Let’s be real – a video call, whether on the Zoom platform or any of the other options is now a regular part of our work lives. For a casual team catch-up or an important client meeting, how you present yourself on screen matters. But don’t worry! It doesn’t take a fancy studio setup to look good on a video call. With a few tweaks to your lighting, background, and tech, you can totally upgrade your home office video call game to a professional level. Let’s walk through some easy, practical tips to help you shine on screen (literally!).
Perfecting Your Video Call Lighting
Lighting is one of those things that people often overlook, but it can make a huge difference. Bad lighting can make you look like you’re sitting in a cave or worse, like a glowing ghost. Thankfully, it’s pretty simple to fix!
Natural Lighting
If you have a window in your home office, you’re already halfway there. Natural light is the most flattering and can make your face look warm and inviting. Set up your desk near the window but try to avoid having it directly behind you (unless you want to look like a shadowy figure). Instead, have the light hit your face from the front or side. Got too much sun? Blinds or curtains will help you soften it up and keep the focus on you, not the glare.
Artificial Lighting
No window? No problem! Artificial lighting can easily work in your favor. Soft white or daylight bulbs do wonders for creating a bright yet natural glow. Ring lights are incredibly popular for a reason: they make everyone look camera-ready. Place the light source in front of you, angled toward your face, and say goodbye to weird shadows. It’s like your own mini photo shoot setup, but without the fuss.
Here are two we have recently reviewed and that are currently available on Amazon. The NEEWER Professional LED Ring Light with Stand and a Clip-on Video Conference Lighting Kit for a monitor. The NEEWER Professional LED Ring light offers 55W 5600K lighting with white and orange color filter set and is dimmable, lightweight and portable. Ideal for content creation and someone wanting to get a professional setup in their home office.
The Clip-on Video Conference Lighting kit for a monitor is great for someone on the go who needs quick convenience with great lighting. There are 3 color temperatures and 5 levels of brightness in the 10W LED light. It connects via usb and is an easy plug and play option.
Quick Lighting Tips
Avoid backlighting (it makes you look like a silhouette) and consider using a diffuser or a softbox if your light is too harsh. These simple tools will spread the light more evenly and give you that professional, polished look. We discuss the things you need to know about lighting in the home office in more depth here – check it out.
Creating the Ideal Background
Your background says a lot about you during a video call. You don’t need to have a perfect Pinterest-worthy space, but a little attention to detail can go a long way in looking polished and professional.
Professional Background
Keep your background clean and uncluttered. A neat bookcase, some artwork, or even a few plants can make your space feel welcoming without distracting from the conversation. The key here is balance. You want your background to look intentional, but not overly busy or chaotic. Simplicity often wins!
Virtual Backgrounds
If cleaning up your space isn’t an option or if you’re in a temporary setup, virtual backgrounds can save the day. Just pick something simple and professional, such as an office setting or a clean, neutral image. Make sure the virtual background doesn’t glitch or compete with your outfit, and always avoid the temptation to use something too quirky (no one needs to see you in front of a tropical beach scene unless it’s that kind of meeting).
Background Tips
Stay away from personal items or clutter in your background. A messy space can be distracting and might even give off the wrong impression. Instead, aim for a space that feels tidy and put together—kind of like how you’d want your office to look if someone stopped by for a quick chat.
Essential Tech Tips for a Smooth Video Call
Now, let’s get into the tech side of things. You don’t need to be a tech whiz to pull off a flawless video call, but having the right tools will definitely make things easier (and less stressful!).
Camera Quality
Ever noticed how some people look super crisp on video while others are blurry? That’s all about camera quality. A high-resolution webcam can make a huge difference in how you appear on screen. Aim for 1080p or higher, and make sure the camera is at eye level, as no one wants to be staring up your nose or seeing you from an awkward angle.
Pro tip: Stack some books under your laptop or invest in a webcam stand to get that perfect angle.
One top choice for quality we recommend is NexiGo N60 1080P Webcam with Microphone. It delivers crisp Full HD video and clear audio with its built-in noise-reducing microphone, perfect for video calls and streaming. It also includes a privacy cover for added security and an adjustable field of view, all at an affordable price (it’s an Amazon’s best seller too!).
Microphone and Audio
Clear audio is just as important as looking good. Your laptop’s built-in mic may not cut it, especially if you’re dealing with background noise. A good quality microphone or headset can make you sound crisp and clear, helping people focus on what you’re saying instead of straining to hear you. Don’t forget to check your audio settings before each call to make sure everything is working smoothly.
A top pick for headsets that’s available on Amazon is the LEVN (2024 version) USB Headset with Microphone which features noise-cancelling technology to deliver clear, high-quality audio for calls and virtual meetings. It has excellent battery life – up to 65 hours (so will last a week with 8 hours talk time). And, comes with a charging base stand helping to keep your desk clear of clutter. With its comfortable (and stylish) design and plug-and-play USB connection, it’s an affordable and durable option for daily use in both professional and home office settings.
Internet Connection
No one wants to freeze mid-sentence or drop out of a call. A stable, fast internet connection is key. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, consider moving closer to your router or even connecting directly with an ethernet cable for extra stability. If you’re having consistent issues, upgrading your router or using a Wi-Fi booster might be a good investment for the long haul.
Tech Setup Tips
Keeping your software up to date is always a good move—nothing worse than a random crash during a call! Also, creating a designated workspace will help you stay focused and minimize interruptions during important meetings. Having your standard setup ready to go will make hopping on video calls less of a hassle.
Wrapping It Up
Transforming your home office for perfect video calls doesn’t take much effort, but it can make a world of difference. With the right lighting, a thoughtful background, and a few tech upgrades, you can create a workspace that’s not only functional but also professional and inviting. These small adjustments will ensure you look and sound your best, whether it’s a quick check-in or a lengthy conference. Plus, the added confidence from knowing your setup is on point can help you stay focused and productive. So go ahead, give these tips a try, and step up your video call game—you’ve got this!
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