On-Camera Attire Do’s and Don’ts
By Merideth Dushkoff
If you’ve never been on camera before, doing so for the very first time can seem like a daunting task. The possibility that your role in the production could be seen by a significant amount of people can feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, you can prepare yourself ahead of time by knowing some of the basic tricks to looking and feeling your best on camera before your interview rolls around.
Here’s how to make the camera love you:
DON’T
Wear logos, stripes, polka dots, or other busy patterns
High-definition cameras will pick up on anything from the tiniest pinstripes to the boldest floral patterns. Any distracting shapes, stripes, and logos can divert the main focus onto the patterns themselves instead of on you.
Choose harsh colors as your outfit’s main focus
The same principle applies to loud colors and stark shades. The eye will be immediately drawn to your alarming yellow blazer and, before you know it, the audience will have missed half of what you said. Even wearing colors such as all black or all white fails to translate well through the camera lens.
Wear jewelry that rattles
Layering multiple bracelets (especially metal pieces) often creates a distracting clanking noise when speaking with your hands. Some necklaces and dangly earrings can create the same rattling sound. If possible, keep your jewelry to a minimum so your voice can be heard with total clarity.
Wear Tinted Glasses/Sunglasses
Clear, everyday glasses are completely appropriate on camera, especially if they are part of your everyday wear. However, some people may overlook that many everyday, transitional glasses may adjust to a darker tint and stay that way in indoor lighting. If you want to avoid the Bono look, plan to wear contacts or bring an extra pair of transparent glasses.
DO
Be comfortable
Wearing a crisp, new suit on camera seems like a great idea…until about an hour into filming, when your sports jacket starts to feel more like a straightjacket. It’s best to stick with a staple outfit you know you’ll be comfortable in. When you feel good, you will appear to be much more relaxed on camera.
Wear solid, neutral colors
Solid, neutral colors are always the safest bet on camera. They allow you to be the focus without overpowering your appearance. That said, neutrals aren’t just limited to the standard tans and browns. Navy blue, gray, cream, light purple, and grayish greens and blues are all toned-down hues that translate nicely on camera.
Turn off your cell phone
And beeping watches. It will save time, energy, and battery life!
Bring spare clothing options
Bringing a few extra wardrobe changes will be helpful for both you and the production company for several reasons. For one, it ensures that you won’t blend in to a matching background. It also makes certain that not everyone on set is wearing the same color, while also making sure that your outfit works well with the camera and lighting conditions. You may want to consider bringing a few options of the following pieces: shirts, ties, jackets, blazers, pants, glasses and jewelry. Realize that each option is one you may end up wearing on camera, so, again, make sure every piece will be comfortable for you.
Sources:
ReelSEO
Media Training
Real Men Real Style
