How To Look Your Best On A Zoom Call
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This post has been brewing in me for a while. When I mentioned to a close friend that I was thinking of doing a post on “how to look your best on a zoom call,” she insisted that I get to work on this right away. And so I did. I have researched lighting and make up and position of the computer. I have watched how other people look on a zoom call and why some people look so much better than others.
There are so many factors to take into consideration when you are on a zoom conference call. First of all, is this a business or “ladies who cocktail call?” If it’s the former, then I suspect that you will want to look your at home best, or at the very least put together and presented in the best possible light. If it’s the latter, you may not care as much…although I am guessing that if you could at least get the lighting right, you might feel good about the cocktail hour and not really require any libations!
So let’s begin with the lighting. This is truly the key to looking better or worse than you would like to look. Here is how lighting plays a role. First of all, you have several options in terms of figuring out where to set up your computer. You can either look at yourself on your phone in selfie mode, or you could click on a link to a zoom call that is taking place in the future and you will be able to see how you look on the screen before the actual call takes place. Let’s call this a rehearsal.
BACKLIGHTING
Here is what happens when you sit with your back to a window. All the light is diffused and you appear hazy. The lighting is unflattering.
COMPUTER HEIGHT
The height of your computer is actually very important. If it is on a desk and you are not a very tall person, you will be shot from below, and that is never flattering. Have you ever taken a selfie and it appears as though you had multiple chins, saggy skin…need I go on? That exact image of yourself, the one you loathe because you didn’t hold the phone up, is exactly what your colleagues will see. And you are not going to like it at all!
Two strikes: Back lit and low computer screen height
This is slightly better because now I am lit from the front, since I moved my computer in front of the window. However, the computer is not raised and I do not like the way I look. You can easily correct this by grabbing a shoebox or some large books, and placing the computer on top of them.
Now I am lit from the front, and I look more proportionate on the screen. Two thumbs up!
So what happens when you cannot place your computer in front of a window? The best thing to do would be to close the blinds or curtains and turn on the lights. This solves some of the problem, and you can solve it completely with these minor adjustments.
If you are wearing glasses, there is likely to be glare bouncing off the lens.
This is easily corrected by angling your computer and/or the lid of your comuter.
Better… but not perfect, as there is still some glare coming from the glasses and the light.
By angling my computer, I am able to eliminate the glare….much better!
How you dress for a zoom meeting is important. You should look exactly how you would look if you were attending the meeting in person. You would not go to a meeting in sweats, uncombed hair and bare faced. You should wear a top that is appropriate and flattering, and your makeup should not be heavy. Everything is exaggerated on camera. Keep your makeup simple. Concealer, tinted moisturizer, bronzer or blush, eyeliner, mascara and a clear gloss is really all you need. Keep your jewelry simple, so that it does not become the focal point.
And last but not least is your background. With Zoom you can add a cool background; however, if you are going to go with natural surroundings, make sure that you like what you see behind you…no unmade bed, or clothes or objects strewn about in disarray. I know that is not how you would want to present yourself, and it can also serve as a distraction.
Lighting, staging and makeup is key to looking your best. You are now ready for your close up….
Lights, camera action!
