Flatter Yourself Part II: The Secrets to Looking Good on Camera

In Part I of this blog post, I shared advice for finding the most flattering camera angle for yourself. If you didn't read it already, I highly suggest doing so! This week, a couple more valuable tips for looking your best on camera.


One very important component is Creating Depth and Dimension with lighting. You know the old saying that the camera adds 10 pounds? It's more or less true. To illustrate this point, try this: close one eye and look straight ahead. Now, switch eyes-- see how your vision jumps? One eye is offset to give your vision depth and dimension so you don't bump into things. The camera only has one eye: the lens. As a result, it doesn't perceive depth so everything looks flatter and wider. This can be corrected with proper lighting. In a basic three point light set up, you should have one light pointed directly at you (called the "key" light). In most cases it shouldn't be straight on in front of your face; it should be at an angle to create shadows and therefore, dimension.

The Key Light Should be
Slightly to the Side

The most flattering angle for you likely lands anywhere between 20° and 30°. The further from the camera the light is, the more shadowing you'll get. These shadows are slimming, but they can also highlight flaws like acne scars or wrinkles, so trial and error is the only way to find your sweet spot.


Another camera trick involves Cropping and Framing. Proper framing can really help you look slimmer. It may sound counterintuitive at first, but the bigger you are, the tighter the shot should be. By cropping out a bulging stomach or thick arms, you create an illusion of being thinner.


Also, don't crop at the widest part of your body. For instance, a woman might have a bigger bust but a thin waist. If you crop the shot right in the middle of her chest, she'll look very broad. Either crop above her chest or below it where the body is narrower for a flattering look.


When you're investing in a video for your business, you really want to look your best. Keep these tips in mind and you'll love the way you look in the end.

Flatter Yourself: The Secrets to Looking Good on Camera, Part I

This article was originally posted in May of 2011.  It's an oldie but a goodie so I thought I should repost it. Enjoy!

Are you camera shy? Many people hate the way they look on TV, but can't quite pinpoint why. A good videographer knows the secrets to showing someone off in their best light. Today, my lucky friends, I've decided to share some of these secrets with you because, hey, I'm a nice gal. Ready?

Part I of this blog focuses on Picking the Right Perspective. By perspective, I mean where the camera lens is in relation to your face. Depending on the person and the situation, the correct perspective is variable. There are three places the lens can be:

Slightly Low, Looking Up at the Subject

This is the hardest perspective to pull off. By shooting from a lower angle, the jawline becomes more pronounced so you run the risk of looking like you have a thick neck or double chin. However, there ARE times when this is appropriate. Consider teeny, tiny US Senator Barbara Boxer. When she first ran for office, her campaign ads were deliberately shot from this low angle to make her seem like an imposing figure-- someone to be reckoned with. As a Lilliputian myself, I can fully appreciate this tactic. If you're smaller in stature, slim and/or seeking world domination, this is definitely the way to go.

Even with the Subject's Eye Line

This is the safest choice in most business situations, especially for men. It's a flattering angle and puts you on level with the viewer. Every feature is in accurate and proper proportion. It's the most true-to-life perspective.

Slightly Higher, Looking Down at the Subject

Just this weekend, I offered to take a picture of a group of friends who were at a wedding. The girl with the camera reluctantly handed over her camera and I couldn't understand why-- did she think I was going to steal it? After I took the picture (from the Even perspective) she made everyone pose again while she took turned the camera around on herself, extended her arm high in the air and snapped the photo saying "I like this angle better." Now I understood why she didn't want me to take the picture! Being shot from above is flattering. It warps the proportions in the opposite way being shot from below does; the eyes look larger, the jaw looks thinner and by tilting your face up, the shadows disappear. This option is better for women than men since wide eyes and thin jaws are considered feminine features. However, if you're a woman trying to break the glass ceiling, you might want to put yourself on the "Even" playing field, literally and figuratively.

I'll bet you learned a little something, am I right? Check back next week for some lighting and framing tips.

You may have noticed that our blog page now has sponsors. These sponsors make it possible for us to provide free production advice week after week.  Please click on their ads!

Lessons Learned: Video Production Tips from a Pro

I realize that not every business has a budget for hiring a professional video crew to create your web videos (though this is something you should be aspiring to!) and doing it yourself is sometimes the only option.  I recently had a business associate sheepishly confide in me that he and his partner tried to shoot some videos of themselves for their website, and they were extremely unhappy with the outcome.  The lighting was unflattering and the sound was inaudible.

