Should the webcam be at the top or bottom of the screen?



Learn the do’s and don’ts of how to light your video Zoom, FaceTime or Skype calls. Jay P demonstrates how to improve your lighting so you can look professional and make a better impression in your video conference calls.

Today I am going to talk about a Zoom, Skype or FaceTime call that will really make you look good. That is the important thing, that they can see you and that you look professional. You want to make sure you get that camera in the right place. Make sure you get a lighting situation that works for you and your face and the situation you are in. Whether it is in your house or your desk against the wall, there are so many different things to overcome.

I suggest the first thing in this process is to pick a place and create an environment where you go there to do your calls and not be roaming around the house all of the time. Pick a place, create a look and set all your lighting up there. Then you can go back to it every time. You don’t have to keep setting it up. Because if it is hard for you to set this up it is going to be difficult for you each time and you will stop doing it. You’ll think, “Oh I’ll just grab a shot over here in the corner.” So let’s get to that. Let’s take a look around and find our place.

The first principle in setting up your station is going to be camera angle. We don’t want a low camera angle. Our camera is generally in our laptop and we have a tendency to put the camera on our lap or on the counter. This gives us a low camera angle, looking up underneath us. Which is a terrible place for that laptop to be. We want to get that laptop up. Up to our eye level at least so the camera is at our eye level or higher. When we do that it gives us a much better look at our face. It’s like 5 chins down low. Eye level is a great look at your face. In order to do that I am just going to use a box. Now with using a box the camera is in a much better place. It is above my eyes or at least at eye level. It gives a nice look at your face and at your surroundings. You are not looking at the ceiling. Don’t frame yourself so your face is way down at the bottom of the frame. Get yourself up in the frame. Tilt the laptop screen down so you see a better view of yourself.

Set it up so you have space where you can lean and you can write during the call. Centering yourself in the frame helps you to look very professional. If you lean back whatever is closest to the camera is going to look larger. As you lean in you see your face and not your abdomen and you look much nicer in the frame. So that is positioning the camera. It is really important to get that camera up and placed where you can lean in and be centered in the frame.

Once I have the camera in the right position it creates an issue for my keyboard and track pad. It is too high to be able to work comfortably. So I use a USB keyboard and a mouse. That allows me to do all of my work underneath here on my surface. I can lean in as I’m talking and be able to take notes if I need to. Using the USB keyboard and a mouse makes it much easier to be able to work during the call and still look professional. With the simple addition of a box in order to get the camera up high and a keyboard and a mouse we now have a much more professional set-up going.

We haven’t conquered our light yet. We are using our video lights we are using to shoot this segment. So we’ll turn those off and let’s take a look at our lighting and what we need to do to fix that. Whoa, my face is dark and I am backlit. There are several things we can do to fix this lighting. Let’s take a look at each one of them. Lighting situations that will make your Zoom conference or Skype call so much better.

Here is the light on my face. It is a terrible situation for a couple of reasons. One is we have back light behind us. We have a window back there. Window light is a beautiful light. If I simply take my laptop and my box and I move over to the window I automatically have a beautiful light on my face. It is open and bright and very soft. It is just a great way to work. There are some drawbacks to working at a window. Sometimes the sun goes down. Sometimes we get direct sunlight through the window. Or you may not have a window. It gets dark at night time. If you have a conference call at night time you don’t have any light whatsoever. You are going to look terrible.

Another drawback about windows is every time you set up to the window you see the entire house behind you. I see Andy back there on the camera. That becomes a problem. So a lot of times when you are using window light your are showing your entire house. Maybe that will work or you or maybe it won’t. But a lot of the time it does not. You need to get yourself in a situation where you have complete control of the light. That way it won’t go away when it gets dark. And you can make it so you will always look good.

I have a set-up here that works great. Our sponsor today is Litra lights and Platypod. I am using those two together to give a lighting situation that you can control, get in the right position and high enough to look good on your face. This is also a portable system that you can move and go on location with. It is a very easy light to work with.

So right now we will turn off the video lights and go to this set-up. This is a LitraPro and a LitraTorch. You can easily do this with two LitraTorch lights. In fact you can get this kit that is put together for this. With this set-up they have the little diffuser on the front. This gives me the ability with the Platypod Goosenecks and Platypod Max to position my lights where I want them to be. I can set this right behind my computer. Because where do I want my light? I want the lights to create a butterfly with the light up and in front of me. I will not run these on full power. I will run them about half power. I space them up to the right and left and that gives me nice light on my face. If you have issues with seeing the light in your glasses simply push your glasses up a little bit in the back and that gets rid of the glare. Now I have a much nicer even light on my face. That butterfly position is flattering. It is the same lighting that is used in doing a portrait.

