These days we are meeting more and more online. Just as you would set the stage for your headshot, you want to put as much attention to doing the same for your “video headshot”, appearance and how you come across.
Here are some tips on how to look amazing for your next video call:
- LIGHT YOURSELF: Avoid shooting INTO the light (backlight) which makes your face look too dark. For many, fully lighting the face is most pleasing. Find a window that does not have directional light coming in and place your camera/computer in front of it letting the light fall onto your face. If you have a FULLER face, and need some contouring, position the camera/computer PARALLEL to a window (again with no directional light), which will add shadow to the opposite of your face (thus thinning the face). If the shadow is TOO harsh, position a white towel/sheet on a rack on the shadow side to fill the shadow. Another option for lighting is to literally position a light in front of you (like a lamp or video light). Here, I’ve used a RING light, but you can use any external light source positioned to shine into your face.
External light added to the scene to shine on the face
- RAISE THE CAMERA: Place your camera/computer on top of a box (or some books) and tilt it downward. No one looks good from underneath.
- CREATE DISTANCE BEHIND YOU: It’s ideal to have a least 6 feet behind your head to the nearest wall (otherwise, the background becomes too competitive).
- NOTE THE BACKGROUND and CREATE A PLEASING SCENE: Consider adding a lamp with warm light, stack of books, or a candle. You’re setting a MOOD here. Avoid lots of crazy pictures behind you (but a vision board off center can be fun!).
Here’s how my video headshot looks in the setting
- DRESS WITH SOLIDS: yep, you guessed it, dress is important. Consider a SOLID color shirt (so as not to distract from your face). Shirts with sleeves are especially flattering (because the eye will go to your arm/skin otherwise). Accessorize how you normally would (just not TOO flashy, but heck, I love big earrings because they suit my personality).
- MAKEUP/HAIR: ladies, you can POOF your roots to give yourself a little volume, and do your eyes UP a notch adding a bit more liner and shadow to make sure they POP!
- POWDER! Yep, just like in the movies, add translucent POWDER to decrease shine.
- SMILE OFTEN: even if you are not speaking (people are checking you out, and you don’t want to scowl, even if you’re presenting your “concentrating face.”
- LOOK AT THE CAMERA: This way people feel as if you’re speaking to them
- TURN ON ‘DO NOT DISTURB’: so you’re not constantly “binging and bonging” in the background
Have FUN playing with different options! And remember people ARE watching you, even when you’re not talking! 🙂
Kelly Weaver Photography is the premier Denver headshot photographer, specializing not only in headshots, but also online Denver dating profile images and Littleton high school senior pictures.