How to Look Good on Camera

Before we begin, consider how you will look while hosting and recording. The following non-exhaustive list of information can be shared with students, too. Zoom is a camera-based application that enables you to "appear" to remote learners. Just as you would take care to look professional while teaching on campus, it's a good idea to consider how to dress professionally while on-screen.

Common Problems

  • Camera is too low: Avoid giving people a good look into your nostrils or your double chin. Raising your camera to eye level will produce a better image. Not sure if it feels like the correct height? One easy way to tell is if you can see the ceiling in your image. Can you? If so, the camera is still too low! Add another box or book under your computer to raise it up.
  • Camera is too high: When the camera is too high, your face will be cast in shadows—and people will get a good view of your hairline and possibly chest. Try lowering your camera so that its "eye" is at your eye level.
  • Poor eye line: It's difficult to maintain constant eye contact with your camera. Some cameras, especially those built into laptops, are so small that you may forget it's there. To make matters more challenging, it's impractical to memorize or perfectly execute every lecture you need to present. It helps to position your outline or script near the top of your screen, as close as possible to the camera. Move back from the screen to help minimize eye movement.
  • Poor audio quality: Using a quality microphone or headset will help minimize ambient sound and make your voice sound clear.
  • Lack of practice: Especially if you're lecturing online for the first time, do a brief five-second test with your setup. Record yourself and play it back to make sure everything you want to capture sounds and looks good. A brief test will go a long way toward preventing you from losing composure.
  • Distractions: Remember that everyday occurrences such as noise, family, pets, and roommates can interfere with your presentation. Reduce distractions where and when you can.
  • Clothing and eyeglasses: Try to avoid wearing colorful clothing or clothing that is similar to any background color. Do you wear glasses? Try to avoid lens glare.
  • Lighting: If you need light on a dark or stormy day, or if you record in a dark room, place a lamp in front of you but off to the side of your camera. A room that is too bright will make you look washed out. A room that is too dark will make you disappear.

Video Enhancements

Finally, Zoom offers video enhancements that improve video and picture quality (and a popular "beauty filter" that diffuses your appearance). You can adjust for low light, add video filters, and more. These settings allow for a better meeting and webinar experience, as well as allow hosts and participants to add some flair to their video.

  1. To enable the "touch up my appearance" filter, open the Zoom desktop client, and click on the Settings gear icon in the upper right, under your profile picture or initials.
  2. Click the Video tab, and check the box next to Touch up my appearance. Use the slider bar to adjust the effect.

Zoom remembers your preference and uses it the next time you start or join a meeting on this computer.