So, you want a video profile to engage your clients, show off your charming personality, and promote your personal service. Or you’re more interested in vblogging on a regular basis, keeping it casual, informative and fun. Either way, a little pre-planning can help you look great on video and connect with viewers.
1. Look Straight into the Lens. This doesn’t mean a stiff stare, but if you look away from the camera, especially if you give quick glances to the side, it can give the impression you’re not as trustworthy or confident. Once you’re more comfortable on camera, you can look down occasionally as you talk, but it needs to be natural.
2. Choose Video Friendly Clothes. In my former life as a TV anchor, I quickly learned that most patterns don’t work!
The black and white checked jacket that I thought looked so cute, turned me into a psychedelic, sparkling zebra on camera. Stripes and fine patterns, such as Houndstooth, can create a moiré effect (wavy distortion) or pixilation when the video is compressed for the internet.
Solid colors look great on video, but stay away from solid white. White can throw off a camera’s exposure, making your face too dark, especially if you have a camera without manual controls.
3. Don’t be Afraid to Move. Think about how you move your body when you talk with someone face to face. You probably use hand gestures, move your shoulders, slightly tilt your head now and then. You can do the same on camera and you’ll look more natural. Sit up or stand up straight, and then relax your shoulders a bit. Spend a little time practicing in the mirror.
4. Remove the Shine. Even if you think your face isn’t shiny, the camera often disagrees. For women and yes, you guys too, dust a little loose powder on your face before you go on, especially on your nose and chin. Never let ‘em see you sweat!
5. Let there be Light! If shooting outside, avoid taping at noon where the overhead sunlight (except in my cloudy Northwest) will cast harsh shadows under your eyes. Morning and late afternoon light is the softest and most flattering. Without a professional light kit, inside shooting can be a challenge, but you can use natural light sources around you. Instead of just sitting at a desk, it might be better to sit near a window at a slight angle, with the natural light illuminating your face.
And don’t try to be perfect. It’s best to focus on your message and with some practice, not only will you look great on video, the viewers will feel like they know you and trust you to be the one to represent them. Don’t be afraid to grow your business with video!
Comments(16)