You’re scheduled to appear on camera for a video shoot! What do you wear, how are you supposed to act? No need to worry, you will look and sound your best, of course, by following these simple guidelines.
What to wear
Before you go to the closet to select your favorite outfit, bear in mind that the video camera “sees” color and pattern differently than the human eye. So it’s important to dress for the way the camera actually sees you, not what looks good to your eye. Video cameras don’t like high contrast. For this reason, the most important rule to follow in selecting your on-camera outfit is to keep it simple and low-key. You don’t want the audience to focus on what you’re wearing more than what you’re saying!
Good colors to wear are in the medium range, such as medium blue, green (unless you're appearing on a green screen), maroon, wine, light brown, rust, and gray. Remember to avoid wearing pure white or deep black. In fact, an off white shirt will look white to the camera.
Video cameras don’t take too kindly to strong patterns like plaids, stripes, checks or any pattern which is clearly visible from 10 feet away. And for that matter, stay away from glittery material like sequins or anything that’s very shiny and reflects light. Never wear anything that distracts from the message you’re trying to convey to the camera. For instance, a Mickey Mouse T-shirt wouldn’t look appropriate if you were discuss the merits of your company products even if you are the product engineer!
What to do with your body
When presenting before the camera what are you supposed to do with your body and hands? Moving around is perfectly fine provided it adds to your message. If you do use your hands remember to hold them up higher so the camera can see the hands and your face. If you’re nervous, try not to fiddle with the mic cable or play with keys in your pocket. Nervous habits have a way of becoming magnified on camera.
Keep those eyes from shifiting around too much. It’s okay to look at your audience but remember that your audience is also inside the camera. Look at the camera from time to time if you’re making an audience presentation. On the other hand, if you’re being interviewed on camera just look at the interviewer and not the camera. The eyes tell a lot about who you are and how you’re feeling. If you make any subtle side to side eye movement or look at the camera crew you’ll appear distracting and the audience will wonder what’s up and not listen to your message. If you must look away to gather your thoughts, just look down.
Some speakers have a habit of rocking back and forth while standing or in their chairs. Be sure to move with a clear purpose in mind. There’s nothing more aggravating than watching someone who moves back and forth in the same spot. Erratic movements can also be distracting, not to mention how difficult it is for the camera person to follow your unpredictable movements. And if you’re sitting, keep those legs crossed at the ankle or keep both feet on the ground.
Glasses and make-up
Contrary to popular belief, make-up is not a requirement for appearing on-camera. However, if you’re the CEO making an important presentation it’s well worth the expense of having a makeup person help you look your best. If your forehead shines under the lights, some face power is all that’s needed to keep the glare down. For women, no special makeup is needed other than what you might choose to wear normally. Depending upon your position in the company you may want a makeup person to help you look your best.
Glasses test the talent of your lighting director. Glasses have a tendency to reflect the glare of the lights right back into the lens. There’s nothing more annoying than watching an interesting speaker only to be distracted by beams of light coming off a pair of glasses. If you can help it, don’t wear glasses unless you can’t see without them. If you do need to wear glasses be sure you have a great lighting director.
Where am I being videotaped?
Sometimes you’ll have to make a presentation on the factory floor or in your office. In these cases be sure your work and work area show no safety or code violations. If a safety violation is videotaped even by accident, the company can be fined! During the shoot itself, it is important to have your co-workers avoid laughing or loud talking in the background during video taping. The microphone will pick up any extraneous noise.
Final word
Just follow some of these tips and it’s really not so hard to look good for the camera. Just be yourself, relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience
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