5 ways to look your best on video calls from JLo, Kate Middleton and more stars

Think of zoom as your virtual red carpet. Whether it’s for an interview or casual Instagram Live chat, typically stars will style things up. Since pajamas are basically the uniform these days, it’s fun to get primmed and put on real clothes. So, go for it. Of course, if no one is seeing below the waist - you keep those sweatpants and slippers on and live your coziest life.

Poor lighting is a big reason why you’re not glowing like JLo. (LITerally). I mean, only JLo can glow like JLo, but you get the point. Bad lighting is the most common mistake people make on video chat. You’ve probably even seen major stars conducting Instagram Lives in the shadows. That’s why Hollywood has professional lighting designers!

Speaking of, EMMY-nominated Lighting Designer Christien Methot recently designed easy-use CameraReady litebars so users can shine at home. Another more familiar route is getting a ring light. There are many types availble, but aim for one with a phone holder so you can pop it in, turn on the light and go!

We all know what it’s like to video chat with someone who sounds like they’re underwater. Don’t be that person! If you can, seclude yourself in a quiet room and silence all air-conditioners, heaters and barking dogs. Pop in your headphones so fellow zoomees don’t hear any feedback. If you want to sound super crisp, you can purchase a high quality external microphone (like Yeti) for a fairly reasonable price.

We love this stunning photo Nicole Kidman shared from her recent virtual press tour for The Undoing. Check out that camera, mic and pro lighting!

In a professional setting, don’t let people get distracted by what’s behind you. You don’t want anyone zoning out by staring at your abstract painting or taking mental trips to Disney World after seeing your family photos on the shelf. Keep things simple.

We recommend filming in front of a blank wall like Angelina Jolie did here. There are also pop up backdrops you can purchase that will cover whatever mess you have going on judgement-free.

Note: Angelina wore a white shirt so she would pop against the dark background.

As any filmmaker or “influencer” will tell you, angles are everything. Look at Kate Middleton here, for instance. The radiant royal utilized a laptop stand for a virtual chat (hack: you can use a pile of big books to do this for free).

Ensuring your laptop is at eye level with you is extremely important. If the camera is lower than you, you’ll look bigger. If the camera is too high, your viewers will feel like they’re giants staring down at you. The Duchess is expertly eye level with the camera and ready to dazzle all day.

We hope these tips help you light up every virtual room you enter. After all, who doesn’t want to do that?