On-screen talent wants to look the best they can and confidence to deliver talented charisma comes from within. The best way to achieve this is to focus on the internal craft of acting. But many actors, as well as anyone who steps in front of the camera, are self-conscious about their image. These simple tips to being more photogenic will help anyone look their best on screen. That way they can worry about the many other facets such as memorizing lines and delivering them in a convincing manner.
Wardrobe
The basic rule is to wear solid colors. They become less distracting but that might not be the option you want to go towards. They can wear a logo t-shirt. But remember if it is a large center logo or image on the shirt it can detract from the face. Color plays an important part and each person’s complexion will respond differently to the colors they wear. Dark blues play well against a pale or ruddish complexion as well as many other skin types and is a good basic choice. A more swarthy skin tone might want brighter colors to accentuate the contrast. Discuss these concerns with wardrobe to achieve the desired look of the shoot. The fabric plays a huge part as certain polyesters give off an immense glare when filmed. Cottons are always best and smooth works better than course. You want the viewers noticing the face not the clothing.
Makeup
Most of the job of makeup in a shoot is to not be noticed. Giving a smooth concealer and wipedown to keep face oils at a minimum is really all that is required in most shoots. Doing the minimum will go a lot better than overdoing it unless it special effects related. However, having no makeup at all might display an over aged face on screen. Remember, the lights will be hot and makeup tends to run so touchups in between takes is a good idea.
Camera Placement
From a profile view, everyone has a good and less good side. Know which side you look better on and discuss that as an option with the director. When doing a straight on facing view, try to keep the eyes aligned with the camera. This makes the viewer more comfortable about the onscreen person speaking.
Lighting
The bright lights of a production will enhance all the features on the subject’s face, sometimes creating unwarranted shadows. If they place the lights directly behind the camera and just above the subject’s eye line you should get the best results.
Confidence
When stepping in front of the camera or a live audience, a wave of unfamiliar feelings come over a novice. Spending time rehearsing so the talent knows what to say and how comes only with practice. It is something that can be achieved. The best way to focus on one’s onscreen confidence is to forget about all the preceding tips and work from within. The best way to achieve that is by having all the preceding tips already done.
The viewers of any video will subconsciously judge these details and just looking good isn’t enough to convey a message. Accepting your appearance is something that comes hard to even the best-looking people. Providing cast members with positive reinforcement will go a lot further than what their fears tell them. So boost each other with compliments and in the end, just let go of your personal worries about looks.
