How to Look Good On Camera:
Tips and Techniques from a Pro
Summary: On-Camera Style Mastery
- Dress Smartly: Opt for colors and styles that enhance your skin tone, avoiding complex patterns that distract from your message.
- Emphasize Confidence with Posture: Maintain an upright, confident posture as it communicates authority and engagement.
- Optimal Hair and Makeup: Choose hair and makeup that complement your facial features and the camera’s demands.
- Strategic Accessorizing: Select minimal, elegant accessories to enhance rather than overpower your on-camera presence.
- Lighting and Environment Prep: Understand and adapt to lighting and studio conditions to always look your best on screen.
Hey there, style savants and camera charmers! I’m Alison Deyette, with your no-nonsense guide to looking good on camfrea. Think of me as your backstage pass to the secrets of screen-ready glam.
So, you want to go from camera-shy to camera-fly? Silly line, but you’re in the right place. With over twenty years in the TV biz, I’ve been the go-to expert, turning on-screen hopefuls into on-screen stunners.
Ready to ditch the mediocre and embrace a better look on camera? Let’s dive into the must-knows for making the lens love you. It’s time to amp up your on-camera game! Here’s how to look good on camera.
Dress to Impress (the Camera)
Your wardrobe is your silent spokesperson on camera. Skip those dizzying patterns that scream for attention. Pick colors that enhance your skin tone and don’t wash you out. The good news is that we’re all watching in HD so while patterns used to be a no-no, you can now mix up more of your on-camera wardrobe. Just be wary if the print is super small or the stripes are thin and repeating close to one another it may look like it’s moving on camera. Ultimately, let’s keep the focus on you, not your fashion faux pas. Viewers will remember when you look good and when you look messy. You’d rather they be complimenting you. The other day I saw an interview on the local news where the interviewee was wearing a wrinkled, slackened tee that looked like he slept in it and a cross-body bag across his chest with his sunglasses hanging off them. My husband and I commented had he just worn a simple tee that looked fresher with his jeans and taken off the bag and sunglasses he’d immediately looked better. Such a simple tweak, but instead we judged his fashion choice of looking unkempt and still having his bag as if suggesting the interview wasn’t important enough for him to get settled. Yes, we judged. We all judge. You know you do too. That’s why your visual is as important as what you say and how you say it. So when you get an opportunity to be on camera or a stage step up your style a little.
Celebrate Your Shape
It’s all about embracing and flaunting what you’ve got. Know your body type like the back of your well-manicured hand and dress to highlight those killer features. Confidence is your best outfit, so wear it loud and proud!
Posture: Your Secret Superpower
Here’s a little secret: your posture is your undercover agent for authority. Stand tall like you own the place, shoulders rolled back, chin up – it’s your invisible crown, darling. Slouching is a no-go unless you’re aiming for the ‘unprepared and uninterested’ look.
The Hair and Makeup Dynamic Duo
Think of them as your fairy godmothers. Opt for a hairstyle that flirts perfectly with your face shape and outfit. Makeup? Keep it simple yet stunning. Yes, you’ll likely wear more than you usually do on an average day. And, if you like your eyes to pop a little more add false lashes. It took me a while to master this on my own, but it’s worth it. Even placing demi ones on the corners of the eyes can be a boost.
Accessorize Wisely
Jewelry and accessories are the cherries on top of your on-air sundae. But remember, less is more. Choose pieces that whisper elegance, not ones that shout over you. And noisy bangles? They’re not invited to this party.
Lighting: Your On-Camera BFF
Lighting can be your bestie or your nemesis. Get familiar with it before you go live. You want to look like you’re basking in a golden-hour glow, not caught in a spotlight or lurking in the shadows.
Dress for the (Studio) Weather
Studios are fickle beasts – chilly one minute, sauna-like the next. Be strategic with your outfit choice to keep comfy without stealing the spotlight from your message. And for those ‘oops’ sweat moments? Patterns or layers are your sly cover-up pals. And women, wear a bra. You know what can happen if it’s cold in the studio. You don’t want your nips poppin’ and gaining unwanted attention from everyone around you.
Smile and Own the Moment
And here’s the kicker – have a blast! Your on-air gig is your stage to shine. Flash that megawatt smile, let your personality sparkle, and enjoy the ride. Remember, when you’re having fun, your audience is too.
For more media training tips check out these articles: Soundbites That Stick: Key Strategies for Media Success and Your Media Training Game Plan
Alison Deyette is a TV host, brand spokesperson, and media training expert. She has helped CEOs, executives, on-air personalities, professional athletes, doctors, experts, and Fortune 500 companies develop and express their messaging and content for television, web series, social media, corporate video, public speaking, and presentations. As your media trainer and on-camera coach, she’ll help to transform you into a powerful, confident, and focused speaker or personality. She is the regular lifestyle expert for The Kelly Clarkson Show, KTLA Los Angeles, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, Today and regularly works with brands on HSN, QVC, and other networks.