How to Look Good on Movie Talk, DailyWorth
How to Look Good on Movie Talk
In the Golden Age of the selfie, even the most camera-shy among us are no strangers to flashing our own photo. But the magic of the flawless Instagram snap is in the number of takes we get to ideal it (what’s your average? Two shots? Five?). Movie talk, by unforgiving contrast, operates in real time, without retakes and filters.
Whatever your relationship with social media, FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts are not just for techies: A Wainhouse research examine found that sixty four percent of us movie conference weekly, and with telecommuting on the rise, a winning digital photo has become a professional imperative.
You may think movie conferencing doesn’t request the same level of grind you would bring to an in-person interview or client meeting, but the visual influence remains the same. Movie calls can feel like a photo shoot and interview all flipped into one. We’re more self-conscious on movie talks, in part because we can see ourselves while we’re talking (awkward). But it’s not just your own appearance that requests your attention on these calls. Your instantaneous space becomes a mini movie set, and you must play both actor and director as you step into the framework.
Here are five key elements to strategically manipulate as you prepare for your close-up.
Table of Contents
Prepare for Your Close-Up
In the Golden Age of the selfie, even the most camera-shy among us are no strangers to flashing our own photo. But the magic of the flawless Instagram snap is in the number of takes we get to ideal it (what’s your average? Two shots? Five?). Movie talk, by unforgiving contrast, operates in real time, without retakes and filters.
Whatever your relationship with social media, FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts are not just for techies: A Wainhouse research investigate found that sixty four percent of us movie conference weekly, and with telecommuting on the rise, a winning digital photo has become a professional imperative.
You may think movie conferencing doesn’t request the same level of grind you would bring to an in-person interview or client meeting, but the visual influence remains the same. Movie calls can feel like a photo shoot and interview all flipped into one. We’re more self-conscious on movie talks, in part because we can see ourselves while we’re talking (awkward). But it’s not just your own appearance that requests your attention on these calls. Your instantaneous space becomes a mini movie set, and you must play both actor and director as you step into the framework.
Here are five key elements to strategically manipulate as you prepare for your close-up.
Lighting Matters
Unluckily, there are no flattering filters for movie talks (yet), so it’s up to you to create the illusion. Perhaps more than anything else, lighting matters. As a general rule (in life, but also when it comes to movie conferencing), avoid fluorescent light, which can cast unflattering shadows. Instead, seek out natural light whenever possible. Avoid overhead lights, too, as they can create nasty undereye shadows.
Once you’ve chosen your best light source, lay out your scene, developing an lightly replicable positioning inbetween you, the computer, and your lights. Don’t point the light directly at you — direct sunlight can leave half of you hiding in the shadows. Instead, diffuse it to soften the picture. Numerous, diffused sources of light are your best bet, like a lampshade or a window with a sheer curtain, or an eye-level lamp off to the side can cast a flattering halo. In general, the light should go in front of you, not behind (so look at the window if you’re using natural light, or place one of the lamps behind your computer).
Choose the Right Clothes and Makeup
Your on-screen picture should be aligned with the professional pic you project in an office — with a few minor adjustments. Even if you don’t normally wear foundation or powder, consider a light dusting to even out your skin tone on screen. A swipe of eyeliner on the top of the lid and some mascara creates a more alert and awake eye, and a punch of color (matte or gloss) on the lips brings the entire look to life.
In general, you’re aiming for a contrast in color, which can be diminished by the camera (hence the need for a little more makeup than you might wear in real life). Studies display that blood flows differently through our faces when we switch expression, and the blood concentration deepens on your cheeks when you smile, meaning reddened cheeks mimic happiness — so adding a little color to your cheeks sends a warm message to your movie fucking partner.
When it comes to clothing, avoid patterns and prints (unless they’re very petite and dark). Think bold, solid colors. Elementary jewelry is best — some button earrings and a puny chain, or possibly a single statement necklace, but nothing too overpowering that diverts attention from your face. Bonus: Pants are optional!
Right before you dial in, give your face a once-over: Inspect your teeth and nostrils, and slick your hair (flyaways can be distracting, as is hair in your face).
