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Build your lighting kit like a Pro: A Guide for Content Creators

Build your lighting kit like a Pro: A Guide for Content Creators

   In the digital age, content creation has become a widespread form of expression, whether it’s YouTube, podcasts, streaming, or social media. However, one commonly overlooked aspect of producing high-quality content is lighting.

     Ask any experienced DP and he would tell you that the secret of the best shots is not the camera nor the lens, but what you put in front of them.

     Proper lighting not only enhances the visual appeal but also influences the mood, atmosphere, and overall quality of your content while engaging the audience. Whether you're filming a tutorial, conducting an interview, or streaming a live event, the right lighting can significantly enhance the clarity of your message and captivate your audience. Additionally, good lighting delivers consistency in your visuals, reinforcing your brand identity and professionalism.

   That being said, in this article we'll delve into the essential components and considerations for building a lighting kit tailored to the needs of any content creator.

3-Point Lighting: The Essential Components to Consider

     While nowadays filming technology has been reduced to a simple smartphone, many content creators may still wonder how come others get clear and professional looking videos posted.

     When basic ring lights and other DYI setups don’t work anymore, just resume to the classic 3-point lighting technique for both video productions and still photography.

3 Point Lighting Setup

    KEY LIGHT – it’s the main light source that gives the scene the overall exposure and establishes the feel of the frame. Generally, the key light is the brightest light directed towards the subject. It’s positioned slightly off camera, at a 45-degree angle to create shadows on the opposite side of the subject’s face, giving it depth and dimension. For content creators, a soft and diffused key light is often preferred to create flattering and natural-looking lighting.

     To give some actual examples, you can use the CineLED EVO 150W Panel with an additional softbox or the CineFLEX 150W Bi-Color LED Mat with a diffuser dome so you can adjust the brightness and color temperature to adapt to different shooting conditions and environments.

     FILL LIGHT – it’s the secondary light source that mirrors the key light on the opposite side of the camera to fill in the shadows and bring out some details from the darkness. Typically, the fill light is less bright and may not be an actual lighting fixture, but a reflector, wall or anything that bounces back some light to remove the shadows that the key light creates on a subject. Depending on preferences and shooting style, you can use a smaller LED panel like the CineLED EVO 100W Bi-Color or even a CineFLEX 100W Bi-color that can be simply taped to a wall to achieve the desired level of shadow detail and depth in your shots.

     BACKLIGHT – also called “rim light” or “hair light”, it’s the background lighting source that creates a flattering rim around the subject to outline and separate him away from the background. As the name suggests, this light is positioned behind the subject, opposite from the key light and high enough to be out of the frame. A more directional light source can be used to add highlights along the edges of your subject, like the CineCOB 120W Monolight Bi-Color. Experiment with positioning and intensity to achieve a subtle yet impactful separation between your subject and the background.


Adding a 4th Light?

     For content creators filming against a backdrop or green screen, a dedicated background light can help ensure even illumination and prevent shadows or inconsistencies in the background. This light source is aimed at the background behind the subject, typically with a snoot or grid modifier to control spillage. Adjust the intensity of the background light to achieve the desired level of separation while maintaining a clean and uncluttered background. Consider using LED spotlights with adjustable angles and intensities like the CineCOB 150W Monolight or the Studio LED Fresnel to achieve uniform lighting.


     To visually enhance this type of content, instead of a flat and even background, paint some colors and accents on it by using RGBW LED Tubes like the CineTUBE HUE 60 that engages a rainbow of colors and effects to create impressive dynamic shots from a touch of a button. 


How to use 3-point lighting?

     While this is a classic technique, there is no standard way on how it’s used, but one should consider the following:

  • This setup helps to create the mood of a scene, by adding dimension and depth. Just play with the size, distance, intensity, and position of these light sources to shape out the subject
  • For a better control, start with a dark setup with no outside light sources like windows and household lamps
  • Experiment with the balance, style and look by adjusting the light sources to bring out the best of your subject or sharpen certain features, depending on what mood you are trying to achieve
  • Not all frames are meant to be bright and focused, many cinematic compositions have shadows and less details. Adjust both key and fill light by increasing one and decreasing the other in order to create a more dynamic look
  • For a proper setup to be complete, use a background and a dedicated light for it to ensure even illumination and prevent shadows or inconsistencies in the background. Consider using LED panels or spotlights with adjustable angles and intensities to achieve uniform lighting across the entire frame.
  • Invest in quality light modifiers such as softboxes, umbrellas, reflectorsflags and grids to control the direction, quality, and intensity of light. These accessories allow you to customize your lighting setup and achieve various creative effects while maintaining control over the overall aesthetic of your content.

     Now that you got your lighting gear all figured out, don’t forget the light standsmounting accessories you’ll need for them to be properly rigged. For a better comprehension of what options you have, read the extensive article we have on this matter: The Simple Guide of Light Stands.

 


Best Practices for Building Your Lighting Kit


     When building your lighting kit, consider factors such as budget, portability, and versatility. Choose equipment that fits your budget constraints while providing the necessary features and quality for your content. You can opt for portable and lightweight gear that allow for easy setup and adjustments, especially if you're frequently filming on location or traveling. Try the CineLED EVO KITs for on-the-go setups, for these LED panels are compact, lightweight and battery powered so they can be used even on remote locations.

     If you are more of an indoor content creator, invest in a setup that would be fitted for the space you have and try to make it as permanent as possible so you will have consistency in your videos. Here we would suggest the CineLED Studio LED panels (Bi-Color & RGBW) as a powerful soft light source with both wired and wireless DMX controls so the can be easily adjusted without the need to manually reach them (a very useful feature for larger studios where the lighting fixtures cannot be easily accessed). Speaking of large studios, a more appropriate lighting fixture range would be the Maxi LED lights for the soft source, the Studio LED Fresnels for the adjustable spotlights and the Maxi Spacelights for the cyclorama/green screen setups. 

 

     Once you've assembled your lighting kit, don't hesitate to experiment with different setups, angles, and techniques to achieve the desired look for your content. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your equipment and refine your understanding of lighting principles through practice and experimentation. Continuously seek inspiration from tutorials and online resources to master the lighting techniques over time and create captivating content that resonates with your audience.

 

 

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