Looking good on camera isn’t about investing in the right setup alone. It’s about the subtle tweaks too.
For example, moving the monstera plant behind you slightly to the left so it frames your background instead of your head. Or positioning your lamp correctly so that it doesn’t leave harsh shadows on your face — all these small tweaks make a big impact.
Not sure where to start to look good on video? We’ve got you covered with tips on how to look good on camera, whether you’re joining live or pre-recording videos to send later.
How to look good on camera when…
You could wing your on-camera look if it were just one or two times that you had to be on video. But with hybrid work here to stay and the video format only growing, you really can’t let your on-screen look compromise your confidence.
So let’s start with looking at some of the top video use cases and take you through quick and easy tips to look good on each of them.
You’re speaking at a virtual event
Spend less time getting ready and more time testing your WiFi connection and setup.
Sean Doyle, Experiential Lead at Pinterest who co-hosted Vimeo’s Webinar Horror Stories advises, “Test everything in the real environment [including] your computer, your microphone, and WiFi.”
If you’re the one hosting a virtual event — not joining as a speaker alone — testing can make a significant difference in the success of your show. Do a dry run or event rehearsal with the guests a few days before the event itself.
Marketing expert and Webinar Horror Stories host Katie Martell also recommends that as you prep guest speakers, you ask them assumed questions on top of a tech check with them.
Katie shares, “Ask your guests: ‘Is this where you’ll be calling in from?’ This will help you avoid horrible situations where guests are joining from their car or similar.”
And to make sure you’re looking your best on the event, invest in live streaming equipment including a camera, lighting gear, and a mic.
Jay Clouse, the person behind Creator Science and host of the video podcast, Creative Elements, advises the same. “It may seem like overkill, but if you’re in a position to invest in professional equipment, it makes a huge difference. A DSLR camera as your webcam and effective lighting go a long, long way. There are great lighting tools that fit any size of space and if you can leave your equipment so that you don't have to take it down when you're not working, it's a huge upgrade.”
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Pro tip!
You’re sending a sales pitch over video
Unlike live events, you have a lot more control on pre-recorded video sales pitches.
But to make sure you leave a lasting first impression on your prospects, it’s important to use a high-quality screen recorder that captures you and your screen for a personalized pitch.
You’ll also want to distance yourself from your desktop’s camera just a bit. This is so that your face doesn’t appear bloated and broad. Don’t go too far away though as that would add a lot of distance between you and the mic, which compromises audio quality.
Lastly, don’t move your hands too much as that can distract viewers and take the spotlight from your message.
You’re training new hires with onboarding videos
Gone are the days of boring training sessions. With onboarding videos, you can personalize training material while keeping it human. Plus, new hires can watch the training videos at their own pace — even go back to them whenever needed.
To make sure you’re looking your best in these videos, aim for coming across as conversational, not perfect. Be careful though — conversational doesn’t mean you go off on tangents. Creating and loosely sticking to a script will help you create on-point videos that respect viewers’ time (and keep their attention and comprehension).
It’s also helpful to maintain a consistent setup for video series as it helps viewers focus on the content you’re delivering rather than the background.
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You want to look fresh in a hybrid work environment
Get the lighting and audio right so your coworkers can hear you right and clearly see your face. You don’t need a fancy setup for this though. Here are a few tips:
First, join your work video calls from a well-lit, quiet room. If there’s a window in the room, make sure it’s not behind you or to your side as that can leave shadows on your face on camera. Instead, always position yourself in front of a window so it lights your face properly.
Two, express your sense of style from the waist up. Add one element to your look that feels most like ‘you.’ This could be a necklace or a bandanna, for instance. But it’s best to avoid chunky bracelets as those hitting on your desk during the call will interfere with the audio.
Finally, work on your audio quality with small tweaks. Mute your mic when you aren’t speaking to prevent noises — like your keyboard clacking — from escaping into the virtual room. Close any windows to further reduce external noise. And to reduce echo from your noise, join from a carpeted room that has curtains.
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Consider these 5 elements any time you’re on video
Whatever the nature of your online meet-up, keep the following tips in mind to look good on Zoom:
