Two Preparations That Boost Video Meetings, Part 2: Treat Your Background as Part of Your Appearance

Published on 1/10/2026
https://tmp.bizlibrary.info/blog/manual/tool/video-chat1/

Know the camera angles, lighting, and background that flatter you

Looking presentable matters in any meeting. In video conferences, “appearance” includes not only you but also whatever the camera captures behind you.

Aim for at least “not a negative”

Content is more important than looks, but the basics still matter. Make the effort to avoid giving a poor impression.

Think of your appearance as the combination of you plus your visible surroundings, and tweak both accordingly.

Find your best camera angle and posture

If you rely on a built-in webcam, the default angle often points upward, leaving you looking down at the camera.

That angle can look quite different from what you see in the mirror-and many people dislike it. Run some test recordings to discover a flattering position.

Adjust lighting for dark rooms or evening calls

Webcams are typically weak in low light.

If you are meeting at night, add a small fill light that shines on your face without disrupting your work. Use the preview mode to check and fine-tune the placement.

Do not overdo it-adding multiple lights increases the workload and requires skill to use well. Even one or two well-placed lights can make a big difference.

One-person Lighting Techniques | Video SALON

When in doubt, add some greenery

Your background should be as tidy and clean as your outfit. Messy, dirty rooms are out of the question.

Sato
Only the part visible on camera is neat. The rest is a disaster.

That is a reasonable place to start.</speech_bubble]

A plain white wall conveys cleanliness, but if it is completely blank it can feel sterile.

In that case, add a potted plant so it appears in the frame. Just that detail can soften the impression.

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Consider using background blur

Some video platforms let you blur the background.

It will not solve everything, but blurring the background is an easy camera technique for highlighting the subject. If your software supports it, test the feature and see if it helps.

Our Full Support Plan offers weekly reviews via video chat. We will help you make the most of that time, so feel free to try it if the schedule fits!

Author

Shinya Oishi

Shinya Oishi

A freelance designer and developer involved in promotion and public relations for a wide range of companies, organizations, and facilities. At Task Management Partner, responsible for business planning, website development, and illustration. Known for versatility and a wide-ranging skill set—including design, illustration, development, and content creation—I am capable of and interested in many things, which often leads to handling an overwhelming number of tasks. This service was created to address that challenge by having someone else review and help organize one’s tasks. As a service built on the principle of “selling what I myself truly need,” I confidently recommend it to anyone struggling with task management.

Need help with Task Management Partner?Contact us anytime

If you have questions about our services or plans, feel free to reach out via the inquiry form.

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