For many of us, Zoom calls, Skype and FaceTime have become a regular part of our routine. Whether you’re tuning in for important morning meetings or dressing up for a virtual catch-up with friends or family, this technology has been a lifesaver for so many of us.
This week, we’re going to share some tips to help you look your best on Zoom calls and the like (even if you are wearing pyjamas from the waist down…).
How to look your best during online video calls
From lighting tips to wardrobe advice, here are some top tips on how to look good on Zoom calls!
Avoid busy backgrounds
Let’s start off simple. If there is a lot going on behind you, this can be very distracting.
Try to find a quiet corner, or use a plain wall as your backdrop. If this isn’t possible, you can always make use of Zoom’s built-in “blur background” feature to reduce the distraction.
2. Make use of natural light sources
At this stage of the year, we’re finally starting to see the weather improve (well, it’s stopped snowing at least), and the mornings are getting slightly lighter by the day. Make the most of the available natural light for your videos.
To look good on Zoom, ideally, you don’t want to be too close to the window. You should avoid sitting with your back to the window too.
Your camera will expose for the brightest light, so in some cases, this can turn you into a silhouette. Conversely, having the window too close to your front can result in a “washed out” appearance.
Ideally, position yourself so the window is off to your side, or towards your front. This will result in soft, flattering lighting, and is something you’ll see frequently in photography. Take a look at the photograph below, for example, in which the window is providing beautiful, soft light to the bridesmaid’s face.
3. Wear something comfortable, but flattering
We all know that when it comes to online video calls, you can keep the joggers on and just dress up your top half. On the top half, opt for something comfortable but flattering, and avoid busy patterns that might not translate well on video.
Dressing up, even just a little bit, can make a huge difference to how you feel though, and give you a boost of confidence. So, it’s well worth making a bit of effort to look good on Zoom!
4. Think about your camera angle
If your camera is connected to your laptop or PC, you might not have considered where it sits in relation to your position. If your camera is too low, you could think about lifting your laptop or PC up using a stand (or even some books). The best option is to have your camera at eye level, so take a look at your work setup and make any changes you need.
Tips for looking good on Zoom calls
There you have it! Hopefully, if you’d been wondering how to make yourself look better on Zoom these four tips have been helpful? Whether it’s a catch-up with friends or a work meeting, start implementing these to look your best!
Is there anything we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!
