You have already gotten so much good advice, I just wanted to add--in a sea of wonderful photos/videos of ourselves, it only takes one unflattering one to make us feel bad about ourselves. You have a natural beauty, style, and elegance that I know will come through on camera, especially when you are discussing something you feel passionately about!

Oh, and could I have a feminist moment here? No man would turn down such an amazing opportunity to share your expertise because he thinks he is too old to be on camera.

It all sounds very nerve-wracking, but just prepare, smile, be confident, and enjoy showing off your expertise! Good luck!

I, too, am tough on myself when I see myself in candid photos or videos. I think this is normal, but definitely a perspective we need to consciously work to change.

I've noticed that I don't judge others like I judge myself. In fact, I will catch myself thinking some stranger out and about looks good - flattering clothes, obvious style, pretty features, etc. Whatever. And I will notice that they're not necessarily thinner than I am or whatever my insecurity is that day - and it's a good reminder that I hold myself to standards to which I don't hold strangers ... and yet I sincerely think people out on the street look good all the time! So why can't I look at myself that way, you know?

I also think it's not uncommon for people to not be naturally photogenic and it's the job of the photographer or videographer to know the angles.

I too think your enthusiasm will show, and you are definitely photogenic!

Looks like it's only supposed to go up to 80 tomorrow, so could be worse, but don't wear anything that will cause sweating! Big yes to cobalt cause it's Your Color

I can relate to this Janet. You have had great advice. How about athleta pants and platform sandals or sneakers?

It’s easy to criticise ourselves and see our own flaws. Other people see it quite differently and won’t be looking at any jawlines or wrinkles.

I hope it goes well - what an honour.

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement and helpful tips. Today I've been focusing on notes for the interviewer to supplement the items she's already developed for discussion. The content is really coming from my heart and from points I have discussed in various presentations I've been giving over the last few years, so my anxiety about appearance is just that -- appearance. The things I'm already self-conscious about are emphasized on camera. My hope is that my actual screen time will be quite secondary to the imagery. This is for a limited educational series -- I am the only female "master" to give one of these programs (the other three are male, and we all have different specialties), so it is indeed an honor, as women are still very much a minority in this field.

I plan to get dressed, do my hair and makeup, and then forget about it so I can concentrate on what I have of value to share. If I never watch the video after it's released, so be it. I've heard that Cate Blanchett never watches her movies after they're released, and she's freaking stunning -- if I looked like her, I'd watch myself all day long.

Does anyone good with makeup have any tips? My default is to go heavier on eyes and add a little extra blush and bronzer, and keep lips subtle -- this is closest to my everyday look and my preference. I'll likely try to add a little concealer to some spots on my face, but in general I don't think thick foundation translates well in natural light.

I think I'm also going to blow dry my hair rather than let it go natural -- the waves look a bit sloppy on camera. Pray for low humidity. LOL

Good advice here. My only tip is pay attention to contouring re makeup - not just eye/lip/cheek. It makes an incredible difference. You know, sides of the nose, jawline, the edges of the face.

And I’ll tell you what, personality overrides face on video. You will NEVER EVER be worse than me on camera, esp because you already know you have the voice from radio. My California Valley Girl roots absolutely obliterate every other aspect of me on both video and voice recording. It is so unbelievably AWFUL. Omg. Also I have zero presence. I’m like a black hole of presence to boot if I don’t let the Valley Girl out. I’m like Fran Drescher. Worst TikTok performance goes to me. Omg.

I agree with everything said above and don’t have much to add. You’ll look great. Viewers will think “wow, isn’t she is pretty” at the start and then forget about about it. Which is the way it should be, because it’s about your art and not the way you look.

Consult the feminist inside you and remember that you’ve earned this moment. Men do not worry about this s&*t. Nor should they. Focus on what you are going to talk about, what insights you want to share. If someone wants to spend time in which they could be learning something looking for faults in your appearance, screw them. You are a successful, talented artist and that person (if they exist) is just a superficial, incurious troll.

