I’ve heard it said that every one of us is within a couple of feet of a camera — sometimes multiple cameras. Stop for a moment and take inventory. Where is your phone? Where is your laptop, your iPad, your desktop? How many cameras are within arm’s reach?
If you’re like most of us, cameras are all around us, which means you might be taking a picture or on someone’s web camera in an instant. Does that mean we always have to be camera ready?
It’s not a bad idea, but not very feasible. Who can be camera ready all the time? Part of this is boundary setting. If someone is calling you via their webcam and answering it means you’re going to be on camera too, then make a decision. Either answer it or don’t. Simple enough.
But here’s the good news:
When it come to being on camera, no one expects you to be a supermodel. (Now, you may want that for yourself, but that is a different post.)
If you want to be camera ready, consider the following:
- Your clothing and your hair are the very first things the viewer sees and you want to make a good first impression.
- Fix your hair and do your makeup (if makeup applies to you).
- Wear something that makes you feel great, confident and happy.
- Make sure clothing is “broken in” and comfortable when you wear it.
- Choose a color that looks flattering on you. If others comment on how great you look when you wear a particular color, chances are it will be a good choice.
- Solid colors are best. Everyone looks good in some shade of blue.
- Don’t wear white.
- Black is questionable, but it works for some.
- Don’t wear black and white together as the contrast is too sharp.
- No busy prints.
- No stripes.
- Don’t wear dangly jewelry that might bang against the microphone if you have an external one.
- Make sure your wardrobe, makeup and hair are consistent with your message.
- If you wear glasses, point them down a bit at the ears so that there won’t be so much reflection.
- Don’t wear shiny jewelry as it reflects light.
One caveat: Cameras are becoming more and more sophisticated these days. Therefore, with some wearing white and stripes is no longer the “no no” it used to be. If you’re unsure about the quality of the camera, play it safe. You can’t go wrong with the suggestions above.
Cameras are everywhere and chances are more and more people are going to expect us to answer video phone calls at a moment’s notice. Take these few tips to heart and you’ll never have to worry about being camera ready again, and wouldn’t that be a great feeling!
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. If you know someone who would benefit from the information contained in our Savvy Sunday News, use this link now. If they sign up, both – that person and you – will each be entered in a drawing to win a complimentary book and media strategy session with me. 🙂 “