Studio lights for video recording are fixtures that offer continuous illumination to illuminate the subject and the scene. They can be LED, fluorescent, etc. No matter what type they are, they can enhance the mood and tone, improve engagement, give a professional look, and so on. In this article, we will go through the importance of studio lighting in video recording, tips to get the best lighting, gears you need to build a lighting kit, and some ideas for video lighting setup.
Why studio lights are important for video recording?
They can improve the visuals, which is the key to video content. The best studio light for video recording brings the following benefits to content creators.
Improve the mood and tone of the video: It has a direct influence on the overall mood and tone. Lighting provides visually appealing images that capture and keep viewers' attention. It's also important to support your narrative as part of your overall storytelling.
Boost viewer engagement: This is because proper lighting can create the the most attractive visuals. Shadows and highlights catch the viewer's attention and entice them to watch more of your footage. It may transform a dull video into a more theatrical experience, capturing and retaining audience attention.
Show professionalism: Studio lights for video recording enable your video to appear professional and stand out from the crowd of amateur content makers. Every day, countless hours of fresh media are released across social media sites. Creating and distributing high-quality video content quickly distinguishes you from the competition and is likely to boost overall performance through interaction, longer average view times, and new followers.
Lower production time and costs: Investing in a YouTube studio light is an initial investment that will save you money and time in the long run. It reduces the need for post-production editing to balance light levels, erase flaws, and color-correct.
What to look for in a studio lighting kit for video?
A studio lighting kit for video includes light sources, light accessories, and other gear you need to set up and control the studio lighting in filmmaking. Here are common components:
- Studio lights for video recording: They are continuous lights. Rings light, LED panel, umbrella, and softbox lights are four common types used by video creators.
- Modifiers: They could be added to your lighting setup to offer even more flexibility. There are several types of modifiers, each with its own function. The softbox, umbrella, and skrim are commonly used.
- Light stands: Stands are necessary since lights can be heavy and hot. A decent light stand should be long-lasting, adjustable, and compatible with other camera equipment.
- Filters: Some kits will include filters to let you further modify the illumination.
- Power supply: Depending on the types of studio lights you buy, power may be an issue. This is especially true if you're working outside. Look for lights and kits that have a power supply source that can handle your lighting demands.
How to get the best video recording studio lighting?
This requires you to think about the filmmaking location, consider the brightness & shadows, position studio lights properly, adjust color temperature, and avoid glares. Read on to get more details about setting up video recording studio lighting.
Think about your filming location. Are you working with natural light outside? Are there any windows in your video studio? To prevent overhead lighting? Then, fill your recording space with light settings that address any issues you discover. If you typically film at home, setting up the best lighting for home studio will keep you from having to adjust equipment frequently. Understanding the concepts of effective video lighting will help you adjust fast to any situation if you're recording on the fly.
Consider the brightness and shadows. Studio lights for video recording without coverings or filters might be too bright for your video recording (but this is not always the case). These lights, dubbed hard lights, are essentially table lamps without lampshades. Instead, use soft lights, which have some kind of cover. They are excellent for lighting up dark nooks or walls.
Position the lights properly. To create high-quality illumination, most video lighting professionals use a three-point setup. These are key, fill, and backlights. The key light is placed at a 45-degree angle from the subject to the left/right of the camera. Fill lights, which are placed on the other side of the key, help eliminate shadows created by the key light. Backlights isolate the subject from the background, giving dimension to your video recording.
Adjust the color temperature. Whether you choose to use warm or cold lighting to illuminate the scene may have a significant impact on the video's mood. Warm lighting, with a color temperature of less than 4000K and an off-yellow appearance, may create a restful vibe. Choose cool lighting at the color temp. above 4000K to create the appearance of the noon sun.
Fight glare. If you want the best studio lighting for video recording, glare is your enemy. This is especially noticeable when the subject is wearing glasses. This can be mitigated by moving the fill light and key light farther away from the camera. Elevating the light stand may also help.
Video: More ideas for using COLBOR studio lights for video recording
Video by Daniel Cunningham
In this video, the YouTuber Daniel Cunningham shows how he uses COLBOR CL60 to create four scenes. The CL60 can be the best studio light for video thanks to its multiple power supply, compact design, adjustable color temperature & brightness, and various lighting effects. Check the video to see how Daniel Cunningham places the light, adjusts the setting, and uses the effects to create different scenes and moods in video recording.