A podcast lighting kit is a collection of lights and accessories that can be used to enhance the visual quality and ambiance of your podcast videos. In this article, we will tell what are generally included in the lighting kit for podcast studios, what you can get from COLBOR to build your own kit, and how to set them up.
What gears are included in a podcast lighting kit?
A good lighting kit for podcast should include the following items:
A key light. This is the primary source of light that lights your face and adds contrast and depth. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can utilize a softbox, ring light, or LED panel as your key light. Your key light should be at a 45-degree angle from your camera and just above your eye level.
A fill light. This is a supplementary light source that fills in the shadows cast by your main light and helps to balance out the exposure. You may use a smaller softbox, a ring light, an LED panel, or even a reflector or a whiteboard. Your fill light should be on the opposite side of your main light and at the same height as your camera.
A backlight. This is an optional but suggested light source that separates you from the background and provides depth and dimension to your podcast video. You can use a tiny LED panel, a spotlight, or even a colored light to offer backlighting. It should be placed behind you and slightly over your head, aiming down at your shoulders or hair.
A tripod or a podcast light stand. This is a tool for holding your lights in place and adjusting their height and angle. Use a solid and steady tripod or stand capable of supporting the weight and size of your fixtures. Make certain that they won't interfere with your camera or microphone.
A remote control or a dimmer. This is a gadget that lets you change the brightness and color temperature without touching them. This allows you to create numerous moods and effects with your lights while also saving energy. Look for lights with built-in dimmers or remote controls, or buy separate ones that work with your lights.
These are just a few of the gears you should have in your podcast lighting kit. Of course, you can improve your podcast lighting with filters, gels, diffusers, and other accessories. Experiment with various lighting choices to determine what works best for you.
What can you get from COLBOR to build an LED lighting kit for podcast?
COLBOR video light manufacturer offers LED studio lights and different light accessories for building a lighting kit. According to the aforementioned items, here is one of the choices for you to build the best podcast lighting kit.
- Key, fill, and backlights: COLBOR has lights for podcast studio at different power output. You can choose among them based on your studio size and space.
- Light stand: According to the COLBOR light you choose, you can use the COLBOR 2200FP and WH-260 to hold the fixture. Both of them are adjustable in height for flexibly control the lighting height and angle.
- Controller: The COLBOR CTRL1 is a good choice for turning on/ off the podcast light and adjust brightness and color temperature remotely. Or you can use the COLBOR Studio App to make adjustments on your mobile devices.
Video tutorial: How to set up your podcast lighting equipment?
To utilize a podcast lighting kit, go through the following steps:
Step 1: Set up your podcast lighting kit
Set up your lighting equipment based on the size and shape of your podcast studio, the type and quality of your camera, and the style and tone of your podcast.
Step 2: Adjust color temperature to match moods in your video podcast
Change the color temperature to match the ambient light in your podcast studio, or use your camera's white balance option to fix any color cast. Distinct color temperatures may also be used to create distinct moods and effects. You can simply modify the brightness and color temperature by using the dimmer or remote control that came with them.
Step 3: Adjust lighting positions to avoid harsh shadows and glares
Place your LED podcast light so that they highlight your face and the scene without casting harsh shadows or glares. Depending on the demands of your podcast, you may utilize a one-, two-, or three-lighting setup. To keep your lights in position and change their height and angle, use the tripod or stand. You may also change the quality and direction of your light by using filters, gels, diffusers, or other accessories.
If you want to achieve a three- or four-lighting setup, you can check the video below. The YouTuber David Zhou shows each step clearly in the video. Check the video to see how he use COLBOR CL220 and CL60R for the setup.
Video by David Zhou
Step 4: Take a sample recording to test podcast lighting
Before recording your podcast, you should test your lighting. You may use your camera to snap some test images and see how your lighting appears on screen. If necessary, you may move or change the settings of your lights, as well as add or remove any accessories. You may also obtain comments on how to enhance your lighting from your audience or other podcasters.