Tip #4 – Lighting TipsPart of a 10 part series based on the presentation given on June 1st 2009.
Lighting for video is part technical knowledge and part art form. Professionals spend years gaining the experience to know exactly what type of lighting to use in what situation, and what quality of light a particular fixture will provide.
For profile videos there are a few key things you can do to make your videos look better and more professional.
The first thing to look at when setting up your profile video shoot is if there are any windows in the room. Windows can provide a nice natural light source if used properly, but if used wrong can really ruin a profile video. First and foremost don't shoot toward windows. The daylight coming in from a window is not only a different color balance than the indoor lighting that will be in an office (That's a different post all together) but it's also way brighter than anything you will be able to provide with additional lighting. Even if you have to rearrange an office to do so you will be better off than if you shoot toward open windows with direct sunlight. If you absolutely have to shoot toward windows, pull the blinds at least to minimize the light hitting the camera lens.
The next thing to look at when considering the lighting of a profile video is the exposure level on the camera. Always set the exposure for the person speaking and not the background. It's acceptable for the wall behind your speaker to be dark, or the window blown out, but not for your speaker to be unrecognizable. (Unless it's a video where you are trying to keep the speakers identity secret)
If you have the ability to use lighting try using a basic 3 point lighting setup. This includes a Key Light, Back Light/Kicker, and Fill Light. Your key light is your strongest source, and should be at a 45 degree angle from your speakers face. This can be a light source on a stand, or even light coming in from a window if you can position your speaker properly. The back light is a a light that you place behind your speaker. This light serves to separate the speaker from the background and should be your second strongest light source. You should also place this light at a 45 degree angle from the speaker, and depending on your options for space often looks best opposite your key light. The fill light is a softer light source, sometimes a white reflective card, that should be placed to lightly fill in the dark side of the speakers face, or to remove shadows under the chin.
These tips won't make you ready to light the next Hollywood feature film, but they will help you make your profile video look much better.
Check back for "10 Tips to a Better Profile Video - #5 Sound Tips
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