We know looks aren’t everything. But there’s no denying that lettuce in your teeth and business meetings don’t mix.

In the same way, having a camera angle that doubles the number of chins you have or shows that you’re not wearing any pants will not help you capture the professional image you’re trying to create.

We’re not questioning if YOU look good. As virtual event producers, we’re concerned that you look good ON CAMERA.

We’re giving you our 5 BEST TIPS to ensure you look good for Zoom*. If you stick to these tips, you can avoid embarrassing yourself and becoming a “Top Zoom Fails” highlight reel on YouTube.

Make sure your lighting is in front of you, not behind you. You want to avoid creating the “shadow effect”, which is caused by sitting in between the lighting and your camera. You will appear as a faceless silhouette if the light is behind you. Side lighting will wash half of you out, making you look like Harvey Two-Face. Lighting directly above you will make you look like you’re being abducted.

Solution: Face your brightest source of light. Natural lighting will be your best friend, as It creates a soft, even glow across your face. Open your shades and face a window if you have one.

You can also place a couple of lamps behind your computer if you don’t have access to natural lighting. Many pros recommend ring-lights because they create soft, even lighting.

Bonus tip: Wondering how to look good on Zoom with glasses? Follow these tips to avoid that nasty glare in your glasses:

1. Move your light source to the side and add another “fill light” to your other side. Setting up two lights, ideally at a 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock position, reduces glare.
2. Increase the amount of ambient, soft lighting.
3. Turn down the brightness on your computer screen.

There is one, and only one, acceptable way to position your computer for a Zoom meeting: Eye level and head-on.

You don’t want people feeling like they’re looking up at you. Whether you’re tying in from your laptop or iPhone, placing the camera too low will create some unflattering views such as the dreaded “double chin” effect.

Solution: The table that you’re Zooming from will undoubtedly be lower than your face. Connect to an external monitor or use a stack of books, a box, or anything else you can find to raise your web camera until it is on the same level as your eyes.

If you’re wondering if your messy background is distracting, the answer is yes.

Your face isn’t the only thing making an appearance during a Zoom meeting. People will also get a glimpse into what your bedroom, living room, or office looks like.

Your background should be as professional as possible, whether you are at home or at the office.

Solution: Try your best to sit in front of a clean, neutral background. The simplest solution is a blank wall. A few simple things like plants, pieces of art, or a bookshelf are fine as long as they’re not cluttered or messy. Keeping dirty clothes, piles of paper, or other junk out of your camera shot significantly boosts your professional appearance.

Zoom Hack: Use a virtual Zoom background if your space is cluttered

Can’t get away from the mess? Open Zoom, click on “settings”, and open “Background & Effects”. Pick one of the photos offered by Zoom or upload your own.

Be cautious: Don’t use a Zoom background that will be even more distracting. Instead of pretending like you’re lost in space, we recommend something more subtle, such as the “blur” effect.

We shouldn’t have to explain the dangers of joining a Zoom meeting in your boxer shorts. But just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you have to dress like you’re unemployed.

Solution: Go through your morning routine as though you were attending in person. Take a shower, shave, and dress the way you normally would for work.

Some experts suggest that bright, solid colors work best on camera whereas sharp patterns are distracting and should be avoided.

Although people can’t smell you through a camera, take a few minutes to clean yourself up. You’ll not only look the part of a professional but you’ll feel the part too, which will boost your confidence.

You wouldn’t leave the house before looking at a mirror and you shouldn’t turn on your camera before checking your appearance.

Looking good on Zoom is trickier than looking good in person. Although your hair, makeup, and clothes might look great in person, it can be a different story on screen. Camera angles, the unforgiving built-in laptop camera, and harsh lighting often exaggerates any blemishes in your appearance.

Solution: The #1 thing you can do to make sure you look good on Zoom is to preview your appearance before you turn on your camera.

1. Open Zoom
2. Click on “Settings”
3. Open “Video”

(If your platform doesn’t have a “preview” option you can always use your laptop’s internal camera to check your appearance before going live)

You will see what everyone else is about to see. Is my hair out of control? Do I need to blot out that oily spot on my forehead? Is my camera so low you can count my nose hairs? Can you see my slippers in the corner of the screen?

If you see something wrong, correct it. Once everything checks out, you’re good to go live!

Zoom Hack: How can I look younger or good on Zoom without makeup?

Try this: Select the “Video” settings and then select “touch up my appearance”. This feature helps smooth out any obvious blemishes and is an excellent tool if you don’t have time to apply any makeup.

You’ve worked hard to put on a virtual or hybrid event. Don’t let your appearance on Zoom distract people from your message.

Look the part you’re trying to play by just taking a few minutes to check these 3 things:

1. Yourself (preview your appearance)
2. Your set-up (camera angle)
3. Your surroundings (lighting & background)

In our 15+ years of experience at Virtual Velocity, we know exactly what goes into making an event memorable (for all the right reasons). We know how important the technical set-up is and how distracting unexpected glitches can be.

Your appearance on Zoom can make or break your next big event. Contact our specialists today to see how our experts can help you look good for your next Zoom meeting.

* These tips apply equally to all virtual event platforms.