Feeling Camera Ready for a Video Shoot
Sitting in front of a camera is really challenging for most of us. The nerves, insecurities, and self-doubt we feel just THINKING about being on camera can be intense. Like worrying and lying awake in the middle of the night type stress. The good news is that it is my job to make you look and feel your best. I do that with high-quality video gear, attractive lighting, and fastidious editing. Your job is to show up as comfortable as you can be in your own skin. That means when you look at yourself in the mirror that morning, you look like YOU, not a version of you that you think you should be. This includes hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
Let’s start with hair. Yes, you want your hair to look good. So put some thought into it. Use whatever products you would normally use when you are looking your best, keeping in mind that frizzies and flyaways show up more prominently on video than you would think. Do not attempt a new hairdo or a new hair color the day before. Look like you. The same goes for makeup. Do not pile it on. Yes, we want to make sure you aren’t too shiny (I always bring transparent powder with me to soften the shine). But we don’t want you to look overly made up unless that is how you normally present yourself in the world. A bit of makeup does look good on video, so wear it. And honestly, maybe wear about 10% more than you normally would. If you love how you look with a bright lip color, then go for it! Just don’t pull out the once a year red lipstick on shoot day if it’s not a look that truly represents how you normally show up in the world.
As far as wardrobe goes — once again, look like YOU. Wear something in your signature color that you feel really good in. Wear your lucky sweater, your favorite top that represents your style, something really flattering on you. That said, try to stay away from solid black or bright white (cream or off white is fine), unless they have a prominent texture that will give it some variation under the video lights. Solid colors are my favorite. Prints are fine, the larger they are the better they will look on video. Small prints like herringbone tend to not do well on video. Stay away from spaghetti straps and most tank tops, unless you have arms like Michelle Obama. Most of my shots will be from the waist up unless I tell you otherwise, so focus on your top half. I always appreciate it when interviewees bring a couple of different tops for us to choose from, so I encourage you to show up with options. This is a good time to dust off your iron and make sure you are wrinkle-free — wrinkles do show up on video and do not look great.
Jewelry — yes! And the message is the same. Wear pieces that represent your personality. Note that with larger, clunkier necklaces there is always a risk that they will hit against the microphone that I will be attaching to your neckline. Soundwise, jangly, clinky earrings aren’t so great either. Otherwise, feel free to wear fun jewelry if that’s a way you like to express your personal style.
The takeaway is this. Dress like you would if you were meeting your best friend at a hip restaurant. The exceptions are if you are intending to stay on brand (color-wise), or if you are representing yourself a bit more conservatively because of the nature of the video project. If this is the case I would still say to look like YOU. Don’t over- or under-do it.