Television Lighting and Cameras

Television takes a three dimensional world and condenses it into a two dimensional medium. Light and images are manipulated to create the illusion of depth on a two dimensional screen. Many average looking people appear quite stunning on TV. Likewise, many good looking people appear rather unattractive on TV. This is what people are talking about when they say someone is "photogenic. Understanding the principles of the television medium will help you look better on television.

You must learn the principles of lighting. Things that are lit well tend to look good. If you are lit bad, you will look bad. Do not be afraid to point out lighting problems. Bad set lighting if often left unfixed until an anchor complains about it. Just be sure to complain politely.

First pay attention to the key light. It is the main light source that shines on the anchors from behind the center camera. The anchors must be looking in the direction of the key light or they will not be the center of attention on camera. Ask the key light to be adjusted if it is not shining right on you. Looking toward a key light will be tough on your eyes at first. Get used to it. Bright lights are an important part of television. Keep in mind that the key light can be the sun if the set is outside during the day.

Since the key light is so bright, it casts harsh shadows. They must be tempered with fill lights. They are not as bright as the key light and are placed at opposite angles to the key light. This gets rid of the shadows but leaves behind enough contrast to give the illusion of depth. If you notice shadows across your face or are washed out by the key light, ask for improved fill lights. This is very important for showing off the best details of an anchor's face.

If you notice that your skin is reflecting light despite wearing adequate makeup, ask for the light to be softened. This is accomplished by bouncing the light off of walls, ceilings, or reflectors, or shining the light through filters or gels.

Another important light is the back light. It shines on the back of the anchor's head from behind. The back light is important because it separates the anchor from the background. It is especially vital for anchors with dark hair against a dark colored set. Inadequate back lighting results in the anchor's hair blending into the surroundings. If you notice this happening, ask for a better back light.

Be aware of focal length. It is often said that the camera adds 10 pounds. This is the result of a three dimensional world being squashed into a two dimensional medium. Television camera lenses play tricks with light. The closer you are to the camera the more it spreads things out and the heavier you appear. Never allow yourself to be photographed by a camera closer to you than 10 feet. The farther you are from the camera the thinner you will look. Back up to slim down.

Recognize which camera shots make you look your best. Most people look great in head and shoulders shots. Slim people look decent in full body wide shots. No one looks good in a 3/4 shot that covers you from head to just below the hips. Always ask how you are being shot and object if the shot is unflattering. If possible, request a "preview" shot in a monitor you can see.

"Cheat" to the camera. Since depth is an illusion on television you should always strive to provide depth with your body. If the camera shoots you straight on, you will appear to be wide and flat. Try to "cheat" to the camera by presenting your body at a slight angle. While anchoring, press one hip to the desk while the other is a few inches back. Place the hand on the side of the forward hip slightly in front of your other hand. If you are standing, step forward a half step with one foot so one shoulder is slightly closer to the camera. You will appear to be three dimensional and more dynamic. Remember to always "cheat" toward your co-anchor. You should be slightly facing each other, not away from each other.

Always be aware of which camera is on you. Most television newscasts involve multiple camera shoots. Different cameras have different shots of different focal lengths with different lighting. You must know everything that is going on at every second. If you study the show rundown you will become familiar with which camera is shooting at any given time. During unscripted shoots you must casually recognize which camera light is on. If you are aware of your surroundings, you wont get caught looking at the wrong camera.

Television Anchor Makeup

Women are better equipped to deal with anchor makeup for the simple reason that they are used to applying makeup. Women will only need to make a few adjustments to their makeup routine while men must start from scratch.

Any men who have a problem wearing makeup while anchoring need to get over it fast. Television cameras and bright lights will change your appearance drastically. They will wash you out, flatten your features, and bring out all the imperfections in your skin. The most manly men you see on television are wearing makeup. You should too.

Only use makeup specifically made for on-camera work. Find a professional makeup store like MAC. They have a line of makeup specifically for television that is widely used by television news anchors. MAC is also sold at upscale department stores. Ask for a free consultation. They will help you pick the right colors and show you how to apply it. Remember, if the makeup is cheap you will look cheap.

