Brkaway Quick Tips: Lighting

When it comes to creating high-quality videos, lighting is one of the most important factors to consider. Proper lighting can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your video, and can help to create a professional and engaging visual experience for your viewers. However, getting the right lighting can be a challenge, especially on cloudy days when natural light may be limited. In this article, we will discuss some best practices for good lighting to impress your clients.

Use Natural Light When Possible

When it comes to lighting for video, natural light is your best friend. Natural light is free, readily available, and can give your video a beautiful, soft look. If you are filming outdoors, try to shoot during the "golden hours" - which are typically the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During these times, the light is warm and soft, which can create a stunning effect in your video.

Control Artificial Light

If you are shooting indoors or in a controlled environment, you will need to use artificial light to create the right look. In this case, it's important to control the light to ensure that it is not too harsh or too dim. One of the best ways to control artificial light is by using a softbox or diffuser (see a list of products below). These accessories can help to soften the light and create a more natural-looking effect.

Choose the Right Light Temperature

When choosing lights for video, it's important to consider the color temperature of the bulbs. Different light temperatures can create different moods and effects in your video. For example, warm lights can create a cozy and inviting feel, while cool lights can create a more professional and modern look. Try experimenting with different light temperatures to find the right one for your video.

Use Backlighting

Backlighting is a technique that can help to create depth and dimension in your video. To use this technique, position a light source behind your subject, facing the camera. This will create a halo effect around your subject, which can make them stand out and look more three-dimensional.

Cloudy Day Lighting

On cloudy days, natural light can be limited, which can make it challenging to create good lighting for your video. However, there are a few techniques you can use to make the most of the available light. One option is to use a reflector, which can bounce light onto your subject and create a brighter effect. You can also use artificial lights to supplement the natural light and create the right look for your video.

Lighting products: 

Neewer 660 LED Video Light - This is a great option for indoor or outdoor lighting. It has adjustable brightness and color temperature, and comes with a diffuser to soften the light. It also has a remote control for easy adjustments during filming.

Aputure AL-M9 - This is a small and portable LED light that is perfect for on-the-go filming or for use as a fill light. It has adjustable brightness and color temperature, and comes with a diffuser and CTO (color temperature orange) filters for creative lighting effects.

‍LimoStudio Softbox Lighting Kit - This kit includes two softbox lights, light stands, and bulbs. It's a great option for indoor filming or for creating a controlled lighting environment. The softbox diffuses the light and creates a natural-looking effect.

VILTROX LED On Camera Video Light - This is a versatile light that can be attached to your phone or to a camera. It has adjustable brightness and color temperature, and can be used to create soft, even lighting for your phone videos.

Lume Cube Mobile Creator Lighting Kit - This kit includes a mountable light that can be attached to your phone, as well as a mini tripod and a diffuser. It's a great option for vloggers and other creators who film on their phones.

Reflector - Reflectors are a cost-effective way to bounce light onto your subject and create a brighter effect. They come in different shapes and sizes, and can be used indoors or outdoors. Some popular options include the Neewer 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Reflector and the Westcott Omega Reflector.

These are just a few examples of the many lighting products available on the market. Remember to do your research and choose the products that best fit your needs and budget. By investing in good lighting equipment, you can elevate the quality of your videos and create a more professional-looking end result.

Good lighting is essential for creating high-quality videos. By following these best practices and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking lighting in your videos and make them stand out from the rest. Remember to experiment with different techniques and find the right lighting setup for your unique needs. By doing so, you can create engaging and visually stunning videos that will captivate your audience.