To produce and publish quality social media videos, you need to learn how to make the best use of the available lighting. That might seem like an easy enough concept.
Still, it’s much more complicated than you might expect, especially if you’re doing something like a product review video or unboxing video.
The focus is on the product itself rather than yourself or other people. Here are essential lighting tools you should invest in if you want to make perfect social media videos every time.
1. Video Lights
One of those essential tools you need to make sure your videos look great is a video light. A regular table lamp just won’t cut it. So, when you’re filming your next Facebook Live or Instagram Story, remember to bring along a video light to create that perfect glow.
These units also come with stands and arms that extend off your DSLR camera so you can position them anywhere you need for an ideal view of your subject. Some even have special effects like color-changing lights or twinkling star patterns. The sky’s the limit!
However, if you want to make a career out of your social media posts, hire a professional lighting expert like oscardominguez, who has the skills and these incredible tools at their disposal. Your viewers will thank you for making their social media experience more enjoyable.
Plus, think about how much better your viewing experience will be if you watch a well-lit video instead of one that looks as though someone filmed it in their basement at night using only candlelight!
2. Softbox
A softboxes an internal diffusion material to create a more diffused, natural-looking light. Softboxes can produce a much more flattering effect than bounce flash, giving your subject an unflattering shadow. There are different types of softboxes available, so it might be worth doing some research to figure out which is right for you and your budget if you’re starting.
Also, make sure that whatever softbox you choose has a shoe mount on top—this is important because it allows you to attach your camera and tripod easily. However, if you’re not cut for this, contacting lighting experts in your area may be a good idea. The best thing about softboxes is that they don’t require a lot of extra equipment; all you need is a light stand and umbrella holder, both relatively inexpensive.
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3. Reflectors
Reflectors bounce light around your subject’s face to soften shadows. You can control exposure and shade using reflectors.
They are instrumental when lighting only one side of someone’s face or if you want to make sure skin looks as good as possible. If you don’t have access to a professional studio, it might be worth investing in a few simple reflectors.
They come in different sizes and colors, so experiment with what works best for your shoot. A silver reflector is excellent for shooting against a white background, while a gold reflector is better at creating warm tones that match candlelight or sunset shots.
4. Three-Point Lighting
Good lighting makes everything look good. Three-point lighting provides a foundation for creating beautiful, professional-looking videos with your smartphone. You should place Two lights or the Key Lights on either side of your subject at eye level and angled down slightly, so they light up both sides of their face. A third light or the Fill Light should be behind and above your subject to help fill in shadows.
Avoid harsh sunlight by shooting during an overcast day or sunset if you’re filming outside. Turn off overhead lights and use lamps as your key illumination sources while filming indoors. Make sure that all three points are equidistant from your subject; otherwise, one side will appear brighter than another. Remember: It’s always better to balance the light than not enough or too much!
5. Continuous Lighting
Continuous lighting creates a uniform, even light on your subject. It’s often helpful in television studios and large-scale photography, as it offers a controlled way to illuminate your target without worrying about shadows or highlights.
The most common types of continuous lighting are fluorescent and tungsten lights. Fluorescent lights are commonly used in office buildings and retail stores, while tungsten lights are more common in professional photography studios.
Hence, if you’re creating a video showing part of your production process, use continuous lighting to make sure everything looks uniform. It will help viewers focus on what you want them to see instead of getting distracted by shadows or highlights.
When buying a set of continuous lights, look for ones that have dimmable settings so that you can control how bright they are and thus how much light they give off. Also, make sure they have enough power—you don’t want your camera’s exposure time to be too slow because there isn’t enough light!
Conclusion
Quality equipment and professional lighting skills are essential to producing quality videos for your social media. If you’re looking to start a business making videos orare already in business but want to improve your videos, ensure you have access to these tools. With them, you can ensure that your customers will always get a high-quality product they can use repeatedly. However, hiring a professional lighting expert is a great option, especially if it’s a huge event.
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