Nostrils 101 (or how not to embarrass yourself on a video call!)

When asked by a photographer which side of your face is your most photogenic, “The underside” is replied by no one - ever. Why is it then that many laptop manufacturers seem to have had a brainstorming meeting to answer the question “how do we make our laptop cameras get a better shot of double chins and nostril hair?” “I know, let’s put it as low down as possible, that would be the perfect angle, and we’ll also be able to get sponsorship from ceiling paint and lighting fixture manufacturers”. The guy is now probably VP of the department of idiotic ideas on a 6-figure salary.
 
Strangely, many laptop and tablet manufacturers do now place their cameras so low that it completely wipes out the face-to-face experience that they are trying to achieve, so to compensate for their total lack of common sense, here are a few tips to improve your face-to-face and face-to-many meetings that we are all having to endure during this lock-down.

Firstly, it is ideal to get your camera to as near your eye level as possible, and a good tip here is rather than kneeling on the floor, prop up your laptop on a box or some books - when in doubt, higher is better than lower.

Secondly, try to make sure that there is a plain background behind you, blue or grey works best for a good camera to skin contrast. You can also use the blurring effect that many software apps like Zoom or Teams offer because although these often remove your ears, this is still far less distracting to your audience than seeing your significant other in the background shampooing the dog in the sink.
 
Lighting is also important, if you sit with a bright window behind you, you will look like a silhouette, which is fine if you are choosing anonymity to cover your crimes. Instead, try to make sure there is lighting falling on your face, so your colleagues can enjoy you in all your glory.
 
Finally, background noise is very distracting, so try to set up in a quiet place and always remain muted until you talk. Headsets are good to use where possible, they not only improve the audio you send to your audience, but they also have the advantage of making your lock-down hair look far less stupid.
 
If you follow these simple rules, you will find teleconferencing much more enjoyable for everyone.

If you would like our experts at ClarkPowell to work with you on your remote communication needs, please reach out to our very photogenic sales team on 800 532-1099
 
P.S. Wear pants.

​Mike Parks (mparks@clark-powell.com)