To feel like a goblin on teams

[HiyaCaath]

Does it magically make anyone else so bloody ugly, how can I look in the mirror and look one way and half decent and then go on teams and age 100 years, is it the lens or ? I can't dare look in meetings anymore but then I'm not looking people in the eye in the meeting, AIBU

I find eyeliner (top and bottom) and lipstick help as you get definition of features which get a bit lost on teams

Oh OP I know what you mean. If only we could use Zoom more there is a touch up appearance filter. Whack that on full and you are but a beautiful blur! Love it.

Teams does have a function like ‘touch up my appearance’ - techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams/new-microsoft-teams-filters-enhance-personal-appearance-in-video/m-p/3278558

It’s called soft focus, you have to set it up in the settings bit i think. I put it on so high once you could barely tell it was me. It was great. I’d also say a light facing you works wonders.

Haven't done Teams, but I look bloody horrendous on Zoom. More often than not i start with the camera on and then once everyone's on I do the hide self image. I don't need to see nor do I wish to, see my ugly mug staring back at me!!

Get this and thank me later www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=logitech+brio+4k+stream+edition&adgrpid=106080079566&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6_6Ytcz--wIVz-3tCh1IKAiWEAAYAyAAEgLJl_D_BwE&hvadid=458156316706&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1007200&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=198731897595836950&hvtargid=kwd-363636672618&hydadcr=10053_1769431&tag=hydrukspg-21&ref=pd_sl_39dvxueln3_e

and a cheap ring light.

I look so beautiful through it I scare myself in the mirror, I prefer looking at myself on zoom!!

External camera really helps.

I was on a meeting the other day and my colleague was like, are you alright, you look really tired, etc wouldn't drop it. (I just had the usual potato head webcam look). In the end I said hey, this is me on a good day, what are you inferring?

Next time I'll remember my Teams lipstick.

For what it's worth...a good camera doesn't always work in your favour. I actually use a Panasonic mirrorless camera with an HDMI bridge, and...the image quality is ludicrously good with perfect depth-of-field etc.

Unfortunately, that just means it's better at showing me in all of my troll-like glory.

I spent a ridiculous amount of money on Invisalign because I hated seeing my teeth on Teams all the time.

I actually do different makeup if I know I have an interview or a big meeting on teams and should have my camera on (don't bother for normal team catch ups)

I do much bolder eyeliner - it makes me look awake even though I am not

I always put my laptop on a pile of books or something so that it's slightly above me and slightly further away, otherwise I look like I've got about 5 chins...

I'm definitely going to check out the blur function though! 🤣

Omg so excited to discover the Teams soft focus feature! Thank you to this thread

Ok more teams tips!

Ideally your camera is above your eyeline, or at least at the same level. Never from below. Chin hell!

My set up is laptop on Harry potter & Michelle Obama hardbacks, slightly off to the side- use Teams on this computer.
I actually work using a different computer (Mac) that connects to my big screen.

But you can get the same effect with a web cam.

Will post some links

Nice little light that is usb powered (new style). Can make it warmer or cooler light, can change the brightness.

amzn.eu/d/6DfanJi

Ok cheap webcam

amzn.eu/d/1P57YJU

Hope the links work ok

I’m deeply, deeply ugly on Teams. If I’m facing a big window and the sun’s shining I look pretty nice, any other lighting set up… absolute dogshit. Experiment with where the light is and turn yourself until you look nicer.

Thank fuck, thought it was just me!!

Dear god yes. Especially once it's dark outside and I have the light on in my study, I suddenly look very red and blotchy. And colleagues never seem to have the same issue!

CMOTDibbler

^^

Got them. Moves like. Jagger!

Blur on teams was a game changer! Also I adjusted the brightness which helped 😊

Haha I do this.

Ahh I love you all, you’ve made me laugh about it.

Psst. This depends on the version you’re using but if you have a nosy in your preferences for the devices there’s a button that lets you tune up the softness. I would use it with caution though, cranking it up to the max leaves you looking like Madonna on Instagram.
More here.

Hollywood used to have a host of experts set up just for this..lol

I used to hide my self camera (as in I couldn't see myself). At least then I didn't have to see myself looking all weird. (And actually I deliberately had my desk area quite dark so every single tiny imperfection wasn't so visible)

Why?

Lots of workplaces put up with that. Zoom meeting fatigue was real during lockdown so sometimes my camera was off. But I wasn't a child that needed supervising.