If you're reading this, I can assume you have several weekly video calls with your colleagues, clients, customers or community. Making an effort to present yourself as punctual, prepared and professional goes a long way towards the perception others have of you, even if your interactions are just virtual.

The truth is - we all judge each other on appearances.

And even if someone doesn't mention it, they're subconsciously making their mind up about you:

Of course - I'm not suggesting this is solely a game of smoke and mirrors (i.e. manipulating perceptions or being deceitful).

Firstly - be f*cking good at what you do.

Then, amplify that with a powerful, professional visual brand that reinforces your competence or expertise.

And your virtual appearance makes up a big part of that.

So, let's level up your video appearance.

Got an iPhone & Mac? You're all set

Apple has rolled out a free update called 'Continuity Camera', which lets you use your iPhone as a webcam with your Mac.

Ever since I started using this feature, I've received lots of compliments on the quality of my "new" webcam and questions related to it:

And it makes sense.

It uses one of the most advanced smartphone cameras available to us.

Heck - I don't mind using it in favour of my $3000 professional mirrorless camera (i.e. Sony a7III).

So, to help you level up your webcam quality ASAP, the next section breaks down how:

How To Set It Up

Requirements

🔗 Head here for more information from Apple

Option 1: Using a MagSafe mount

✅ This is for you if - you're on the go a lot, and want a portable solution to use your iPhone as a webcam

  1. MagSafe: Confirm that your iPhone model is MagSafe compatible (iPhone 12 onwards. If not, skip to Option 2)
  2. Mount: Purchase the Belkin iPhone Mount for MagSafe (linked below)
  3. Attach: Attach it to the back of your iPhone (or case) and then clip it to the top lip of your MacBook.

👀 Here's how I do it

🔗 Link to buy: Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Notebooks

Option 2: Using a tripod and mount/clamp

✅ This is for you if - you already have a tripod set-up in your office/studio that you can place behind your laptop

  1. Set up: Position your tripod & mount/clamp behind where your laptop will be
  2. Place: Place your iPhone in a horizontal position with the camera just above the lip of your laptop
  3. Adjust: If necessary, nudge or reposition the smartphone to ensure you'll have near-perfect eye-contact while on a video call

👀 Here's how I do it

And that's it!

If you have any questions at all about getting started with either set-up, hit 'Reply' to this email, letting me know what you're stuck with, and I'll get back to you with your next best steps.

So, in summary

  1. People judge you on your appearance - Even if it's virtual, it counts.
  2. 'Continuity Camera' is a free feature for Apple users - Use it - it's a huge upgrade from the quality of your FaceTime camera.
  3. You can set it up in 2 ways - (1) A Belkin MagSafe Mount; or (2) A tripod and mount/clamp behind your laptop

Mamba