Video Lighting Setup

Because not everyone is familiar with lighting, it can be scary. Perhaps you think lighting a video means just placing lights around your subject, in front of you, or at it. Perhaps you think that lighting a video is as simple as turning every light in the room. You could do it, but you’d likely end up with a dark and unbalanced video.

Video Lighting Basics

If you’re shooting outdoors in daylight, you don’t need lights. Sunlight is the best lighting. You will need lighting if you are shooting indoors in a studio, room, or otherwise.

Lighting is a crucial part of editing and recording a video, especially if you’re a vlogger. It shouldn’t be noticed. This post will explain how to create the best lighting setup possible.

The Three-Point Lighting is the most basic and widely used setup for lighting a subject. This setup is a standard industry practice and is used for photoshoots, movies, and TV shows.

THREE-POINT OFFICE LIGHTING SETUP:

1. This will be the Key Light. is your primary source of light. This will help to illuminate the subject. This creates texture and shadows that make things appear natural. It is possible to use a window as your Key Light if it is already diffused. Natural light is always the best source of light. If you don’t have a big window, you can still use it as a source of light. However, you will need a diffuse light source.

It should be larger and brighter than all the others because it is the main source of light. This should not be placed directly in front of the subject, or pointed directly at your face, as this will result in a bright, white, and washed-off look. This will show the contours of your face so place it at a 45-degree angle to you or the subject.

• Soft Box A softbox can serve as a key light. This is a lightbox that has a film covering it. It diffuses light from the bulb (point light) to a larger area.
• These are available on Amazon: APUTURE120D with DOME BOX / Photodiox Studio / YongNuo YN300 Air
  Flashpoint Solo Softbox Head and Shoulders 320M 1 MonoLight kit

2. Fill Light can be used to reduce shadows from the Key Light. This light will be on the opposite side to your main light source and should not be brighter than your key light. This should only be a subtle light touch on the opposite side of your face to soften the shadows cast by your main light source. Do not aim the light directly at your subject. Instead, angle the camera and watch how it bounces off. You may not need a fill light if your video needs to be dramatic.

• Aputure LS1

3. Rim Light, or as some call it Back Light. This is used to highlight the edges of your subject. This will give your subject more dimension and depth.

• Aputure LS1/2

COMPLETE LIGHT KITS: StudioPRO Softbox Lighting Kit / StudioPRO S-600BN LED Lighting Kit / StudioFX Lighting Kit

Tip A temperature-adjustable light is a great tool for setting the mood in your scene.

These are the three parts of the Three-Point Light Setup. However, you can add more to your video with Practical Lights.

• Practical Lights. These lights are those that you place in your background and can be seen from the camera. If you have an orange light that is subtly lighting your back, and a lamp that emits the same color on your background, viewers will think it’s coming off that lamp. But it’s coming from the rim lamp. Practical lights can be used to enhance the natural look of your scene. You can use any type of light that you like.

A professional setup and light source will make your camera work at its best and give your video that professional look.