YouTube Lighting Setups - Make Your Videos Stand Out!
When we think about everything that goes into video production, we find ourselves going over a mental list of requirements such as: location, content, gear, and overall execution. If we continue thinking about this list, how much time would you say is dedicated to making sure you achieve the best lighting set up? Lighting can certainly be a daunting area for some and at times it can be overlooked during the planning process.
Today we’re going over some really useful tips on a simple lighting setup that can be applied to your YouTube videos and other projects that you may have in the future.
Walk towards the light!
One of the most basic lighting setups that you will come across is the traditional 3 point lighting setup. This particular setup is very basic and ensures good lighting for your subject from 3 distinct positions. If you haven't heard the term “ 3 point lighting setup” before, you certainly will again in the future because the set up is widely used amongst video, photography, cinematography, and 3d visualization. The overall achievement of the set up is depth and dimension which will really take your videos to that next level!
The Key Light
The Key light is the most important light in your shot because it helps to illuminate your subject or yourself when filming a video or perhaps an interview. This particular light is the closest to your subject and is also known as the dominant light. Fun fact, the key light is normally twice as bright as your fill light. Because this light is the most important light of your 3 point lighting setup, details such as the angle or intensity of the keylight can be major factors in determining your lighting design.
In the spirit of finding your creative light, don’t be afraid to shake things up and explore various ways to use your key light. Speaking of shaking things up, there is something to be said about using sunlight as your light source. If you have a window nearby, that is a possible option. Just be sure to consider the fact that natural light is impossible to control and can sometimes lead to intense changes in your exposure. Over time you will find that your lighting preferences will evolve and grow just as you do during your journey as a creator.
The Fill Light
The fill light is generally positioned opposite to the key light. Fun fact, the ratio of light intensity between the key light and the fill light can range based on the type of work you're doing such as video, commercial, etc.
Now the benefit of a fill light is that it fills in missing light and can be used to add an element of mood. With this light, you can really add to the creativity of your shot. By using filters on the fill light, you can have greater control on the spillage of your light; especially if you don’t have barn doors to help control the light source. As you explore the wonderful world of filters and stands, you will find that there is so much to try and experiment with!
The Back Light
The back light adds ambiance from the rear and most importantly allows for separation between the background and foreground. This light is super critical because it will make sure that the dimension you are creating does not fall flat. In addition you can achieve some really nice effects from having the back light as part of your 3 point lighting setup
Now that you’ve taken some good time to consider your lighting, don’t forget to consider adjusting your camera settings!
Camera Settings
You want to be sure to pay attention to your camera settings to ensure that the subject is not over exposed or under exposed. Also, consider your choice of lense and aperture. A lens with a lower aperture will allow more light and will blur the background, giving it more depth which will give it a more cinematic quality. A high aperture number like an f/12 will let in less light (a small hole) and the overall image will be in focus, less definition between the foreground and the background. A lower aperture, however, will bring in more light (a bigger hole). IT will create more distinction between the foreground and the background in the scene giving more blur to the background. Lower aperture numbers (f/1.2 - f/2.8) are typically used for close-up broll shots and interviews.
Another area to pay attention to is the ISO setting. The lower the ISO, the better because there will be less noise in your video. If your ISO is too high you might see more artifacts in lower light settings. However, the ISO will also depend on the type of lighting set up that you are using.
Shutter speed for video should be double your frame rate. If you shoot 24 or 25fps per second, your shutter speed should be set to 1/50.
For Premiere Gal’s YouTube setup she uses a shutter 1/50, f/1.8, and ISO 180 with her full-frame mirrorless Canon EOS R and 35mm lens.
To learn some extra tips on camera placement and audio, be sure to check out the Premiere Gal YouTube Video on Lighting called, “My YouTube Lighting Setup - Make Your Videos Stand Out!
Should you find yourself interested in lighting but don’t know exactly where to begin, don’t worry! As you shop, you will notice that there are quite a few package options out there that will contain what you need to get started. Above all else, explore and discover what works for you. In your journey toward the light, you just may invent new lighting techniques that you can teach to others!
As always, stay safe & stay creative!