Remote Studio Diary: Day 2

When you're setting up a virtual studio on the road, sometimes you're at the mercy of the decor of a given space. Generally speaking, the right room fits three criteria:

1. Natural light and plenty of it
2. Interesting decor and potential for depth
3. Little to no foot traffic

In setting up at my parents house this weekend, I've already ruled out the basement (violation of rules 1 and 3) and the kitchen (violation of rule 3). Which leaves me with the spare bedroom.

Like many "spare bedrooms", this one is not really used by humans at all. In fact it's become a storage room for my father's music equipment (stands, speakers, guitars and keyboards). But there's enough I can work with.

There's a west-facing window, which means throughout the day I get daylight, but no direct sunlight. Direct sun casts harsh shadows. It's something I battle in my condo, which faces south and is on the sixth floor. In my parent's bungalow I only have to worry about sunset, which at this time of year is long after my work day is finished.

Once you find a room to make work, stand in the middle and take selfies. You can use still images or a video. Make note of two things:

1. Where does the light hit your face? Is it balanced, or is it in shadow?

2. What does the background look like? Is there depth? Visual interest? Something to frame your face?

In this room, the curtains have potential to create an easy frame behind me. Of course the window will mess with my lighting, but that's where a small ring light can help out.

Most "Look Better on Zoom" articles will tell you sit facing a window. They do this for a reason. Cameras pick up light. You always want the brightest light source hitting your face. But in some rooms, the window is the best opportunity for a good background. If that's the case, just remember to put a lot of light in front of you to balance the brightness coming from behind.