With remote work and virtual meetings now commonplace, looking professional on video calls like on Skype, Zoom, and HouseParty are more important than ever. Whether you're chatting with colleagues, meeting clients, or attending a virtual event, how you appear on screen greatly impacts how others see you and how well you communicate.
As a professional makeup artist and portrait photographer, I want to share with you some tips on lighting, angles, and makeup that will help you to look your best on video calls.
I promise you don’t need any special lighting, just a desk lamp or a window.
Time to get out of your pajamas, apply a bit of makeup and grab your phone or laptop.
Lighting makes the biggest difference.
You want to make sure people can see you properly and the light is flattering. Try and place the light source, a window or a lamp in front of you. The goal is to have even soft light.
Avoid overhead lighting as it will create weird shadows under your eyes.
Avoid overhead light, the shadows in this image are from my skylights.
Avoid side light as it will only illuminate half your face.
Side light is unflattering.
When you have to resort to artificial light, use a desk lamp. Rather than shining it directly at your face try pointing the light in into the wall ( as long as its a light colour) behind your desk or even the blackout blind if there is a window but its dark outside. Bouncing the light into a wall creates a softer more even light.
Light that’s too bright can create strange highlights on your face and make your skin look a bit too shiny.
Soft bounced light.
Same desk without any lights on.
Take your phone or laptop and walk around your house with the camera on to find the most flattering light.
The best angle for your camera
You need to know which angle to place your camera to make you look good. Work on placing the camera at eye height, avoid placing it too low. You don’t want your neck to look too big or have a double chin.
Thats a no no. Too low.
Keep it at eye height.
Few other tips to remember
Get dressed completely incase you need to get up during your video call.
Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted or remind others at home where they cannot walk so they don't appear in the background.
Mute yourself when not speaking to avoid background noise. Or wear headphones.
Makeup tips
If you love makeup and want to do your usual full makeup routine then go ahead but if you like natural makeup or don’t like to wear much there are some basics that will help you look good on camera.
Event out your skin tone with a foundation or tinted moisturiser.
Apply a bit of powder on areas that are oily like your T- zone to avoid looking shiny. If you have dry skin or don’t have a problem with shine you can skip this step.
Mascara will define and open your eyes. Don’t skip this step.
Bit of color on your cheeks of bronzer will make you look more alive and fresh.
Lips- you can just go with a soft gloss to moistures and add a bit of color or go for a full bright lip if you have time or that’s your look.
If you arent lucky enough to have a full brow, fill in your eyebrows with a pencil as they help to frame your eyes and give your face definition. For those with a full brow, brush them into place with some brow gel.
Don’t have a brow gel? A little pro tip- spray hairspray on an old toothbrush or mascara wand and brush through your brow hairs.