While only a professional camera and lighting can really make you shine, sometimes DIY video is your most economical option.  Lately, I've noticed a lot of videos that could use some small tweaks to exponentially up the quality.  Below, some quick and inexpensive tips for improving your DIY video.

Know Your Angle
I don't mean knowing which is your most flattering side.  This tip is directed right at you iPhone users!  Firstly, I would like to state that I don't care if the iPhone claims to shoot HD video-- the quality will simply never be the same as even a decent camera that does one thing: shoot video.  Ever hear the term "Jack of all trades, but master of none"?  That's the iPhone. If you do insist on using your iPhone, please make sure you hold it sideways!  Think of the shape of your TV- it's wider than it is tall.  This is the angle you need to have to make your video match the shape of the devices it will be viewed on: a TV, computer screen, or the YouTube video window.

Keep it Steady
Don't try to hand hold your recording device whether it be a camera or a phone.  Unless you're a practiced pro, holding a camera steady sounds a lot easier than it really is, and you won't realize what a shaky hand you have until you watch the video back.  You don't need an expensive tripod to get a steady image.  Literally, a pile of telephone books on a desk and a stapler to lean the camera up against will do the job.  Remember, no one will know that you rigged a tripod, but if you try to go hand held everyone will see the shaky result.

Don't Just Focus on the Picture
I know it's called "video" but the audio is at least as important as the picture, isn't it?  You really need to use an external microphone to get decent sound.  A lavalier microphone (the kind that clips to your tie) is your best bet.  You can pick up a cheap one at Best Buy for about  $30, and it is well worth the expense.

Every single one of these pointers is inspired by at least one DIY video I've personally seen in the past few weeks.  While I always stress that professional video will show you in the best light (as I always say, "A professionally produced video can draw clients in just as easily as a poorly produced one can drive them away") if you must do it yourself hopefully these tips will help. 

Remember the associates I mentioned earlier who learned the hard way that shooting video is trickier than it seems? Long story short, they are my new best clients!

Are We There Yet? Knowing It's Time to Add Video to Your Marketing Plan

Think back to a time when the internet was a novelty.  You likely used it to chat with strangers or play games.  Now look at what it's blossomed into: the epicenter of commerce.  Any serious business has a website.  Today there's another shift taking place.  Just having a website that lists your contact information and services provided is no longer enough.  Websites need to be dynamic and interactive, and adding video is an integral part of achieving that.

I’ve never met a single business owner who said, “Oh, I would NEVER want a video to market my business.”  Video is one of the most compelling ways to reach potential clients, and most business owners know it!  Yet they often put off pulling together a video production, either because of expense or they think it’s too time consuming. 

There are certain milestones in any business that signal it’s time to add video to your marketing plan.

You’re Rebuilding Your Website

Video is a key component of any modern website, and by making a video the centerpiece of your home page, not only will you clearly and quickly explain what you have to offer, you’ll send the message that your company is current and cutting edge.

You’re Offering a New Product or Service

Introduce clients to a new facet of your business.  If you’re undertaking a new endeavor, chances are you’re excited about it!  Show customers how committed you are to this venture by dedicating a video to this innovative part of your company.

You’re Re-Branding

Face it: as your company evolves you may re-brand it more than once over the course of its lifetime.  If you’re going to invest in a video, you’ll want it to have the longest shelf life possible.  The production should coincide with the launch of your new branding to ensure you get the most use out of it.

You Have an Event

Whether it’s a trade show, a fundraiser or the unveiling of a new product, people love a video presentation.  A well-produced video will grab the attention of your audience in a way that no speech or PowerPoint presentation can.

There’s really no other medium to clearly communicate who you are and what you do than video. When the time is right, invest in a professional production and show the world what makes your business stand out.


You may notice that our blog now hosts advertisements.  These advertisements make it possible for us to continue to provide free information and advice.  Please click on their links!

Video Testimonials: The Best Kept Secret for Building Your Online Presence

It's no secret that word of mouth is a great tool for building your business.  As we all know, word spreads like wildfire! One happy customer can steer dozens more your way.  In fact, 90% of customers identify word of mouth as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source about ideas and information on products and services (NOP World).

I'm constantly asked to shoot video testimonials and for good reason: videotaped testimonials on your website greatly boost the credibility of your business. Seeing and hearing from a satisfied customer has a much greater impact than just reading about their experience.

