Menu

Stacks Image 269
Guest presentation by Theophilus Jamal, Video Producer for the College of Business.

A Methodology for Presenting Yourself in Front of a Camera

Ten Components of Being Camera-ready

  1. Choosing a Recording Space.
  2. Camera Placement.
  3. Distance from the Camera.
  4. Posture.
  5. Lighting.
  6. Framing and Composition.
  7. Background.
  8. Hair & Make-up.
  9. Wardrobe.
  10. Test Recording.

1: Choosing a Recording Space

  • Size of room
  • Furniture in room
  • Color of walls
  • Ceiling height
  • Windows, glass, mirrors, sunlight, time of day
  • Carpet or rugs on floors
  • External sounds, noise, distractions
  • Outlets
  • Electronics (could interfere with sound signal)

2: Camera Placement

  • High angle/ low angle
  • Computer fans/ white noise
  • USB or built-in camera

3: Distance from the Camera

  • Wide angle lens
  • Sight line/ eye contact
  • Lens Distortion on Human Face

4: Posture

  • Sitting upright
  • Standing
  • Slouching
  • Sight line

5: Lighting

  • Natural light
  • Soft light
  • Color temperature of various light bulbs
  • Bounced light
  • Diffusion

6: Framing and Composition

  • Center-framed
  • Slight headroom above subject
  • Head and shoulders
  • Balanced background elements

7: Background

  • Plain solid colored wall
  • Non-distracting
  • Implies who you are
  • Greenscreen

8: Hair and Make-up

Cameras can accentuate wrinkles, affect skin tone, and magnify skin flaws. Makeup is used to correct the distortions caused by the camera lens and lights. Makeup is used to bring out natural features and cover up ay blemishes.

  • Clean face and moisturizer
  • Floss teeth and rinse
  • Concealer
  • Powder (esp. nose, chin, forehead)
  • Hairspray
  • Tissues, powder, and brush
  • Dark skin/ Light Skin
  • Glasses/ contacts

Good advice here: How to Apply Camera-Friendly Makeup for Men and Women.

9: Wardrobe

  • Solid colors. Pastels are best.
  • Avoid white & red. Avoid matching the wall.
  • Avoid tight lined patterns. Freaks camera out.

10: Test Recording

  • Practice makes perfect.
  • Points out issues that you can correct before your presentation.
  • Gives you a chance to get used to how you look and sound on camera.
  • Fidgeting, touching face, rocking back and forth, adjusting glasses, clearing throat
  • Keep finger on mute button (in case you need to cough)

General Advice

3 Keys to Looking Good On Camera:

  1. Preparation.
    • Camera settings and equipment set-up is done in advance.
    • Workspace is tidy. Water and tissues are within reach. Any reference notes are pulled up in advance and available on desktop.
    • Last minute looks in mirror. Concealer for blemishes. Light powder on nose. Take a deep breath before beginning.
  2. Confidence.
    • Familiarity with how you look and sound on camera.
    • Good posture and eye-contact.
    • Remember, you are the expert.
  3. Practice, practice, practice.
    • Short practice recordings.
    • Develop comfort with being on camera.
    • Pay attention to nervous ticks, both speaking and physical.
    • Be patient and forgiving with yourself.
    • Learn to forget the camera.