I was recently asked to do a live Skype video interview to discuss one of my stories for a steaming web program. This is becoming a common practice by article writing services that want to get more multimedia mileage out of every story. But I had to buy a Skype compatible webcam at the last minute, which I opted to do instead of trying to rig my video cameras.
I ended up buying a Microsoft LifeCam (currently $33 on Amazon). It’s a 720p high-definition webcam that boasts a glass lens element, auto focus, up to 30 frame per second recording mode and an integrated microphone. After struggling a bit to install the software and drivers, which required me to temporarily turn my security software off, Skype came to life.
I found the video and sound to be adequate. Not too much different than other webcam footage I’ve seen on YouTube. But after experimenting a bit, I found that you can really improve the overall look with some extra lighting and an external microphone. I’ve included a few tips below:
- Position two lamps or hardware store clamp lights toward you at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. This will fill any shadows and create even lighting across your face. You can also use a third light directly overhead to light your hair.
- Use daylight-balanced compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to improve color. You can buy these at photo stores or on Amazon and they emit a very cool white 5500 Kelvin light compared to the yellow cast of an incandescent bulb and the greenish tint of a plain fluorescent.
- Don’t mix lighting or you’ll get strange color casts that can look like a 70s science fiction movie set. Draw the shades. If you’re back lit, the camera will autoexpose the extremes of dark and light and you’ll be silhouetted.
- Try to position yourself in front of a bookcase, wall tapestry or anything other than a plain wall. A bookshelf works well because it can also hide your shadow. Don’t wear the same colors as your background.
- Skype allows you to designate different sound sources, so use an external mic to improve sound quality. I have a couple of very affordable Audio-Technica ATR-3350 lavalier mics that can plug directly to my computer and they offer very good sound for less than $20.
- If you have hardwood floors, lay blankets down to help muffle the echo.
- Mark your position on the floor and stick to it since you want to stay in focus throughout the interview. The LifeCam’s autofocus can be really slow if you move in and out of its depth of field.
