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Read on for 3 simple steps to looking great on-camera

Work from Home Life

So far, this year is feeling a lot like last. As many of us are home-based workers, you may still be dreading online meetings for Zoom calls, giving sales presentations and demos because you don’t feel confident. Dressing well in front of the camera is easier than you might think!

I’m going to tell you exactly how to look great on camera by teaching you:

  • Camera Placement
  • Basic Lighting Techniques
  • How to Curate Your Background

Ready to jump in? Okay, let’s go!

1. Camera Placement

The first thing that I want you to do is to get your camera up to eye level. If you need to get your laptop elevated, grab some books or a box that you’ve got lying around from your latest delivery. It would be best to practice looking directly at the lens because it’s a sign of respect to your audience and will really help you with camera engagement. It’s important to get your camera up to eye level and start practicing looking directly in the lens.

OMH Creative Ring light

2. Basic Lighting Techniques

The next thing you want to do is have basic three-point lighting. You need a key light, fill light, and background light or hair light–or headlights if you don’t have hair like me. For balanced lighting, try and have one main light that’s hitting you from one side, another fill light that’s hitting you from the other side, and then something in the background that separates you from your in the background.

You could also get a ring light. This can be a lamp of some sort. People have been using these a lot lately. They’re really affordable, and you can find them online. If you shop for one, you need to find adjustable options for dimness, brightness, and color temperature. We suggest you look for a 12 to 18-inch ring light.

credibility indicator

3. How to Curate your Background

Okay, last but not least, you need to curate your background. A good starting point is to take everything out of your background. Curate about three feet of space directly behind you. You should have two credibility indicators. One that’s authentic and personal to you and something that shows what you love to do. The other one should be a logo or something for your business that authenticates you to the audience and says, “Hey, I’m very good at what I do.”

See, it’s really pretty easy! If you can do these three things, you will look and feel great on camera, and your audience will notice.

Conclusion:

Making these subtle observational changes to your environment can make all the difference in how you look to your audience. Remember, the best marketing is two-way marketing, and it’s built on trust. If you want to build that trust with your audience, they listen or buy, Make sure to make eye contact with the camera. Light yourself properly and have a background that tells your audience who you are and what makes you unique!

 

OMH, a boutique creative agency that nourishes enterprise software companies (Microsoft and SAP) and their partners with marketing services and training that drive sales.

For more Online coaching, video production, and training tips, check out our premium Storied Teams courses. Make sure to take advantage of our free mini-course. In 30 minutes or less, you’ll feel a lot better about how you look and present on camera!