Now I am not loving the set-up here because of the background. The windows create issues. This will be better if I am set up against a wall. Before we move to that I want to show you one more tip that I love. This is a Logitech C920 1080p webcam. I have been using this for my classes that I teach. I just put this on the Platypod Max and use the Platypod Goosenecks to put the camera right in front of my computer screen. Now as I am looking I still have plenty of area to see the screen behind it, especially if I am on a larger monitor. It makes it look as if I am looking straight at the computer. You know how it looks like people are looking off and not looking at you at eye level. This helps me to look directly at the person I am talking with. If I don’t like that and I want to get it up a little higher, I can take this Platypod Gooseneck and attach it to the Platypod Max along with my lights. Now the camera is a little bit higher and looking over the top of my laptop. And then I have my 2 lights right and left. It gives me a nice look with a 1080p camera. This is just another option you can do.

Let’s take a look at this up against a wall. I am against a wall here and very self-contained. The laptop is on the box. The lights are overhead and the camera is just above the laptop. Now we can just let the background be. This works if you have a computer set up against a wall. It’ll work if you want to move it to a different place in the house if it is too noisy where you are. Any box will work for this set-up. Take your box and tape your Platypod onto it so you can move it around if you need to.

You can also take these lights and turn them so they bounce light off of the wall and back at you. It lowers the output of the lights because you are bouncing the light. So I am going to take off the covers. This gives you a much softer light. It is a very pretty light. I like this light. If you are older this is a great way to light to soften your features. Turning the lights toward you is a little more directional. You can do a combination where one light is bounced and the other is turned toward you.

Lighting is very important. Take some time to make sure it works. This set-up with the LitraPro and LitraTorch or two LitraTorch lights and the Platypod Max and Goosenecks gives you the ability to place your lights where you need them. That is what is really important, to get them in the right position, up above your camera. If you want to be able to make the set up more permanent or if you want to be able to move it around as a package get a power strip of some sort with USB ports. Then you can take the cables off of your Litra lights and plug them into the USB ports. You can also plug in your computer and camera so you have power all day long. I am in Zoom calls sometimes that are three hours long. Using the power strip with the USB ports allows me to keep going and not run out of battery.

So why go to this much trouble to set this up? Because you want to look professional. You want to get your camera in the right place so you look your best. And the lights in the right place so you look your best. Then you have a very professional presentation for your Skype, Zoom or conference calls of any sort. Then you will look your best.

We would like to thank Platypod for sponsoring this segment of The Slanted Lens and Litra for providing the lights. So if you want to pick some of this up to recreate it to get your own Skype, Conference or Zoom station check out the links in this write-up. It also helps if you get them through our affiliate program.

Also, head over to our YouTube channel and subscribe. Our statistics show that only one in seventy eight people who watch our videos subscribe. So help us out by subscribing to our channel. We need your support. We want you to be a part of The Slanted Lens. Join our group and keep those cameras rollin’ and keep on clickin’!

Webcam positioning is crucial when it comes to video conferencing. A poorly positioned webcam can lead to a less than ideal experience for both the viewer and the presenter. It's important to pay attention to webcam angles, placement, framing, distance, composition, perspective, field of view, lighting, and background to achieve the best results.

When positioning a webcam, it's important to consider the angle. The best webcam position is usually at eye level, which helps to avoid unflattering angles and a double chin effect. A webcam positioned too high or too low can make the presenter look unprofessional or distorted.

A webcam positioning guide can be helpful for those who are new to video conferencing or streaming. There are also webcam positioning software programs available that can assist in achieving the best webcam position.

Proper webcam positioning is crucial for a successful video conferencing or streaming experience. Expert techniques for flattering angles include webcam angles, placement, framing, distance, composition, perspective, field of view, lighting, and background. By following the best webcam position tips and considering the related search terms such as webcam angle for video calls or best webcam position for Zoom, one can achieve the ideal webcam placement for their needs.

Understanding Webcam Positioning: Key Concepts

When it comes to video conferencing, having a clear and well-positioned webcam is essential to ensure a productive and professional virtual meeting experience. In this section, we'll explore the key concepts related to webcam positioning, including Field of View, Composition and Framing, Perspective and Angles, and Lighting and Background.

Field of View

Field of View (FoV) refers to the area that a webcam captures in its view. Understanding the FoV of your webcam is important because it can impact how you position yourself and how much of your surroundings are visible during a video call. FoV is typically measured in degrees and can range from as low as 60 degrees to as high as 120 degrees.

