The Power of Light

Lighting & sound (see our first masterclass on sound) can make or break the quality of a video, especially when filming content for social media. Whether you’re filming yourself, conducting an interview, or showcasing a product, mastering a few lighting basics can dramatically improve your results. Here’s a short guide on effective lighting techniques that anyone can use to make their social media videos look more polished and professional.

Maximise Natural Light

Natural light is often the best, most flattering option, and it’s free! Shooting near windows provides a soft, even light that enhances your subject’s appearance. Position yourself or the subject so that the light is coming from the side or slightly in front. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause harsh shadows and overexpose parts of your video. Filming in early morning or late afternoon often provides the softest natural light, known as the “golden hour,” which can add a warm, professional touch to your footage.

Key Tips:

• Position yourself facing the window rather than having the light source behind you, which can create a silhouette effect.
• Try different angles to find the most flattering light for your subjects.
• If shooting outside, overcast days offer an even, diffused light that’s ideal for clear and consistent video.

Use Simple LED Lights for Consistency

Natural light can be limiting, especially if you’re filming at night or indoors without enough daylight. Investing in a basic LED lighting kit is an excellent alternative. LED lights are affordable, portable, and give you control over the light’s intensity and colour temperature (warm to cool). Ring lights are popular because they create a soft, even light that’s flattering for facial features, making them perfect for self-filming. Panel lights, which provide a broader spread of light, work well for filming products or interviews.

Key Tips:

• Look for LED lights with adjustable brightness and colour temperature. Cooler light (around 5600K) is closer to daylight, while warmer tones (around 3000K) can add a cosier feel.
• For softer lighting, use diffusers or a soft-box attachment if available. This can reduce harsh shadows and create a more professional look.

Three-Point Lighting Setup for Professional Quality

For interviews or product features, a three-point lighting setup can help you achieve a polished look. This setup involves three lights: the key light, fill light, and backlight.

• Key Light: The primary light source that should be placed at a 45-degree angle from your subject. This light provides most of the illumination.
• Fill Light: Positioned on the opposite side of the key light, the fill light helps reduce shadows. A lower intensity than the key light creates a balanced look.
• Backlight: Placed behind the subject, the backlight helps separate them from the background, adding depth to the video. It can also produce a soft halo effect on hair.

As a bonus - Using a feature light poised at the wall/background behind a subject can (in some situations) add some visual interest. This can be seen in many interview examples shot indoors. This could even be a table lamp in the background.

If you don’t have three lights, a similar effect can be achieved with one strong key light and a reflector (such as a white piece of poster board) on the other side.

Avoid Common Lighting Mistakes

• Harsh Shadows: Direct lighting without a diffuser often creates harsh shadows. Use a sheer cloth, diffuser, or soft-box to soften it.
• Overexposure: Avoid over-brightening your setup, especially if you’re filming yourself. Test the light levels on your camera to ensure your skin tone and features are clear and well-lit without appearing washed out.
• Mixed Lighting Colours: Mixing different light sources (like daylight from a window and a warm, indoor light) can lead to unnatural skin tones. Stick to one light temperature per shoot for consistency (background not included - this can be more artistic).

Experiment and Adapt

The best lighting setup often comes down to experimenting with your space, time of day, and your available resources. Try different positions to see what works best for your needs. Filming a test clip can help you identify any changes needed for the final shoot. Remember, even a tiny shift in lighting or camera angle can dramatically improve your video look and quality.

Mastering these lighting basics can make a huge difference in the quality of your social media content.

If you would like to learn more we can help with product advice and even short on site courses to improve your content and video marketing material. Contact us here: [email protected]