Lighting Tips for Videos
When shooting your video it is wise to pick an optimum spot that will give you the best amount of lighting. If you are unsure about the lighting in your room, you may want to do several test videos to find the best spot. 
Below I share some tips that will definitely help:
- Be aware of your backgrounds – try to avoid doorways and messy rooms, simply be aware of what’s behind you.
- Avoid white backgrounds – not only will white backgrounds tend to wash your skin out but they are quite boring.
- Notice the overhead lighting – some overhead lighting will give your skin different shades and shadows, be aware of the type of overhead light as well, too bright is not good either.
- Avoid lights in the background – lights in the background will create shadows and will be distracting
- Natural lighting is ideal – standing in front of a window with natural light shining in and a dark background make the best settings, giving you the best natural look
- Most importantly think about your setting – do you want a more professional look, perhaps your office is the ideal spot with bookcases behind you, if you want a more natural look go outside, but be sure the sun is not shining behind you or directly overhead.
- Best tip is to practice, practice, practice – the more often you take videos, you will soon know which lighting will work best for your complexion and which setting will be ideal for your video project and most importantly – HAVE FUN!
Yolanda
January 19, 2010
@ 10:35 am
What is the best back ground to have? I have light olive skin, dark brown or dark red hair (depending on how I’m feeling that month). I usually wear jewel tones, no greens oranges, yellows or pastels. I also like black, but vibrant reds and purples are my favorites.
Thanks–Y
[Reply]
Perry Lawrence Reply:
January 19th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Hi Yolanda, I like a background that supports the speaker. I often use a bookcase as a background. One thing to make sure of is to keep your foreground (speaker) brighter than your background. Also, don’t get the background too ‘busy’. Finally, I like to use a background that is part of your environment you work in. That helps communicate authenticity and authority.
[Reply]
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May 6, 2010
@ 7:59 pm
[...] for your videos to be easily viewed. If you are unsure what type of lighting, you can check out this post, where I share lighting tips. Lots of times, simply shooting outdoors will be perfect [...]