To make the most of your webcam's FoV, position it at eye level or slightly above, and ensure that your face is centered within the frame. This will allow you to be clearly visible while minimizing any distractions or background clutter.

Composition and Framing

Composition and Framing refer to how the elements in your video conferencing shot are arranged. Proper composition and framing can make your video calls more engaging, professional, and visually appealing.

When positioning your webcam, consider the Rule of Thirds, which involves dividing the frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and positioning the most important elements along those lines or at their intersections. This can create a more balanced and visually pleasing shot.

Perspective and Angles

Perspective and Angles refer to the position of the webcam relative to the subject and the viewing angle of the camera. The angle at which the camera is pointed can have a significant impact on the viewer's perception of the subject and the overall atmosphere of the video call.

To create a professional and engaging video conferencing experience, position your webcam slightly above your eye level and angled downwards. This angle can help to minimize the appearance of double chins or other unflattering facial features, while still providing a clear view of your face.

Lighting and Background

Lighting and Background play a critical role in the quality and professionalism of your video conferencing shots. Poor lighting or a cluttered background can be distracting and detract from your overall message.

To optimize your video conferencing lighting, position yourself in front of a neutral and uncluttered background, and use natural or soft lighting sources. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or positioning yourself with a window behind you, as this can create a distracting backlight effect.

Perfecting Your Webcam Positioning: Tips and Techniques

Now that you understand the key concepts of webcam positioning, it's time to put them into practice. Here are some expert tips and techniques for perfecting your webcam positioning.

Webcam Placement and Distance

The placement and distance of your webcam can greatly impact your appearance on camera. Here are some tips to consider:

• Place your webcam at eye level to avoid unflattering angles and reduce the appearance of a double chin.
• Position your webcam at arm's length for a natural and comfortable distance.
• Consider using a tripod or stand to achieve the perfect height and distance.

Camera Composition and Framing

Proper composition and framing can highlight your best features and create a more professional appearance. Here are some tips to consider:

• Position yourself slightly off-center for a more dynamic and interesting shot.
• Use the rule of thirds to create a balanced and visually appealing composition.
• Frame yourself from the chest up to create a more professional appearance.

Camera Perspective and Angles

The camera's perspective and angles can drastically change how you look on camera. Here are some tips to consider:

• Position your webcam slightly above eye level for a more flattering angle.
• Tilt your webcam slightly downward to avoid a "bird's eye view" and elongated features.
• Experiment with different angles and find the most flattering position for your face shape and features.

Lighting and Background

Lighting and background can enhance or detract from your appearance on camera. Here are some tips to consider:

• Use natural lighting whenever possible, facing a window for soft and even lighting.
• Avoid backlighting or harsh overhead lighting, which can create unflattering shadows.
• Choose a neutral and uncluttered background to avoid distracting from your message.

Eye-Level is Key

Eye-level positioning refers to the placement of objects at the height of the viewer's eyes, so that they are easily visible without straining the neck or eyes. This concept is particularly important in video conferencing and webcam positioning because it can significantly impact the viewer's experience.

When the camera is positioned at eye-level, it creates a more natural and engaging experience for the viewer. A lot of companies like to outsource administration work and the correct webcam position makes the speaker appear more confident and approachable, and the viewer feels like they are having a conversation with them rather than watching a presentation. In contrast, when the camera is positioned too low or too high, it can create a distorted perspective and make the speaker appear less authoritative or approachable.

Techniques for Achieving Eye-Level Positioning

Achieving eye-level positioning is crucial for creating a professional and engaging video conferencing experience. Here are some techniques for achieving eye-level positioning:

1. Use a tripod: One of the easiest ways to achieve eye-level positioning is to use a tripod to mount your webcam or camera. This will ensure that the camera remains at a fixed height, allowing you to adjust it as needed to achieve the perfect angle.
2. Stack books or boxes: If you don't have a tripod, you can stack books or boxes under your webcam to raise it to the appropriate height. This is a cost-effective solution that works well in a pinch.
3. Use an adjustable stand: Many webcams and cameras come with adjustable stands that allow you to position the camera at the appropriate height. Be sure to adjust the stand to the appropriate height before starting your video conference.

Examples of Good and Bad Eye-Level Positioning

Good Eye-Level Positioning

In this example, the webcam is positioned at eye-level, creating a professional and engaging experience for the viewer. The speaker appears confident and approachable, and the viewer feels like they are having a conversation with them rather than watching a presentation.

Bad Eye-Level Positioning

In this example, the webcam is positioned too low, creating a distorted perspective and making the speaker appear less authoritative or approachable. The viewer may feel like they are looking up at the speaker, which can be uncomfortable and distracting.

