When you scroll through videos on Tik Tok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, you might find yourself skipping over videos of people shot in poor lighting.
According to video production company Sheffield Dav, “Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of creating a video because it allows you to set the mood for the video”.
Poor lighting can make a somber situation seem too light. It can make a comedic situation seem more serious than intended.
Pinpointing lighting directly on specific objects or people helps persuade the viewers to direct their eyes to the intended spot. This ensures that important aspects of the video are not missed.
“Lighting can also be used to add color and texture to otherwise bland environments and scenes. The proper use of lighting can even change the way people and objects appear in the scene; they can look innocent, evil, frightening, happy, beautiful, or even ugly.
“Directional lighting is used to control many different aspects of the video. For instance, lights that are too bright or are aimed directly at the camera can be distracting. This may cause the viewer to miss critical moments in the video. If the lighting becomes too distracting, they may even stop watching the video.
As a creator, influencer, or content creator, lighting plays an important role in the success of your video content Good lighting sets the tone for your video and helps increase engagement with your audience.
But, the perfect lighting isn’t as simple as it seems.
Here are our tips on to boost your content with good lighting:
1. Natural light
Artificial lights can be used to get some interesting shots but natural sunlight is always the best option for creating beautiful videos that look professional and well-lit. If you’re shooting outdoors or near a window, use the sunlight to illuminate your scene and create natural shadows and highlights.
2. Invest in good lighting equipment.
Good quality lighting equipment can go a long way in improving the look and feel of your video. Investing in some good quality lighting will help you create videos with more dynamic range, making it easier to capture brighter scenes.
For a simple start, invest in a ring light; and a tiny on-top light for your camera for mobile situations. I got a Vijim box light for just $20 and it works great!
Vijim Mini Box Light
Light up yourself or your subject in a dimly lit room or at night on the go. With this mini, portable on-camera light. Inexpensive, very bright, easy to charge, has multiple settings, and is perfect for a newbie creator. Compatible with selfie sticks or image stabilizers for use with your mobile camera too!
$19
3. Play around with shadows.
Shadows are an important element of any scene, whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors. Experiment with different light sources to create interesting shadows that can add atmosphere and depth to your footage.
4. Diffuse direct light.
Direct sunlight can be too harsh for many videos. So try using a diffuser to soften the intensity of the light. This will allow you to get great shots without washing out your subject or creating too much contrast between highlights and shadows.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning video content that looks professional and well-lit. With the right lighting, your videos will stand out from the rest and make a real impact on your audience!
Happy shooting!
