Signal Fall 2020 Newsletter

14 www.alliancecom.net If you’re new to joining video calls, you’ve probably experienced the sometimes horrifying results of unflattering camera angles and poor lighting. It can be very difficult to focus on anything else when you look old, washed out, and tired—  even when you’re not. Follow these pro tips to look your best on your next video call. That way, you can stop worrying about how you appear and start focusing more on the conversation. #1 Choose your light source carefully. This is probably the most important factor to consider before getting on a video call. Our houses were not designed with these calls in mind, so it’s likely you’ll find yourself in a room with terrible lighting. To fix that, go to a room where you can face a window. Having a natural light source directly in front of you will dramatically improve your appearance on camera. In the absence of natural light, you can purchase a ring light at your local elec- tronic store or online. If that isn’t an option for you right now, any decent lamp will work as long as it’s positioned in front of you, either centered or slightly to the right or left. Avoid sitting with the light source behind you, as you’ll be a silhouette to the other participants. The same goes for having the light directly above you. 5 Tips for Looking Your Best onVideo Calls Make a few changes to go from“Oh, no!” to “I look good!” You may be participating in more video calls these days, whether in a virtual meeting for a community group or just hanging out with family and friends. People are using platforms like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime in unprecedented numbers to stay connected while staying at home.