Here’s the bottom line – the lighting you use for your next video will play one of the biggest roles in just how good the final product will be. Lighting problems are not uncommon, but they do need to be resolved if you hope to produce a stellar final product. Here are four common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
#1: Natural light is an option, but not always
Natural light is an important source for video production, but it is not easy to work with. Most projects will benefit, instead, from the use of lights. Properly lighting the scene is essential, but natural light often doesn’t do a good enough job. Keep in mind that investing in lights is an expense that’s nearly always necessary and beneficial.
#2: Those white walls aren’t a good thing
One of the common myths many video makers have is placing subjects against a simple white wall. Let’s be clear – white walls are unflattering to nearly any subject. They offer nothing to your video. Even one that’s freshly painted and sparkling can look dirty and too cheap. Instead, look for the use of backgrounds instead. What about all of those videos you’ve seen with white walls? They can work, but to make them work, you have to put a lot of effort into those walls including lighting them properly to get the right effect.
#3: Too much light on faces is a big problem
Another common mistake made with lighting in videos has to do with how much light you are placing on your subjects, particularly their face. First, start by not using direct light on a person’s face. Doing this makes the individual uncomfortable and he or she will look less put together. Now, that’s not to say you don’t need to light faces. You do, but you need to consider the use of filters or diffusers on that light. You can try to bounce light off ceilings and walls to create a softer feel. It can help to add in light where it is needed, but will not create shadows that otherwise harm your shot.
#4: Those shadows make everyone look strange
Shadows are distracting in any video. Light should always pull in attention to your target or the person in the video who is supposed to be the focal point. However, shadows can easily pull the attention of your viewer in another way. Many people make the mistake of believing they don’t have shadows until they wrap up the photoshoot and begin the editing process. Take the time to really get this right. Make sure you specifically are checking for shadows throughout your shoot.
It’s quite necessary to master the use of light in any video production, but the process is rarely easy to do. With a bit of focus on the right lighting, you can create an impressive video and one that truly puts the spotlight where it is supposed to be – on your subject. These tips give you a fantastic starting point.
