3 Ways To Feel Comfortable On-Camera

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to interview Ali Fedotowsky, former Bachelorette, Season 6 and TV host/personality who has made her way on ABC, E! News and People Magazine. Now, for me, this is a pretty big deal as I, myself, as a host, understand and know that being on-camera is not an easy feat. Sure to some, being on camera comes pretty natural but nailing down certain words at certain times all while doing impromptu with your co-host on live video can be somewhat daunting. For me, practice really does make perfect. Even now, with my five years of hosting experience, I continue to learn. I think the most important aspect about learning anything is to keep on doing it as much as you can. Yeah, we've all heard that before but its seriously true. You can call yourself a photographer, but really how many times do you actually take photos per week? My point is, with practice,  you are as good as you make yourself, which is why I came up with three ways to feel comfortable on-camera. 

1. Have Fun
My observations and experience of and with Ali showed that she is on-camera a lot. Her fun playfulness, outgoing personality and her high-energy sent energy through the lens and to the audience. As I observed and experienced, I learned that the most important thing to do while you are live (whether it be tv, public speaking or improv) is to have fun. You must show your audience that wherever you are, YOU are having fun doing whatever it is you are doing. People just don't like to watch Debbie downers in real life. The idea that you are some place where they would love to be should be your first key to being comfortable on camera. You already know how to have fun, so take that feeling and use it. 

​2. Learn From Watching
So, its over. You had fun, now what? Re-watch the video and take note of what worked and what didn't work. This always gives me the opportunity to take a look ay myself and understand where I could have done a little bit more preparation. Whether its the content, research, memorizing or even something as little as more or less eye contact, this is your chance to review and critique. It always helps me to watch the segment twice. Once to digest the whole piece and the second to find room for improvement. 

3. Practice Really Does Make Perfect
Continue your work. Whether you're a on camera as an interviewee, a Youtube personality or a host, keep doing it. The thing is you are putting yourself in front of a spectacle, which can be nerve-wrecking to most, but the good thing is, the more and more you do it, the more comfortable and better you get.