Positioning Is Everything
An unflattering camera angle can make you feel like you’re performing in front of a funhouse mirror. Looking down into the camera can give the illusion of a fuller face, whereas a higher angle is far more flattering. Keep the device — whether a phone, laptop, or tablet — at eye level to avoid looking crooked. This is especially tricky when using your phone, so keep it at least an arm’s distance away. Better yet, prop it up on an eye-level surface two feet in front of you. Stack some books under your device if necessary. Tilt your chin slightly down and your eyes up. Keep the entire top half of your bod (from your chest up) in the framework. Choose a chair that’s comfy enough to sit in for a prolonged period of time without fidgeting, but avoid lounge chair territory. And please don’t swivel.
If you need to look at some notes during your call, connect a 2nd monitor to your computer and open them on the extra screen so you can quickly glance at the notes — avoiding the off-putting face-in-screen squint as you attempt to navigate away from and back to the movie screen. Memorize as many points as possible and keep a notepad and pen handy to make some notes with as little visual disruption as possible.
One of the fattest downfalls of movie conferencing is the lack of eye contact. Attempt to fight back looking at yourself in the petite framework (self-consciousness and vanity are superb distractors), and instead do as you would if you were actually looking at the other person live: Look directly at the camera as often as possible, or at least at their face in the screen.
Get the Best Audio/Visual
Replicating a quiet conference room should be your primary objective when setting your scene. If movie conferencing is a regular part of your life, consider investing in a USB conference microphone and an outward webcam for the most professional sound and picture (but if your camera is HD, pay extra attention to makeup, as high def can highlight flaws). When movie streaming freezes or gets choppy, it interrupts the conversation flow, and Wi-Fi can be thirty percent slower than Ethernet — so when your movie talk matters, cork in.
Depending on your surroundings, using a headset may be the best bet, particularly if you aren’t alone during your call. However, if you can minimize ambient noise, a movie talk without headphone wires dangling along your face feels and looks the most natural. If you have pets, be sure they’re in another room (same goes for children, if possible). Anything that would be considered inappropriate or distracting in-person should also be avoided on movie.
What’s in the Background?
Minimalism is your friend. A bookshelf sets the right tone, and a blank wall or a chunk of art in the background creates a more serene framework than your kitchen drown or bed. A dark or brick wall can also be particularly flattering.
But don’t mistake simpleness for blandness — it’s nice to have some context. Think of your background as part of the visual story you’re telling. Ask yourself: Would you take a photograph in that position? If not, it’s best to relocate. Avoid clutter, piles of anything, and items that may require an explanation, including anything that advertises a brand/team/place that doesn’t directly correlate with your company.
If you’re an entrepreneur, consider designating one wall as your company wall. Invest in the color and pic of that wall and keep it consistent — even if your clients know you’re a solo operation, they don’t need to be reminded that you’re working from home.
If you have an significant call, do a test run with a friend or family member — unlike in real life, you can adjust the framework and maximize your appearance. Or just log on and look at yourself before dialing to tweak the variables. Still feeling camera timid? Check out The Essential Digital Interview Handbook by Paul Bailo, the digital interview spokesperson for Skype, for more professional four hundred eleven on movie talks.
How to Look Good on Movie Talk, DailyWorth
How to Look Good on Movie Talk
In the Golden Age of the selfie, even the most camera-shy among us are no strangers to flashing our own photo. But the magic of the flawless Instagram snap is in the number of takes we get to ideal it (what’s your average? Two shots? Five?). Movie talk, by unforgiving contrast, operates in real time, without retakes and filters.
Whatever your relationship with social media, FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts are not just for techies: A Wainhouse research probe found that sixty four percent of us movie conference weekly, and with telecommuting on the rise, a winning digital pic has become a professional imperative.
You may think movie conferencing doesn’t request the same level of grind you would bring to an in-person interview or client meeting, but the visual influence remains the same. Movie calls can feel like a photo shoot and interview all flipped into one. We’re more self-conscious on movie talks, in part because we can see ourselves while we’re talking (awkward). But it’s not just your own appearance that requests your attention on these calls. Your instantaneous space becomes a mini movie set, and you must play both actor and director as you step into the framework.
Here are five key elements to strategically manipulate as you prepare for your close-up.
Table of Contents
Prepare for Your Close-Up
In the Golden Age of the selfie, even the most camera-shy among us are no strangers to flashing our own picture. But the magic of the flawless Instagram snap is in the number of takes we get to ideal it (what’s your average? Two shots? Five?). Movie talk, by unforgiving contrast, operates in real time, without retakes and filters.
