If you're like most people, you've probably been using Zoom (or another video conferencing platform) for work meetings, happy hours with friends, and family gatherings ever since the pandemic started. And if you're anything like me, you probably cringe every time you see yourself on screen. I'm not exactly sure what it is—maybe it's the terrible overhead hospital lights or super low resolution of the computer built-in webcam—but I always seem to look a little bit worse on video than I do in real life.
Thankfully, there are a few simple tricks you can use to spruce up your appearance on Zoom (or any other video conferencing platform). In this blog post, we'll show you how to use your iPhone camera to look your best on Zoom.
1. Use your smart phone. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a high-quality camera will make a world of difference in the way you look on camera. Most computer webcams are very low resolution despite the screen interface which is very high resolution. A better camera such as your iPhone will help to minimize those imperfections and give you a smoother, more polished look on screen.
2. Make sure your lighting is good and this means you may need a Ring light from Best Buy. Poor lighting is one of the main reasons why people look bad on webcam. Most webcams are terrible in low light. And when the light is low, the image is super grainy. If possible, set up your computer near a window so that natural light can illuminate your face. If that's not possible, try using a desk lamp or floor lamp to light up the room. But for your face, you will want to invest in a Ring light. And position it to the side and not directly in front. And please, whatever you do, don't use overhead fluorescent lighting—it will make you look washed out and give you those pesky under-eye circles.
3. Use Camo Studio to connect your smart phone to your computer and zoom application. Camo Studio lets you adjust all the settings rather than having the iPhone constantly adjusting. Have you ever seen your colors change wildly during your Zoom call? That won’t happen with Camo Studio as you will be able to set your white balance. Camo Studio does cost a tiny amount but if you want the free version, the image will be 720. And this may be fine in some cases and much better than our computers.
4. Invest in a small desktop camera mount or camera mount for your monitor. You’ll want to position your smart phone near the top of the screen so that you can talk directly into your smart phone camera lens while to the other person. This will look as if you are using your computers webcam. I recommend the Sunpak mount that comes with the Ring Light at Best Buy.
But don't just take my word for it!! Here's an article on USA Today that talks a little more about it.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident next time you're getting ready for a video call! Remember, practice makes perfect—the more comfortable you are using Zoom (or any other video conferencing platform), the better you'll look and sound on camera! So relax and be yourself, and eventually you'll get the hang of it! Be sure to check out my other helpful videos on my instgram https://www.instagram.com/spark_pixel/.
Spark pixel is a video production service located in Centre County Pennsylvania near state college, creating marketing videos for business and entrepreneurs. Corey Beasley is the owner operator of Spark Pixel. He is a video producer and videographer. Spark Pixel services all businesses in central Pennsylvania and beyond. Want to learn more about how Spark Pixel video production and how we can create a beautiful marketing video for your business that gets noticed and talked about? Feel free to reach out! www.spark-pixel.com
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