Let’s be honest, learning how to get good lighting for your videos can be intimidating for beginners.
If you’re just starting out with video production, lighting your video shoot can be tricky. There is a big difference in how our eyes perceive light compared to a camera lens.
Cameras need WAY more light to produce a quality image than you might imagine. Additionally, that light needs to come from the right direction.
If you haven’t invested time or money into your lighting process, it’s time to start. Do yourself a HUGE favor and prepare and plan properly.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to get great lighting!
We’ll guide you through the process we use here at Techmoog to get the perfect lighting for all your videos, regardless of your budget or experience.
Not all videos need professional lighting. But some extra production could be helpful. Here are some great tips and tricks for how to get the perfect lighting for video.
Webcam lighting
Setting up lighting for your webcam doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure you have enough light. If you don’t, add some! We discuss the different types of lighting you can purchase later in this blog.
- Make sure your face is lit evenly and doesn’t have unwanted shadows. You may have to adjust the position or location of your light sources to do this.
For a low-budget solution, try shooting with a window behind your camera and the light shining on your face. Using natural light is a great option if it’s available. If not, there are plenty of cheap ring light setups that will work just fine.
Get the Perfect Video Lighting Setup
Step 1: Prepare for the Shoot
It’s always a good idea to look around your location ahead of time. Consider the natural light entering through windows and casting shadows, and be wary that weather can change quickly and affect your lighting. That beautiful sunshine can disappear in an instant.
Even if it doesn’t disappear permanently, constantly shifting light as the sun goes behind clouds and re-emerges can wreak havoc on your lighting. Be prepared for any changes or make adjustments to keep your lighting consistent.
The best shooting environment is one where you have as much control over lighting as possible.
Step 2: Set up 3-point lighting
The most common setup for lights is called three-point lighting. It consists of a key light, a fill light, and a backlight (sometimes called a “highlight”).
Imagine that your subject is at the center of a clock, with the action camera flashlight at six.
The key light is located approximately at four. It should be the brightest of the three and provides the bulk of light to your subject.
The fill light is approximately at eight and eliminates shadows caused by the key light. Your fill should be about half the intensity of your key so that it still eliminates shadows, but doesn’t produce a flat-looking shot due to the fill and key lights matching too closely.
The backlight located somewhere between one and two separates your subject from the background. This creates depth and prevents a flat-looking shot. Your backlight can be hard light (no diffusion), as it won’t create shadows visible to the camera on the subject’s face.
Pro Tip: Look at your subject through your camera’s lens. That way, you’ll be able to see your lighting as your viewers will see it. This perspective may reveal issues you couldn’t see with your own eyes.
Next steps
With the basics down, feel free to experiment with lighting that works for you. If you don’t get it right the first time, don’t be discouraged! Like many other things, lighting takes practice to achieve consistent results. Keep at it, and you’ll be an expert in no time!
Also Read: Photographing your own life: the art of self-care
