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The #1 thing I hear from clients is “I hate how I look on camera” and often one simple tweak to those images and videos is all it takes; better lighting.

Good lighting is essential when on camera, especially if the photos or videos are being used for business marketing or educational purposes, but this applies to your personal photos as well.

Good lighting helps create a polished and professional look. When lighting is poor, the video can appear grainy and unprofessional, which can undermine your authority and credibility. Conversely, when lighting is done correctly, it can help to emphasize your strengths, accentuate your features, and create a more vibrant and engaging appearance. (engaging appearance is key if these images and videos are being used in business).

Good lighting helps create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The right lighting can help to create a warm and inviting environment, which can help put your viewers at ease. You can also use lighting to create a crisp, bright, clean environment if the content being recorded or photographed calls for it.

If you’re creating a business video, good lighting can help to convey your message more effectively. When your viewers can see you clearly, they can better understand and absorb your message. This is particularly important when you’re communicating complex or technical information, where every detail counts.

So, what makes for good lighting?

First, it’s important to have enough light to illuminate your face clearly, without a lot of shadows. Natural light is ideal, but artificial lighting can work just as well if set up correctly. One of my favorite ring lights (which I use every day) that’s ideal for in-home use for both photos and videos can be found here: https://amzn.to/3LCAU7f It offers both warm and cool features and can be extended to over 5’5″ tall, which is key if you want your camera at or above eye level.

If you don’t need a giant ring light for taking photos and recording videos, a versatile small ring light like this is also a great option: https://amzn.to/3VE88aO This style of ring light is great for Zoom calls and recording videos where you need the arm to be flexible: such as recording calligraphy or artwork.

Of course, window lighting is excellent, but you need to understand what type of natural light is flattering and that takes practice! (this is something I teach in my program called Shine Online).

In conclusion, good lighting is a crucial element in creating professional-looking pictures and videos. By taking the time to set up your lighting correctly, you can create a polished, comfortable, and engaging environment that will help you communicate your message more effectively.

Whether you’re creating content for personal or business use, make sure to prioritize good lighting to help you achieve your goals AND be the most flattering for you.