In the weeks that have passed, video calls have been getting their day in the sun. Or rather, their day indoors and at least two metres away from human contact during essential outings. We anticipate this will only see an upward trend in the many weeks to come, which is why we did some digging. Here’s how you can look good on Zoom / Google Hangouts / Skype / Facetime / Houseparty etc. according to Tom Ford.
In preparation for a video call interview with Larry David, New York Times journalist Maureen Dowd enlisted the help of Ford. The internationally renowned fashion designer and modern king of aesthetics broke it down real simple like. No makeup tricks. No elaborate facial exercises. Just old-fashioned perspective and lighting.
Step 1: Angle
“Put the computer up on a stack of books so the camera is slightly higher than your head. Say, about the top of your head. And then point it down into your eyes.”
Step 2: Lighting
“Take a tall lamp and set it next to the computer on the side of your face you feel is best. The lamp should be in line with and slightly behind the computer so the light falls nicely on your face.”
Step 3: Reflect
“Then put a piece of white paper or a white tablecloth on the table you are sitting at but make sure it can’t be seen in the frame. It will give you a bit of fill and bounce. Voilà!”
Bonus: Non-Tom Ford Tip
Clearly aware of what vain nitwits we humans are, the developers of Zoom have included a built-in filter within the programming to soften our visual appearances. Don’t worry, it’s very subtle. No need to worry about looking too obvious or anything.
Here’s how you can access this filter to look good on Zoom:
WINDOWS + MAC ON START UP
Settings > Video > Touch Up My Appearance ✓
WINDOWS + MAC WHEN YOU START/JOIN A MEETING
Video Settings > Touch Up My Appearance ✓
iOS
Settings > Meetings > Touch Up My Appearance ✓
Feel like you’re not hitting your potential WFH? Check out these 5 hacks to increase your working from home productivity.
