How to Look Good on a Video Call

How to Look Good on a Video Call

Many of us don’t like to be in front of the camera for a myriad of reasons, but these tips can help you look and sound your best on your next video call.

These past weeks have been overwhelming to say the least. And now, we all suddenly have to be on camera from our homes. Video conferencing from home can be challenging when you are not prepared. Here are some of our tips and tricks to help you look like a pro:

Lighting

Let’s begin with lighting since it will decide where you sit. If you have a laptop, try to find the best light, which is normally natural light from a window. Try to avoid overhead lighting and back lighting. Overhead lighting will create shadows under your eyes and being backlit will turn you into a silhouette. If you don’t have natural light to work with, try to find a lamp with soft lighting that you can work with. Once you have decided on your light source, make sure that light source is behind your laptop and spilling light onto you.

Quick Tip: Use your cell phone’s camera to find the best light. Walk around with the camera flipped around (selfie mode). Notice the shadows on your face and slowly turn towards the light to watch your face fill with light. Remember, put your laptop in between the light and you.

Camera Angle

Camera angle is very important. The last thing you want to do is look down into your camera. It’s a very unflattering angle for all of us. You want your camera to be at eye level. If you’re using the built in one on your laptop you will most likely have to raise your laptop by putting something under it. A few hard cover books or whatever you might have lying around that is steady should do the trick. If you must err on one side, slightly above eye level will do, but never below.

Quick Tip: Don’t forget to look into the camera. It’s easy to get distracted by seeing yourself on the screen. Try not to fidget and look into the camera when it’s your turn to talk. It takes some getting used to but you’ll get it with enough practice.