Whatever your relationship with social media, FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts are not just for techies: A Wainhouse research examine found that sixty four percent of us movie conference weekly, and with telecommuting on the rise, a winning digital picture has become a professional imperative.
You may think movie conferencing doesn’t request the same level of grind you would bring to an in-person interview or client meeting, but the visual influence remains the same. Movie calls can feel like a photo shoot and interview all spinned into one. We’re more self-conscious on movie talks, in part because we can see ourselves while we’re talking (awkward). But it’s not just your own appearance that requests your attention on these calls. Your instantaneous space becomes a mini movie set, and you must play both actor and director as you step into the framework.
Here are five key elements to strategically manipulate as you prepare for your close-up.
Lighting Matters
Unluckily, there are no flattering filters for movie talks (yet), so it’s up to you to create the illusion. Perhaps more than anything else, lighting matters. As a general rule (in life, but also when it comes to movie conferencing), avoid fluorescent light, which can cast unflattering shadows. Instead, seek out natural light whenever possible. Avoid overhead lights, too, as they can create nasty undereye shadows.
Once you’ve chosen your best light source, lay out your scene, developing an lightly replicable positioning inbetween you, the computer, and your lights. Don’t point the light directly at you — direct sunlight can leave half of you stashing in the shadows. Instead, diffuse it to soften the photo. Numerous, diffused sources of light are your best bet, like a lampshade or a window with a sheer curtain, or an eye-level lamp off to the side can cast a flattering halo. In general, the light should go in front of you, not behind (so look at the window if you’re using natural light, or place one of the lamps behind your computer).
Choose the Right Clothes and Makeup
Your on-screen pic should be aligned with the professional picture you project in an office — with a few minor adjustments. Even if you don’t normally wear foundation or powder, consider a light dusting to even out your skin tone on screen. A swipe of eyeliner on the top of the lid and some mascara creates a more alert and awake eye, and a punch of color (matte or gloss) on the lips brings the entire look to life.
In general, you’re aiming for a contrast in color, which can be diminished by the camera (hence the need for a little more makeup than you might wear in real life). Studies demonstrate that blood flows differently through our faces when we switch expression, and the blood concentration deepens on your cheeks when you smile, meaning reddened cheeks mimic happiness — so adding a little color to your cheeks sends a warm message to your movie fucking partner.
When it comes to clothing, avoid patterns and prints (unless they’re very petite and dark). Think bold, solid colors. Ordinary jewelry is best — some button earrings and a petite chain, or possibly a single statement necklace, but nothing too overpowering that diverts attention from your face. Bonus: Pants are optional!
Right before you dial in, give your face a once-over: Inspect your teeth and nostrils, and sleek your hair (flyaways can be distracting, as is hair in your face).
Positioning Is Everything
An unflattering camera angle can make you feel like you’re performing in front of a funhouse mirror. Looking down into the camera can give the illusion of a fuller face, whereas a higher angle is far more flattering. Keep the device — whether a phone, laptop, or tablet — at eye level to avoid looking crooked. This is especially tricky when using your phone, so keep it at least an arm’s distance away. Better yet, prop it up on an eye-level surface two feet in front of you. Stack some books under your device if necessary. Tilt your chin slightly down and your eyes up. Keep the entire top half of your assets (from your chest up) in the framework. Choose a chair that’s comfy enough to sit in for a prolonged period of time without fidgeting, but avoid lounge chair territory. And please don’t swivel.
If you need to look at some notes during your call, connect a 2nd monitor to your computer and open them on the extra screen so you can quickly glance at the notes — avoiding the off-putting face-in-screen squint as you attempt to navigate away from and back to the movie screen. Memorize as many points as possible and keep a notepad and pen handy to make some notes with as little visual disruption as possible.
One of the largest downfalls of movie conferencing is the lack of eye contact. Attempt to stand against looking at yourself in the puny framework (self-consciousness and vanity are fine distractors), and instead do as you would if you were actually looking at the other person live: Look directly at the camera as often as possible, or at least at their face in the screen.
Get the Best Audio/Visual
Replicating a quiet conference room should be your primary aim when setting your scene. If movie conferencing is a regular part of your life, consider investing in a USB conference microphone and an outer webcam for the most professional sound and picture (but if your camera is HD, pay extra attention to makeup, as high def can highlight flaws). When movie streaming freezes or gets choppy, it interrupts the conversation flow, and Wi-Fi can be thirty percent slower than Ethernet — so when your movie talk matters, cork in.