Thanks again all for the encouragement. I really was not fishing for compliments — I know how I look, and these days am mostly accepting of it. I think the video just shocked me a little, and busted my ego a bit. I feel a lot younger than I look.

I know men aren’t under the same scrutiny as women, and most wouldn’t let this bother them as much as it does a woman. But my husband said his brother sent a picture of him while they were playing golf, and he was horrified by how he looks too — men are not immune to this either! I’m not worried so much about anyone else criticizing my looks, so much as how it makes me feel to have the outside not match the way I feel on the inside.

Oh and again, I’m on my phone and it’s hard to track and respond to each of your posts, but you’ve each made me laugh or think. I’m very likely going to drastically edit this post lest I sound like a total whiner for posterity.

Janet, I hope you have a wonderful time, you are such an extraordinary talent and gorgeous too. We all have unflattering photos and it rattles even the most resilient of us all. I just delete those images. Onwards!

Haha! Loved reading through the advice and agree that the focus will be on the content and everyone will just see you as the pretty photographer! Hugs to you and congratulations! You are so talented!

You have received many amazing responses so I will just add a little encouragement. I am always amazed how much more relaxed I look in candid shots than when I take my own picture. Your most beautiful smiles are with your selfies with Jamie - I have a feeling you are absolutely stunning when engrossed in discussing your art and will come off beautifully.

I would use a lot of powder, as I always look greasy on video!
And I share your self consciousness about neck and chin in profile, ugh! Fortunately the (still-required-here) mask hides all that

Have FUN and enjoy the process! You look amazing IMO.

Janet I have no advice but just today was feeling exactly the same way- frumpy, dumpy, and old when I saw some pictures taken of me at an event we hosted outside. I had makeup on and had fixed my hair but was still shocked at the photos! Do photos/video make us look worse or is it showing up the way others see us? I don’t see so many wrinkles, sags, and bags in the mirror! Why are the so glaring in photos? Anyhow, I agree with all the comments here that you look fab and actually are one of my fashion roll models here on the blog! But I can sympathize with you on how you feel.
Take heart that others do not see you in that way!

@cat2 wrote:

I usually only lurk on YLF but your post has prompted me to comment. I don’t have any practical advice, but I wanted to let you know that I am glad you are making this video and giving the world the gift of your knowledge and expertise. Your intelligence, talent and kindness shines through on YLF and I know it will also shine through in the video. Viewers won’t care about how you look; they will focus on what you are sharing with them because it is something that has meaning and value. Finally: not the main point but you always look great and I bet you will in the video too!

Not much to add beyond the advice you have already gotten. I will commiserate though, it can be a shock when my outside doesn't match my inside. But once you get going and talking the worries about appearance should recede. And I agree, the people watching the video will be thinking about what you are saying, not criticizing wrinkles and chins. You'll do great.

I just want to respond and let this thread drop down.

Thanks for all the comments, suggestions and encouragement. The shoot went very well yesterday, and it’s funny, my interviewer also shares these insecurities, as a woman of a certain age.

I’m not sure I made the best wardrobe choices — dark wash bootcut jeans (I think they were too snug on the thighs to be truly flattering on camera) with a teal SPF shirt — not fashionable but coverage, cool, and functional. The interviewer and I both wore our sunglasses throughout because it was a very sunny, bright day. So my best feature, my eyes, were completely obscured, oh well! LOL

I didn’t think about this stuff while we were filming. I did my thing and the team was super appreciative and said my contributions were well stated and flowed well. At the very least, I am fully comfortable with hearing my recorded voice, so I’m reasonably confident that I sounded good.

Whatever the outcome, I stuffed down my insecurities and did the thing. There are more important things than how I look.

Great to hear it went well!

Good for you!

EXCELLENT! And I know you looked fab, Janet

Well done and congrats!

Well done, Janet, and congratulations!

Congratulations! I’m glad it went well, and I’m sure you will impress and inform everyone who watches.

Congratulations!!! It’s always unnerving to be on camera, but I can see your presence in your photos so I’m sure that came across.