Whenever you are seen, consider who is seeing you. How does their “eye” work? The “eye” may not be human. The eye may be a video camera.
Conditions that our eyes would normally compensate for are overexposed or distorted by a video camera’s sensors.” states Antonio Centeno from Real Men Real Style.
You need to think “video camera” not “person.” The camera captures images very differently than our eyes. So know the differences and use them to your advantage.
- Video Cameras have difficulty with High Contrast. The camera light meter will seek a middle value. If there is a lot of white, the darker colors will be underexposed. It there is a lot of black, then hot colors and lighter colors will be overexposed.
- Red is video Unfriendly. Red will bleed when next to a neutral color (like white and black) making your face look flushed. Red is video Unfriendly… I cannot say it enough… especially the red oranges. It has to do with the camera, not you. Be careful, better yet, just don’t wear it for video.
- It will be easier for your video crew to make you look good if you choose cool blues and/or natural tones that are light to medium value (in the center of the color exposure values- where as black and white are at the extremes). Not that you look good in these, but easiest for the video camera to interpret. Think presidential news conferences with the blue drapes, blue ties, etc.
- Also consider pastels and “subdued” color tone, they are neither too soft or harsh for the video camera. Think low-contrast and neutral tones that complement your skin and eyes. ( This gives new meaning to the expression “easy-on-the-eyes”).
- You want to direct the “eye” of the camera to your face and eyes.
- Be careful with patterns, herringbone, pinstripes they confuse the camera. Solid fabric is more camera friendly.
- Lastly, Talk with your camera crew, let them know you appreciate their skill and would listen to any insightful instructions. They see what the camera sees. They will also be the ones editing the video. So get them on your side.