Take 5: Five Steps to Smoother Skin

Brian Peterson
January 2006

It's true. When it comes to looking good on camera, makeup is not just for women anymore. Video producers often overlook this critical first step for several reasons. Perhaps they don't want to infer their talent doesn't already look their best; they don't want to take the time; or lacking a knowledgeable woman on the set, they simply don't know how to apply even the basics.

Put your talent, and yourself, at ease by acknowledging that even the best looking and blemish-free models, news anchors, and spokespersons (both male and female) always wear makeup on camera. Of course, good makeup will not (and should not) be apparent, so your only challenge is learn the basics and develop the confidence to at least apply a light amount of foundation or powder yourself. (Refer to our September 2005 article, "Wardrobe and Make-up," for details).

If you've been shooting video of people for more than a week, you've probably already experienced the shy subject requesting that you only capture their "good side." As a polite producer, you might sweetly insist they are both "good." What's the cost of a tiny little lie, anyway?

Actually, they are probably right. What makes all of us unique is a combination of greater or lesser asymmetry of our bodies (and faces in particular, especially when it comes to makeup.) You can relatively position the shape, size and skin qualities of noses, eyes, cheekbones and chins to the camera to highlight the most attractive attributes.

It's your job to set up the camera to feature the side most pleasing to the camera. Of course, just how honest you are about this "positioning" is completely up to you.

You've probably heard of various tricks camera operators have used in the past from stretching pantyhose over the lens to smearing Vaseline on a filter. But if most of us can easily apply a softening filter effect during editing, why bother putting anything in front of the lens while we're shooting? Because optical effects can sometimes give you a more natural look. But you'll need to try this for yourself before you put it to use in any productions.

Several manufacturers make screw-on lens filters that provide a wide range of softening. Some, such as those with sandwiched black or white materials, will primarily soften only dark or light tones in the scene. Others combine a little warming and softening at the same time. With these, it's important to white balance before you attach the filter. And remember: if you use a filter during production, you can't take out the effect in post.

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