I have spent A LOT of time in front of a laptop camera of late. Besides a quick burst when restrictions eased slightly in June and I could see clients face to face, it’s all been through a lens. 

When I’m not styling my personal clients, I am fortunate to work with an amazing organization called Fitted for Work.  Here I get the opportunity to make a difference in the life of women experiencing disadvantage, which I have been lucky enough to continue with virtually in lockdown.

Here are 4 things I have learnt since lockdown about how to make an impact on camera...

1. Lighting: number 1 for a reason. It will make or break your call. I have rearranged the furniture is this room (pictured) on more than one occasion to get it right and when you do this it pays off. Not only do I think it takes 5 years off your age, it also creates a professional and confident presence on-screen. The trick is to have natural light BEHIND your device, artificial won’t cut it (and I estimate it ages you 5 years, especially the yellow kind).

2. Wear a bright something: I experimented with this phenomenon as I like to create an approachable and relaxed first impression with clients (remember it takes less than 3 seconds for the person on the other end of the camera to make up their mind about you). When I wore pinks, greens and purples  it seemed to invite more open conversation and the recipient appeared more at ease. While something more harsh like black and white created a more authoritarian image and lacked warmth. The colour doesn’t need to be in your clothing, try a bold earring or necklace for the same effect.

3. Use lots of body language: smiling and hand gestures go a long way in video conversations. In addition, when you are a recipient and someone is talking to you, nodding and smiling is a great way to help the speaker feel at ease and listened to.  For this reason I recommend having your camera on for all meetings no matter how big or small. 

4. Dig deep into your make-up draw: I don’t wear a lot of make up but I have found a laptop lens a great way to experiment with colour. The lens dulls your complexion and make-up is hard to notice, so amp it up! Wear that bright lipstick you thought was a bit too fluoro or the eyeshadow that seemed awfully sparkly: it won’t be on-camera and in turn it will elevate your screen presence.

Post me your at home in front of the camera selfies! I would love to see.

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