Data on Eye-Level Positioning

In a recent study conducted by VideoConferenceGear.com, eye-level positioning was found to be a key factor in creating a positive video conferencing experience. Participants who viewed video conferences with eye-level positioning reported higher levels of engagement and satisfaction than those who viewed conferences with poorly positioned cameras.

Distance Matters

When it comes to video conferencing, webcam positioning is key. The ideal distance between you and the webcam is important for ensuring clear and high-quality video and audio communication during a video call. In this section, we'll explain the ideal distance between you and the webcam, techniques for achieving the ideal distance, and provide examples of good and bad distance positioning.

Ideal Distance Between You and the Webcam

The ideal distance between you and the webcam depends on several factors, such as the size of the screen and the resolution of the camera. As a general rule of thumb, the ideal distance between you and the webcam should be about an arm's length away. This distance allows for a clear view of your face, but not so close that your face appears distorted.

Techniques for Achieving the Ideal Distance

There are several techniques you can use to achieve the ideal distance between you and the webcam. One technique is to use a tripod or a webcam stand to position the webcam at the correct distance. Another technique is to adjust the height of your chair or desk to achieve the ideal distance. You can also adjust the angle of the webcam to ensure it is pointing directly at your face.

Examples of Good and Bad Distance Positioning

Good distance positioning means that your face is clear and easy to see, with no distortion or blurriness. An example of good distance positioning is when you are seated at your desk, and the webcam is positioned at eye level, an arm's length away.

Bad distance positioning means that your face appears distorted or blurry, or that the camera is positioned at an awkward angle. An example of bad distance positioning is when the webcam is positioned too close to your face, causing distortion, or too far away, making it difficult to see your face clearly.

Posture Perfection

Maintaining good posture is essential for a healthy body and mind. Poor posture can lead to a host of health problems, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even depression. Good posture improves breathing, increases energy levels, and boosts self-confidence. It is essential for those who spend long hours sitting in front of a computer, especially during video conferencing sessions.

Techniques for achieving good posture

1. Sit up straight: When sitting, keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Avoid slouching or leaning forward.
2. Adjust your chair: Your chair should be at a height that allows your feet to rest flat on the ground. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle, and your hips should be level with or slightly higher than your knees.
3. Use a lumbar support pillow: If your chair doesn't provide enough lumbar support, use a pillow to support the natural curve of your spine.
4. Keep your computer screen at eye level: The top of your computer screen should be at or slightly below eye level. This will prevent you from tilting your head up or down, which can strain your neck.
5. Take breaks: Stand up and stretch every 30 minutes or so to keep your muscles from getting stiff.

Examples of good and bad posture

Good posture

• Sitting up straight with your back against the chair and your feet flat on the ground.
• Keeping your shoulders relaxed and your chin parallel to the ground.
• Maintaining a slight curve in your lower back to support your spine.

Bad posture

• Slouching or hunching forward.
• Leaning to one side or crossing your legs.
• Tilting your head forward or back.

Webcam positioning

During video conferencing, webcam positioning is crucial for maintaining good posture. The camera should be at eye level, and your face should be centered on the screen. Avoid tilting your head up or down, as this can strain your neck. Adjust your chair or use a stack of books to raise your laptop to the appropriate height.

Conclusion

Webcam placement is the first aspect to consider when positioning a webcam. It should be placed in a stable and secure location to prevent it from shaking or moving during the call. The ideal webcam height placement is at eye level, as it gives the impression of direct eye contact, making the viewer feel more engaged in the conversation. The webcam angle tips suggest positioning it slightly above eye level to achieve a more flattering view of the subject.

Webcam framing is another essential aspect to consider when positioning a webcam. It involves placing the subject in the center of the frame and ensuring that the composition is well-balanced. The ideal webcam background should be clean and uncluttered, as a busy or distracting background can take away from the focus of the call.

The webcam view angle is also an important factor to consider. The optimal webcam placement depends on the type of call and the desired perspective. For video calls and interviews, the webcam angle for video calls should be slightly tilted downwards to capture the subject's face and upper body. For gaming and streaming, the webcam field of view for gaming should be wider to capture more of the game's action.

In conclusion, webcam positioning is a critical aspect to consider when optimizing the quality of your video calls and streaming. By following the webcam placement, webcam framing, webcam view, webcam distance, webcam composition, webcam perspective, webcam field of view, webcam lighting, and webcam background tips discussed above, you can achieve the optimal webcam position for your needs. Remember to experiment with different webcam angles, positions, and lighting setups to find the perfect webcam positioning that works for you.