There are even more benefits to video testimonials too, IF you use them in the right way.  I'm sure you've been hearing a lot about Search Engine Optimization, which basically means how close to the top of the results list your website is during keyword searches on sites like Google.  Having mulitple videos online is one way to boost your SEO, and creating multiple video testimonials is an affordable way to get there. 

The key to getting the most value is to shoot all of the testimonials in one day at one location (as opposed to having your crew shoot several days in several locations) and then breaking each testimonial into separate clips instead of stringing them together into one long clip.  With one half day shoot, you can have five videos up and running online!

You might think it’s tough to get your clients to go on camera, but with just a little incentive you’d be surprised at their willingness. Here’s how to go about it:

· If you're B2B, point out it’s free exposure for their own business.

· Sweeten the deal with a discount on a future service.

· Tell them that it won’t take up a lot of time, probably just 30 minutes.

· Assure them that it’s a professional production. A professional set up will show them in their best light.

· Provide them with questions they’ll be asked ahead of time. They’ll feel more confident if they’re prepared.

· Remind them that your only goal is to make them look and sound as good as possible; after all, they’re representing YOU!

You may notice that our blog now hosts advertisements.  These advertisements make it possible for us to continue to provide free information and advice.  Please click on their links!

Holiday Hope: How Non Profits Can Use Video to Inspire People to Give

This time of year, people are more likely to open their hearts-- and wallets!-- to good causes.  Non profits often make an extra push to get people to give, but with so much competition they may need to work harder to stand out among the pack. For non profits, video is an invaluable-- and often underutilized-- tool for fundraising. 

It’s one thing to tell potential donors how you’re changing lives, but it’s a whole other ballgame to actually show them and introduce them to the people you help through video. Non profits inherently have all the makings for a gripping story: conflict (why there is a need for this organization), compelling characters (those who benefit from the non profit’s work) and a happy ending (hope). The key to getting donors to open their checkbooks is to hit a range of emotions in one piece. Here are some guidelines:

Throw in hard facts.
These can be statistics about the cause (1.35 million children are homeless in America) or about the non profit itself (“Helping Hands” shelters more than 1000 homeless children every year). This gives donors some background and context.

Introduce someone in need.
Tug at your audience’s heartstrings by featuring a success story. Let them tell their story in their own words as much as possible. They should start by explaining what their initial situation was and why they needed help. Then they should describe what the non profit has done for them and how their lives are improved today. Ask them: where would they be today without “Helping Hands”? A dramatic success story illustrates that the non profit is effective.

End on a hopeful note.
You’ll want your audience to feel good by the end of the video: that this cause is fixable, that they have the power to help and that you’re the organization to do the work. First, reiterate what the non profit accomplishes, and show a visual to support that. For instance, you might say “Helping Hands: giving thousands of children a place to call home” while showing smiling kids eating breakfast or playing together. Then, deliver a call to action. This could be as generic as “Please support Helping Hands” or if you have a specific goal in mind, “Help us reach our goal of $1 Million for homeless kids.”
By hitting all the right notes, a video can help non profits reach their fundraising goals and, in turn, impact lives.

Spend Wisely: Saving Money on a Video Without Cutting Corners on Production

It’s no secret that hiring a video production team is an investment. There are costs associated with scripting, scouting, shooting and editing. However, a little thinking ahead can get you a lot of content. The secret lies in making the most of your shoot day.


Identify Your Needs

Different videos have different purposes—you may want to air a 30 second commercial on TV, produce a two minute video for your website, and create a video that sells your product without sound (for instance, by using words on the screen) for noisy trade shows.

You may not need all three of these projects at the same time, but if you consolidate the production by shooting elements for all three videos in one shoot day, you’ll get a 3-for-1 deal on shooting and most likely a discount on scripting and editing for doing multiple projects at once.

Communicate with Your Producer

Tell your producer up front what you’d like to achieve now and for future projects. You may have a trade show coming up in just a few weeks that you desperately need a video for, but haven’t you always toyed with the idea of adding video to your website? A good producer will know how to multitask to accomplish everything at a minimum cost.

You’ll Also Save in the Edit Suite

There’s much more to editing than just cutting clips together. Importing video, color correcting, adjusting audio levels and exporting are all labor and time intensive components of professional editing. Editors often work on an hourly rate, so when they are able to “batch their tasks” by completing several projects for the same client at once, you’re the one saving money.

Like with anything else, a little organization saves time and helps your video marketing dollars go further.

You may note that our blog now has sponsors. These sponsors make it possible for us to continue to provide free video production advice.  Please visit their sites by clicking on the links!