How to Get the Best Out of Your Video with Wardrobe
When you think ‘video production’, you instantly conjure up images of cameras, tripods, lights and editing suites. But there’s one component of video production that is essential yet frequently gets overlooked: wardrobe.
When it comes to wardrobe, it’s very easy to miss the mark. Unfortunately, many people don’t consider what they’re wearing before they step in front of a camera, and in many instances can have a negative impact all the effort that’s gone into pre-production.
We regularly get asked what talent should wear (and avoid!) when they’re preparing a video shoot for their corporate video or explainer video. Here are our top tips for what to wear (and what not to wear) on a video shoot.
Keep it Simple
Don’t wear too many colours or patterns at once; you want your audience to listen to you, not ask questions about your wardrobe. Checks, pin stripes and other patterns often ‘strobe’ on camera so your safest best is to wear block colours in muted tones like blues and creams. In saying that, try to avoid bright white as well because white clothing can often ‘blow out’ on camera. If you can’t avoid it, pair your white shirt or blouse with a dark jacket or blazer to tone down the effect.
Accessories
Watch out for accessories that might reflect the light or make noise. Bangles might look lovely (they might even be very ‘you’) but if you move your hands and your bangles clatter together, the sound engineer won’t be happy. If you wear glasses because you’re blind without them, or because they’re a recognisable feature on your face, keep them on. However, sometimes glasses can cause glares or reflections so be prepared that the camera crew may need to adjust their position or your glasses to make it work.
Hair & Makeup
Even if you’re not usually a makeup kind of person, a once-over of foundation isn’t a bad idea – but avoid bright lipstick and glossy lip gloss that could come across as gaudy and reflective on camera. Makeup can help smooth your complexion, cover imperfections and reduce shine. Bring some tissues to dab perspiration and reduce shine during breaks. If you normally keep your hair down, don’t feel like you need to pull it back for the camera, but make sure it’s not hanging all over your face. Remember to take a comb along for the final touches.
Green Screens
It might sound obvious, but if you know you’re going to be filmed in front of a green screen, do not wear green. When a green screen is used, any green in the image is digitally replaced with something else (either in the control room or in editing afterwards). Often this is to give the illusion that you’re being interviewed at an interesting location (eg. in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge) when in reality you’re actually sitting in a studio somewhere in the middle of Sydney city. If you are wearing green items of clothing, however, they too will be replaced with the background, giving the illusion of a floating head or ‘holes’ in your body. If you’re not sure if a green screen will be used, play it safe and avoid green altogether.
Revealing Clothing
Avoid low-cut tops, short skirts, exceptionally form-fitting clothing or anything that leaves very little to the imagination. After all, the viewer is interested in listening to what you have to say, not getting an eye-full.
Context
If you’re shooting a documentary about sheep farming, dressing up in your Sunday best while attempting to jump over puddles isn’t appropriate. Your clothing should suit the point of your video, so that means formal corporate attire for formal corporate business videos.
Be Comfortable
Above all else, it’s essential that you feel comfortable in whatever you decide to wear. When you feel comfortable, you look confident and relaxed.
For more information about producing an explainer video or corporate video for your business, drop the friendly team at Onepost Video Production a line today.