FAQs

How do I position my webcam for the most flattering angle?

To achieve the most flattering angle on a webcam, position the webcam at or slightly above eye level. This helps to create a more natural-looking angle and avoids the appearance of a double chin. Additionally, make sure that the webcam is not too close to your face or too far away, as this can distort the image. Experiment with different angles and distances to find what works best for you. Also, make sure that your face is well-lit, and the background is uncluttered and not too distracting.

What is the ideal height for a webcam?

The ideal height for a webcam is at or slightly above eye level. This ensures that the camera captures a flattering angle and prevents the appearance of a double chin. If your webcam is below eye level, you may need to adjust your posture, which can be uncomfortable and distracting during video calls.

How far away should my webcam be?

The ideal distance between you and your webcam depends on the size of your frame and the resolution of your camera. As a general rule, sit at a comfortable distance where your entire face is visible, and your shoulders are in frame. Experiment with different distances and angles to find what works best for you. Also, make sure that the camera is not too far away that your facial expressions are not captured clearly.

What is the best webcam angle for video calls?

The best webcam angle for video calls is at or slightly above eye level. This creates a natural-looking angle and prevents the appearance of a double chin. Additionally, make sure that your face is centered on the screen, and your shoulders are in the frame.

How can I adjust the framing of my webcam?

You can adjust the framing of your webcam by moving the camera closer or further away, tilting the camera up or down, or moving yourself within the frame. Some webcams also have software that allows you to adjust the framing and zoom in or out. Experiment with different angles and distances to find what works best for you.

What is webcam perspective and how do I use it?

Webcam perspective refers to the angle and distance of the camera relative to your position. To use webcam perspective effectively, position the camera at or slightly above eye level and ensure that your face is centered on the screen. Experiment with different angles and distances to find what works best for you.

How do I frame myself on webcam?

To frame yourself on a webcam, position yourself in the center of the frame, making sure that your face and shoulders are visible. You can adjust the framing by moving the camera closer or further away or tilting the camera up or down. Experiment with different angles and distances to find what works best for you.

What should be in the background of my webcam?

The background of your webcam should be uncluttered and not too distracting. A plain wall or a neutral background is ideal. Avoid having a busy background or any items that may draw attention away from you. If you want to add some personality to your background, consider using a virtual background or adding a few tasteful decorations.

How can I improve the lighting for my webcam?

To improve the lighting for your webcam, make sure that your face is well-lit and that there are no harsh shadows. Natural light is ideal, so try to position yourself near a window or use soft, diffused lighting. Avoid using overhead lighting or backlighting, as this can create unflattering shadows. Experiment with different lighting setups to find what works best for you.

How do I choose the right webcam for my setup?

When choosing a webcam, consider the resolution, field of view, and any additional features that may be important to you, such as autofocus or noise cancellation. It's also important to consider the lighting conditions in the space where you will be using the webcam. A higher resolution camera will produce a clearer image, but it may also require more processing power from your computer. A wider field of view may be useful if you need to capture a larger area, but it may also distort the image if you're too close to the camera. Consider your budget and needs before making a decision.

What is the field of view for a webcam?

The field of view for a webcam is the area that the camera can capture within its frame. It is usually measured in degrees, and a wider field of view means that the camera can capture more of the surrounding area. A narrow field of view is useful if you only need to capture a specific area, such as your face, while a wider field of view may be necessary if you need to capture a larger area or multiple people.

How do I position my webcam for gaming?

To position your webcam for gaming, consider the game's interface and the positioning of important elements such as health bars or inventory. You may also want to position the webcam in a way that captures your facial expressions and reactions during gameplay. Consider the lighting and the background of the room, and experiment with different angles and distances to find what works best for you.

How do I use webcam positioning software?

Webcam positioning software allows you to adjust the camera's angle, zoom, and framing using a software interface. This can be useful if you need to make adjustments during a video call or if you want to save specific camera settings for future use. Check the documentation or the manufacturer's website for instructions on how to use the software that comes with your webcam.

What is the best webcam placement for interviews?

The best webcam placement for interviews is at or slightly above eye level, with your face centered on the screen. Make sure that your shoulders are also in the frame, and that the background is uncluttered and not too distracting. Experiment with different angles and distances to find what works best for you and the specific interview setup.

How can I adjust the view of my webcam for YouTube videos?

To adjust the view of your webcam for YouTube videos, consider the composition of your shot and the message that you want to convey. Position the camera at a flattering angle, with your face and upper body in the frame. Consider the lighting and the background, and experiment with different angles and distances to find what works best for you. You may also want to consider using a tripod or a stabilizer to keep the camera steady during filming.