How to Look Good on Camera
Would you like to have more confidence on camera?
Whether you are....
A stay-at-home mom creating home videos and Face-timing friends
A teacher trying to teach virtually
Someone who must now work behind the screen in the online space
An entrepreneur who is creating video content on behalf of your business and attending online networking events
...the reality is that most of us have been forced to show up on video more than ever before. For many, this can be very intimidating.
As a personal stylist with plenty of experience in this area, I got you covered! In this post, I will share my top styling tips so you can show up confidently on video.
First, let’s talk about the ideal setup.
Find good lighting. Lighting is EVERYTHING!! You want the best light for your videos. The best light comes from the sun, so the ideal place to set up your computer is in front of a window. If you do not have any windows, or your meeting is scheduled for the evening, you can invest in a ring light. Ring lights are great for diffusing the light evenly, and they make you look wonderful on camera. I use a ring light similar to this one for my videos. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0784SSRZS/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gabbyeckert-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0784SSRZS&linkId=08b33d75341e961707dff989c1853d6c)
Don’t let your background steal the show! Ideally, your background should be clean with no kids running around or people talking in the background. There are even virtual backgrounds you can use in a pinch if you are in a messy room.
Where is your camera pointing? Keep your camera eye level or slightly higher, so that the camera is not recording you at odd angles. Get a few books or props to lift your computer, or invest in a tripod. I use a tripod similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089NQ91K8/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gabbyeckert-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B089NQ91K8&linkId=1192c712dad0b2bb3c89d3492d5eca9d
Keep the camera steady: No one wants to feel sea sick while watching your videos. Like the advice above, invest in a tripod or find sturdy objects to set your phone or laptop up on.
Find an area that is not noisy and has a good connection. Put up a “do not disturb” sign if you have to. Also, make sure you are in a place with a strong Wi-Fi connection. It is the worst when your internet cuts out on you during an important meeting.
Next, let’s discuss what to wear!
Confidence is key! The most important tip is to wear an outfit that makes you feel good and confident. I know this tip may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes we get caught up in color theory and what is trending and forget that none of that matters if you do not feel comfortable in the clothes you are wearing. When you are wearing an outfit that makes you feel good, you will have a different energy about you that your audience will notice, and they’ll want to continue watching your video.
Try it in front of the camera first! Always try your outfit on in front of the camera before you create the video or attend a virtual meeting. Oftentimes, a piece will not look the same on camera as it did in the mirror. Since on most video calls, others will only see the top portion of you, make sure you like the cut, fabric, neckline, and sleeves of your blouse on camera.
Picking the perfect top! In most videos and video calls, only the top part of you will be seen. The shirt you pick will play a big role in your camera confidence.
Make sure the top you are wearing is clean, wrinkle-free, and has a professional feel to it.
Stay away from strapless tops. This can appear on screen like you are not wearing a top, and no one wants that!!
Avoid overly flowy or loose tops. These kinds of tops will make you appear larger than you are. Pick a beautiful top that compliments your figure and that you feel comfortable in.
Avoid busy prints, because this can be distracting and compete with your face. Patterns like pinstripe, polka dot, and houndstooth can create weird effects on camera and make it look as if the patterns are moving. We don’t want anyone to be distracted from you by your clothing.
Picking the perfect color to wear! No matter what color theory you hold to, above all, wear colors that you love and that make you feel confident. Ideally, you want to wear a color that stands out from your background. Choose a color that when you wear it you receive lots of compliments. This is a good indicator that this color suits your skin tone well and makes you look vibrant. Some people with certain skin tones may want to avoid wearing black or white because those colors may wash them out and distort the lighting. A couple great alternatives for the color black are gray and navy, and a few universally flattering colors are shades of blue, green, purple, and pink.
Accessorize! Add accessories to your look. Accessories are a fun way to jazz up your outfit and look like you have put effort into your appearance. A beautiful pair of earrings or a necklace can go a long way on your virtual calls. Make sure that the accessories you select are not distracting or noisy (like jingling bangle bracelets).
Makeup: This does not have to be overdone. However, keep in mind that the camera and video clarity can make you appear washed out. You will be surprised what a beautiful lip color and blush can do.
I hope you found these tips helpful. If you would like more tips and advice specifically for you, I am offering complimentary Personal Styling Strategy Sessions and would love to talk with you. Book you time slot here: https://calendly.com/gabbyeckert/freeconsultation?month=2020-07
