In video production, lighting shapes how a viewer feels, where they look, and how they interpret a scene. Whether you’re filming an interview, a product video, or a cinematic short, understanding how to use light is the difference between a good video and a great one.
In this post, we’ll break down the fundamentals of lighting for video, covering the most common setups, key gear we use, and simple techniques to level up any shoot.
Why Lighting Matters
Good lighting does more than illuminate a subject, it directs attention, creates depth, and sets the tone for your entire piece. Think of a dramatic film scene lit with harsh shadows versus a bright and airy product commercial. Lighting decisions shape how your story is perceived.
In our projects, we treat lighting as a silent narrator. It doesn’t say anything directly, but it tells the audience how to feel and where to look.
Understanding the Three-Point Lighting Setup
One of the most important setups in videography is three-point lighting. It’s a simple yet powerful structure that consists of:
- Key Light: Your main source of light. This is usually the brightest and most directional light, defining the subject’s primary features.
- Fill Light: This light softens and balances out the shadows created by the key light. It’s often placed on the opposite side of the key and is typically dimmer.
- Back Light (or Hair Light/Rim Light): Positioned behind the subject, this light separates them from the background and adds depth to the image.
We use this setup in everything from interviews to talking-head YouTube content. It’s the perfect balance of function and flexibility.
Natural Light vs. Artificial Light
While natural light (sunlight) is free and beautiful, it’s also unpredictable. That’s why we often supplement or replace it with artificial lighting to get consistent results.
- Natural Light: Great for outdoor shoots or near windows. We often use reflectors or diffusion (like sheer curtains or scrims) to soften harsh sunlight and reduce shadows.
- Artificial Light: Gives you full control over intensity, direction, and color. Our go-to lights include LED panels, softboxes, and tube lights like the Nanlite PavoTubes, which are lightweight and color-accurate.
Pro Tip: When using natural light indoors, keep your subject facing the window at an angle. Backlighting or overhead lighting can cause unflattering shadows or blown-out highlights.
Light Temperature and Mood
Every light has a “color temperature,” measured in Kelvin (K). This affects the mood of your scene.
- Warm Light (around 3200K) gives a cozy, intimate feel, great for storytelling, romantic scenes, or evening vibes.
- Cool Light (around 5600K) mimics daylight and creates a clean, professional tone, ideal for corporate or tech videos.
We often balance our lighting temperatures to match the desired mood. For example, we might warm up the scene for a behind-the-scenes docuseries and cool it down for a tech explainer video.
Soft Light vs. Hard Light
- Soft Light is diffused, creating smooth shadows and flattering faces. This is what we use in interview shoots.
- Hard Light has sharper shadows and more contrast, perfect for dramatic or stylized content.
We control softness using tools like softboxes, umbrellas, diffusion gels, or even bouncing light off a white wall. It’s not about intensity, it’s about shaping the character of the light.
Practical Tips to Improve Lighting
Here are a few tricks we use on set to make the most of any lighting setup:
- Use diffusion: Even basic lights can look professional when diffused properly. We love using softboxes or DIY options like shower curtains.
- Add depth: Lighting the background (with accent lights or practicals like lamps) helps create separation and makes the frame feel more cinematic.
- Control spill: Use flags, barn doors, or black foam board to stop light from hitting areas it shouldn’t.
- Watch your exposure: Use your camera’s histogram or waveform monitor to avoid blown-out highlights or crushed blacks.
Our Go-To Lighting Tools
For most shoots, here are a few tools that stay in our lighting kit:
- Aputure 120d/300x: Versatile and powerful key lights, perfect for interviews or product shots.
- Nanlite PavoTubes: These RGB tube lights are great for background fills, rim lights, or colorful effects.
- Godox SL60W: A budget-friendly key light that punches above its weight.
- 5-in-1 Reflector: Portable and useful for bouncing or diffusing light on the go.
We often mix and match depending on the vibe, location, and scale of the project.
Start Simple, Light With Intention
Mastering lighting doesn’t mean owning the most expensive gear. It’s about being intentional, using light to support your story and enhance your subject. Start with the basics: one good light, a reflector, and a willingness to experiment.
Want to see lighting in action? Check out some of our past projects or reach out to learn how we can light up your next shoot… literally.