FaceTime: I want to see the other guy, not myself

Question

FaceTime: I want to see the other guy, not myself

I'm self-conscious. I've looked for answers online but found nothing that directly addresses the issue. I've even seen something as ridiculous as having plastic surgery to improve your appearance of FaceTime. To me, using FaceTime is like hearing myself on a tape recorder "Eeew! THAT'S how I sound?!" I don't mind being seen, but I don't want to see myself - I find it distracting and my attention wanders as I critique any flaws in my appearance. This doesn't happen in a normal face-to-face conversation, why should it happen in a FaceTime conversation?

I want to see the person on the other end. I want that person to see me. That's what FaceTime is all about but...I want to be able to eliminate from MY screen that little box with myself in it. That doesn't seem like too much to ask of Apple. Maybe it can already be done and that's what I'm trying to find out. Anyone out there with any tips?

Thanks,

Posted on Sep 5, 2014 12:28 PM

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Answer 1

Andy Z 03

Level 3

530 points

Sep 5, 2014 12:33 PM in response to Christine Ann

I don't believe there is a way to do this. The purpose of the reflection box is for you to be able to position yourself in the frame so that the person you're chatting with doesn't see half of your face. Here's a few others with a similar problem: Disable Facetime camera view on iPhone

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Answer 2

Sep 5, 2014 12:56 PM in response to Andy Z 03

Yeah, I get that and it makes sense. I just wish I had the option of making it somewhat less than perfect by eliminating the reflection box. When I'm on my macbook air, I can cover my image using a small window in Finder. I'll have to figure out a way on my iPhone. Maybe a small removable sticky note kept in my case for that purpose. Your reply is much appreciated and you were helpful. I looked at the link you shared but it doesn't really have any solutions - just the knowledge that others feel as I do. And you helped with terminology - I didn't know "that little box with myself in it" is called a reflection box. Thank you! :-)

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