Be sure to stuff some tissue around the collar of your shirt before applying makeup. That will keep it from getting on your shirt. This is very important. It is a pain to remove makeup from a light colored shirt, especially when you are rushing off to anchor a television news program.

Apply powder for simple lighting situations. If you are outside the studio, the camera isn't getting too close, and it isn't too bright, then reducing glare is your objective. Get a compact with the color powder that matches your skin tone. Use a puff to cover your face with enough powder to take away the shine. From time to time check your face to see if you need more powder. If it is hot it will come off fast. MAC has a product called Studio Fix that also provides some light coverage.

Apply foundation for complex lighting situations. Foundation covers the defects in your skin that show up loud and clear under lights. Cover your face with a foundation that matches your skin. Remember to blend the makeup into your neck or everyone will see where your makeup ends.

Give your face depth with other makeup. A little eye liner on your lower lids will make your eyes look bigger. A little blush on your cheeks will bring out your cheek bones. A strip of slightly lighter foundation down the middle of your nose will make your face appear longer. Most female anchors and some males also apply eye shadow and lip color.

Finish it off with a dusting of powder. The powder holds everything in place and gives you a uniform texture. Check yourself in the mirror and remember to check again occasionally. You will need more powder periodically to keep the shine away.

Use only as much as you need for the given situation. Different lighting setups call for different makeup. If you are outside doing a television interview and the only light source is the sun, then simple powder to take away the shine might be fine. If you are in a studio under a complex lighting set up then you will need the works. Wearing too much make up is worse than not wearing enough. This is especially true if your television station is using new high definition cameras.

All television news anchors need to be aware of the lighting and cameras. Makeup must be adjusted accordingly. This will take time and quite a bit of experimentation. Keep in mind that the production staff is constantly changing lights and cameras. They usually don't tell the anchors when they do. Pay attention and check your makeup in a preview monitor before every newscast.

Anchor Wardrobe

Anchor wardrobe should always start with solid colors. The goal is to minimize too many conflicting visual images in your clothing when you anchor a television newscast. Begin with a solid suit or dress shirt. Women can wear solid suits, sweaters or blouses.

Pay attention to the collar. Collars are very important on TV. When you appear in a "head and shoulders" shot, your collar frames your face. If your collar spreads apart wide, it will make your face appear wider. If your collar is long, pointed and close together it will make your face appear slimmer. Since TV makes most people look heavier than they are, most people should wear longer point collars. The same thing applies to lapels. Wide lapels widen. Thin lapels make you appear slimmer.

Punch up your outfit with a splash of color. A bright tie or scarf will brighten your face without distracting. Go ahead and be bold with red, orange or purple. Even if it seems "over the top" in person, it won't appear so bright on the TV news. Only make one part of your outfit loud. If your suit is dark and your shirt is solid, then wear the loud tie. If you have a brighter shirt or suit, then wear the subdued tie. Women can wear a prominent piece of jewelry if the rest of their outfit is subdued.

Avoid complex patterns like parallel lines, dots and plaid. The camera doesn't like confusing patterns. They blend together and look like a jumbled mess on TV. A subtle pattern in your tie or suit probably won't even show up on camera.

Understand that most of what appears on the TV news is from the waist up. Shoes, belts and pants are not often seen up close. In fact, many TV news anchors wear shorts or jeans behind the desk while sporting coats and ties on top. Don't accent your outfit from the waist down. Focus all your attention on what you look like from the waist up.

The objective is to appear trustworthy yet fashionable. Unless you want your image to be zany and obnoxious, don't wear ridiculously loud clothing. The same is true for provocative and form-fitting clothing. A conservative base with a splash of bright color is an ideal approach.

Some older television cameras don't interpret white very well. If you are using one of those cameras, don't wear white shirts. Blue and tan shirts are better. Newer cameras see white just fine. White shirts appear crisp and clean. They frame a colorful tie well.