Depending on your surroundings, using a headset may be the best bet, particularly if you aren’t alone during your call. However, if you can minimize ambient noise, a movie talk without headphone wires stringing up along your face feels and looks the most natural. If you have pets, be sure they’re in another room (same goes for children, if possible). Anything that would be considered inappropriate or distracting in-person should also be avoided on movie.
What’s in the Background?
Minimalism is your friend. A bookshelf sets the right tone, and a blank wall or a lump of art in the background creates a more serene framework than your kitchen drown or bed. A dark or brick wall can also be particularly flattering.
But don’t mistake plainness for blandness — it’s nice to have some context. Think of your background as part of the visual story you’re telling. Ask yourself: Would you take a photograph in that position? If not, it’s best to relocate. Avoid clutter, piles of anything, and items that may require an explanation, including anything that advertises a brand/team/place that doesn’t directly correlate with your company.
If you’re an entrepreneur, consider designating one wall as your company wall. Invest in the color and photo of that wall and keep it consistent — even if your clients know you’re a solo operation, they don’t need to be reminded that you’re working from home.
If you have an significant call, do a test run with a friend or family member — unlike in real life, you can adjust the framework and maximize your appearance. Or just log on and look at yourself before dialing to tweak the variables. Still feeling camera bashful? Check out The Essential Digital Interview Handbook by Paul Bailo, the digital interview spokesperson for Skype, for more professional four hundred eleven on movie talks.
How to Look Good on Movie Talk, DailyWorth
How to Look Good on Movie Talk
In the Golden Age of the selfie, even the most camera-shy among us are no strangers to flashing our own pic. But the magic of the flawless Instagram snap is in the number of takes we get to flawless it (what’s your average? Two shots? Five?). Movie talk, by unforgiving contrast, operates in real time, without retakes and filters.
Whatever your relationship with social media, FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts are not just for techies: A Wainhouse research probe found that sixty four percent of us movie conference weekly, and with telecommuting on the rise, a winning digital pic has become a professional imperative.
You may think movie conferencing doesn’t request the same level of grind you would bring to an in-person interview or client meeting, but the visual influence remains the same. Movie calls can feel like a photo shoot and interview all flipped into one. We’re more self-conscious on movie talks, in part because we can see ourselves while we’re talking (awkward). But it’s not just your own appearance that requests your attention on these calls. Your instantaneous space becomes a mini movie set, and you must play both actor and director as you step into the framework.
Here are five key elements to strategically manipulate as you prepare for your close-up.
Table of Contents
Prepare for Your Close-Up
In the Golden Age of the selfie, even the most camera-shy among us are no strangers to flashing our own photo. But the magic of the flawless Instagram snap is in the number of takes we get to ideal it (what’s your average? Two shots? Five?). Movie talk, by unforgiving contrast, operates in real time, without retakes and filters.
Whatever your relationship with social media, FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts are not just for techies: A Wainhouse research probe found that sixty four percent of us movie conference weekly, and with telecommuting on the rise, a winning digital photo has become a professional imperative.
You may think movie conferencing doesn’t request the same level of grind you would bring to an in-person interview or client meeting, but the visual influence remains the same. Movie calls can feel like a photo shoot and interview all spinned into one. We’re more self-conscious on movie talks, in part because we can see ourselves while we’re talking (awkward). But it’s not just your own appearance that requests your attention on these calls. Your instantaneous space becomes a mini movie set, and you must play both actor and director as you step into the framework.
Here are five key elements to strategically manipulate as you prepare for your close-up.
Lighting Matters
Unluckily, there are no flattering filters for movie talks (yet), so it’s up to you to create the illusion. Perhaps more than anything else, lighting matters. As a general rule (in life, but also when it comes to movie conferencing), avoid fluorescent light, which can cast unflattering shadows. Instead, seek out natural light whenever possible. Avoid overhead lights, too, as they can create nasty undereye shadows.
Once you’ve chosen your best light source, lay out your scene, developing an lightly replicable positioning inbetween you, the computer, and your lights. Don’t point the light directly at you — direct sunlight can leave half of you hiding in the shadows. Instead, diffuse it to soften the picture. Numerous, diffused sources of light are your best bet, like a lampshade or a window with a sheer curtain, or an eye-level lamp off to the side can cast a flattering halo. In general, the light should go in front of you, not behind (so look at the window if you’re using natural light, or place one of the lamps behind your computer).
