn’t too cluttered. Create a little space between yourself and whatever is behind you, so the camera can focus primarily on you. Include a few key pieces in the background that say a little bit about you to provide texture and context.
Source: Find this room and other cool backdrop images at Curbed
If you don’t have time, or want to deal with curating a background space and are using Zoom, you can select from a wide variety of free background images. Choose an image that is in line with your professional or personal brand.
2. Light
Good light makes you look amazing. Bad lighting can distort your image and be very unflattering. A properly lit space eliminates unwanted shadows and will help you present your absolute best self.
Avoid being lit from below or above, it will create shadows below your eyes and isn’t flattering.
Natural light coming in toward the front of your face is always the best option. When good natural light isn’t available, get a ring light and use it!
Choose from a 1. selfie light or a 2. cool light up phone case. If you have the space a 3. larger ring light works great behind your computer.
3. Location of video camera
Place your computer or phone so that your camera is at eye level. If you are looking down into your camera or up, it can be unflattering. To achieve eye-level placement it may require placing your laptop or computer on a stack of books, magazines, or a computer stand.
For your phone, investing in a tri-pod guarantees great results. Not only can you set up at eye level, you can be hands-free while on your call.
We love the Joby GripTight GorillaPod.
For a more authentic and engaging experience, remember to look at the person on your call, not your thumbnail view. To do this focus directly into your phone or laptop camera lens when talking.
4. Wardrobe
Certain things look better on camera than others. When possible, try to stick to solid colors. Blues and greens work great. Avoid whites as they will attract and reflect light and tend to wash most people out.
Zoom “meeting-worthy” means only having to worry about outfitting the top half of your body. Throw an easy blazer over a t-shirt, tank or a great button up shirt for a simple polished look.
Makeup tip: Video washes most people out so you can get away with wearing a little more makeup on video calls. By adding even the smallest bit of blush and lipstick you can take your look from everyday to polished in a snap.
5. Do a test call
Get a sense for where your lens is and how you look 5 minutes before your call starts. If you have to make any adjustments to your camera height, light source, or background you’ll have time to do so.
Need help styling your video conferences?
Drawing on years of digital experience working with leading brands and thousands of hours on video calls with colleagues throughout the world, Anne provides personalized brand styling to help you look, feel and work your best when video conferencing from your home or office.
How it works
Discovery
The styling process starts with a look at your space and a discussion to understand your personal and business style.Design
We come up with a unique plan based on whether you have the pieces and just need help arranging items you already have (lighting, furniture, camera angles), or if you need help compiling a shopping list to finish your space and any other options and recommendations based on your needs and desires.Implementation
Once we’ve created a plan based on your existing space or shopped for necessary items, we style your video conferencing angles, lighting, and look. Finishing with a fully styled test call.
Pricing*: $250
The baseline service consists of two 30 minute video calls and a personalized plan and implementation, ending in a fully styled video conference set up.
*Corporate and group pricing available on request.
If you are interested in a video conference styling session or have questions please submit the following info:
Still have questions? Let’s chat.