Master your on-camera appearance with effective lighting

If you're taking the plunge to be on camera, mastering your lighting setup is just as important, if not more so, than the camera itself. Lighting can change how your videos look dramatically; a good lighting setup can make an average camera perform incredibly well.

The essentials: Microphone and lighting

Your first investment should be in a quality microphone, followed closely by good lighting. Even with an average camera, skilled lighting can significantly enhance your video quality. On the other hand, the best camera in poor lighting can lead to subpar results. The trick lies in focusing on the key aspects that really make a difference.

Ditching overhead and natural light

Avoid relying on overhead and natural lighting. These often have the wrong color and cast harsh shadows, impacting how you appear on screen. To control your lighting environment, consider turning off overhead lights and covering windows. Natural light changes throughout the day due to factors like clouds and daylight time, leading to inconsistent footage.

The importance of a key light

Lighting yourself well is crucial, and this begins with a key light, your primary lighting source. Positioned slightly off to one side, it adds depth to your facial features. While you could improvise with a household lamp, an investment in a soft, diffused light like the Elgato Key Light or Amaran 60XS with a soft box provides more consistent and professional results.

Creating depth with kicker and background lights

Once your main lighting is sorted, consider adding a kicker or hair light to separate yourself from the background, adding depth and dimensionality. This secondary light highlights the side opposite your key light, filling in the darker areas. Background lighting, while not essential, can provide context and ambiance. Remember, your focus should remain on lighting yourself well.

Shine bright in your videos

In the end, controlling your lighting is vital. Avoid harsh or inconsistent sources, focus on lighting yourself well with a quality key light, and consider enhancements like kicker lights for a professional edge. With the right setup, even an ordinary camera can produce impressive results. Happy filming!