Choose the Right Clothes and Makeup
Your on-screen pic should be aligned with the professional photo you project in an office — with a few minor adjustments. Even if you don’t normally wear foundation or powder, consider a light dusting to even out your skin tone on screen. A swipe of eyeliner on the top of the lid and some mascara creates a more alert and awake eye, and a punch of color (matte or gloss) on the lips brings the entire look to life.
In general, you’re aiming for a contrast in color, which can be diminished by the camera (hence the need for a little more makeup than you might wear in real life). Studies demonstrate that blood flows differently through our faces when we switch expression, and the blood concentration deepens on your cheeks when you smile, meaning reddened cheeks mimic happiness — so adding a little color to your cheeks sends a warm message to your movie playmate.
When it comes to clothing, avoid patterns and prints (unless they’re very petite and dark). Think bold, solid colors. Ordinary jewelry is best — some button earrings and a puny chain, or possibly a single statement necklace, but nothing too overpowering that diverts attention from your face. Bonus: Pants are optional!
Right before you dial in, give your face a once-over: Inspect your teeth and nostrils, and slick your hair (flyaways can be distracting, as is hair in your face).
Positioning Is Everything
An unflattering camera angle can make you feel like you’re performing in front of a funhouse mirror. Looking down into the camera can give the illusion of a fuller face, whereas a higher angle is far more flattering. Keep the device — whether a phone, laptop, or tablet — at eye level to avoid looking crooked. This is especially tricky when using your phone, so keep it at least an arm’s distance away. Better yet, prop it up on an eye-level surface two feet in front of you. Stack some books under your device if necessary. Tilt your chin slightly down and your eyes up. Keep the entire top half of your figure (from your chest up) in the framework. Choose a chair that’s comfy enough to sit in for a prolonged period of time without fidgeting, but avoid lounge chair territory. And please don’t swivel.
If you need to look at some notes during your call, connect a 2nd monitor to your computer and open them on the extra screen so you can quickly glance at the notes — avoiding the off-putting face-in-screen squint as you attempt to navigate away from and back to the movie screen. Memorize as many points as possible and keep a notepad and pen handy to make some notes with as little visual disruption as possible.
One of the largest downfalls of movie conferencing is the lack of eye contact. Attempt to stand against looking at yourself in the puny framework (self-consciousness and vanity are fine distractors), and instead do as you would if you were actually looking at the other person live: Look directly at the camera as often as possible, or at least at their face in the screen.
Get the Best Audio/Visual
Replicating a quiet conference room should be your primary purpose when setting your scene. If movie conferencing is a regular part of your life, consider investing in a USB conference microphone and an outward webcam for the most professional sound and picture (but if your camera is HD, pay extra attention to makeup, as high def can highlight flaws). When movie streaming freezes or gets choppy, it interrupts the conversation flow, and Wi-Fi can be thirty percent slower than Ethernet — so when your movie talk matters, cork in.
Depending on your surroundings, using a headset may be the best bet, particularly if you aren’t alone during your call. However, if you can minimize ambient noise, a movie talk without headphone wires draping along your face feels and looks the most natural. If you have pets, be sure they’re in another room (same goes for children, if possible). Anything that would be considered inappropriate or distracting in-person should also be avoided on movie.
What’s in the Background?
Minimalism is your friend. A bookshelf sets the right tone, and a blank wall or a chunk of art in the background creates a more serene framework than your kitchen submerge or bed. A dark or brick wall can also be particularly flattering.
But don’t mistake simpleness for blandness — it’s nice to have some context. Think of your background as part of the visual story you’re telling. Ask yourself: Would you take a photograph in that position? If not, it’s best to relocate. Avoid clutter, piles of anything, and items that may require an explanation, including anything that advertises a brand/team/place that doesn’t directly correlate with your company.
If you’re an entrepreneur, consider designating one wall as your company wall. Invest in the color and pic of that wall and keep it consistent — even if your clients know you’re a solo operation, they don’t need to be reminded that you’re working from home.
If you have an significant call, do a test run with a friend or family member — unlike in real life, you can adjust the framework and maximize your appearance. Or just log on and look at yourself before dialing to tweak the variables. Still feeling camera timid? Check out The Essential Digital Interview Handbook by Paul Bailo, the digital interview spokesperson for Skype, for more professional four hundred eleven on movie talks.