If you are a youtuber or are planning to become one, you should know that lighting is one of the most important aspects for the quality of your videos. Good lighting can make the difference between amateur video and professional video. In this article, we are going to discuss how to improve the lighting of your videos, from basics to advanced.
Understand the importance of lighting
First of all, it's important to understand why lighting is so crucial. Proper lighting can bring out details, create depth and texture, and give your video a clean, professional look. Also, lighting can influence the mood of your video, making it more dramatic, joyful, mysterious, etc. So don't underestimate the power of enlightenment.
Learn the basics of lighting
There are three main types of light that you should be aware of: the key light, the fill light, and the back light. The key light is the strongest light source and is usually placed in front of the subject. The fill light is used to fill in the shadows created by the key light. Backlighting is used to separate the subject from the background, creating an outline of light around the subject.
Use proper lighting equipment
While natural light can be a great source of lighting, it's not always reliable. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in suitable lighting equipment. There are many different types of lights available in the market, such as LED lights, fluorescent lights, tungsten lights, etc. LED lights are popular among youtubers as they are energy efficient, durable and portable. In addition, they usually have an adjustable color temperature, which allows you to easily change the mood of your video.
Set the lighting correctly
It's not enough to just have good lighting equipment, you also need to know how to set it up correctly. The most basic setup is the three-point setup, which consists of a key light, fill light, and backlight. The key light should be placed about 45 degrees from the subject and the fill light should be placed on the opposite side. The backlight should be placed behind the subject, creating an outline of light around the subject.
Experiment with different lighting techniques
Once you've mastered the basics of lighting, don't be afraid to experiment with different lighting techniques. For example, you can try high-contrast lighting to create a dramatic look, or soft lighting to create a softer, more pleasing look. Also, you can experiment with different light colors to create different atmospheres.
Use editing software to adjust lighting in post production
Finally, remember that you can always adjust the lighting in post using editing software. This can come in handy if you can't get the perfect lighting while shooting. However, try to get the best lighting possible while shooting, as this will make working in post production easier.
In conclusion, lighting is a crucial aspect of video production that should not be overlooked. With proper understanding and practice of lighting techniques, you can significantly improve the quality of your videos and stand out as a successful youtuber.
