How to check how you look before a video call on a Mac
Open Photo Booth or FaceTime: both show your camera’s picture at once, before you call anyone. Hair, light, what’s behind you — it’s worth a look before the call starts, not after you’ve joined.
Built-in ways
- Photo Booth (Applications): opens straight to your camera.
- FaceTime: shows your picture before you call anyone.
- The call app’s own preview: most call apps show one on their join screen — but only once you’re already joining.
The fastest way: the mirror in your notch
Questions
Is the mirror recorded?
No. Still Studio uses the camera only while the mirror is on screen and never records or saves the picture; the camera stops the moment you move away.
Why does my picture look flipped?
A mirror shows you the way you see yourself in a real mirror. Call apps usually flip only your own preview; the people in the call see you the right way round.
How can I look better on camera?
Face a window or a lamp rather than sitting with the light behind you, and raise the screen so the camera is at eye level. While an app uses the camera, Control Center’s Video Effects can blur the background or brighten your face on Macs that support them.