When delivering video conferencing calls with clients or colleagues, a well-lit setting conveys a sense of quality and professionalism in your services. It allows others to see your facial expressions, body language, and gestures clearly. It also enables better lighting of virtual backgrounds if you use them. In this guide, we'll explore the essential equipment needed to provide good lighting for your video conferencing calls that doesn’t blind you in the process.
Natural Light vs Artificial Light
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to rely on natural light or invest in artificial lighting equipment. Natural light can be wonderful, but it can be unpredictable and may change throughout the day. If your therapy sessions are often scheduled in the evening or in rooms with limited natural light, artificial lighting is essential.
To understand the different products you can invest in to improve your lighting set up, we will think through different factors in your working environment and examine the ways in which lighting influences these conditions.
Positioning of the Light Source
Overhead Ceiling Lighting
Avoid using the main overhead lighting in your rooms as these are usually very harsh and cast unflattering shadows on your face. It is best to turn these off and use the lighting as described below.
Front Facing Light
The primary light source, whether it's natural light from a window, a ring light, softbox, or a desk lamp, should be positioned directly in front of you. This setup minimises unflattering shadows on your face and ensures even lighting. However, this is often the case when such a light source is producing light that is is indirect, soft, and diffused.
When the light source is very bright, harsh and direct, then not only will it be uncomfortable to look into for long periods of time, but it will also create something known as overexposure in which there can be a harsh glare on items in your camera view, or give you a washed out complexion.
To remedy this it is best to diffuse this light so that it scatters and creates a more even illumination. For windows with direct sunlight you an use sheer curtains or blinds that will allow the light through but soften it. For harsh lamps you may want to face the light at a wall so it bounces off the wall and is diffused as it hits your face.
Backlighting
Whenever possible, avoid positioning yourself with a main lighting source such as a bright window behind you, known as backlighting. Webcams automatically record and adjust to the brightest source of light and if that light is behind you, then you’re no longer the focus. Make sure you’re facing toward, not away from, a window or another light source. If you have no choice but to position yourself with a window behind you then consider using a blind to minimise the incoming light and create a more of an even backdrop. You can also buy a collapsible backdrop screen to create an even lighting background for your video. This also helps create a blank canvas for use of a virtual background in your video conferencing settings.
You can opt for some subtle, atmospheric background lighting which can be helpful to create depth and separation between you and your background. This can be achieved with small LED lights or spotlights directed at a backdrop or wall behind you.
Side Lighting
If you have a bright light source such as a window or bright overhead light that is to one side of your video set up, then consider the use of increased lighting on the darker side of the room to balance out the shadows.
Additionally, try diffusing the light with a blind or by directing the light at a wall to soften the light and balance the light out that reflects towards your face.
Colour Temperature and Brightness
The colour of lighting refers to the hue or shade of light emitted by a light source. It is determined by the light source's colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). Colour temperature is used to describe whether the light appears warm, neutral, or cool in tone.
Cool lighting is in the range of 4500K to 6500K or higher. It emits a bright, bluish-white light akin to daylight on a clear, sunny day. Is known for its ability to reveal true-to-life colours on video calls and so often looks brighter and more natural.
Neutral lighting falls within the range of 3500K to 4500K. It produces a balanced and natural white light, similar to daylight during early morning or late afternoon.
Warm lighting typically falls in the range of 2000K to 3500K. It emits a soft, yellow to orange glow reminiscent of candlelight or sunrise. Whilst, it can create a more warm and intimate atmosphere but you may need a higher resolution camera quality to ensure you are lit well enough as it is not as bright as the cool lighting.
Many lighting options allow you to adjust the colour temperature to suit your preferences and create the desired mood. You can adjust the lighting as the day progresses and the natural light changes.
I find it helpful to adjust the temperature of my lighting depending on the surrounding natural lighting conditions. I can dial up the warmth if I am looking a bit pale and washed out for example.
Key Lighting Equipment
‘Daylight’ Light Bulbs: Daylight bulbs in your overhead lighting and lamps emit a bright and crisp bluish-white light, closely resembling natural daylight. They excel in providing clarity, true-to-life colours, reduced shadows, and focused detail.
Ring Light: A ring light is a popular choice for video conferencing because it provides even and flattering illumination. These lights are available in various sizes and can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired brightness and colour. These can however be quite bright so you don’t want to use these as your main light source.
Panel Lights: Panel lights are often thin and compact, making them easy to mount or place in various positions. They use LED technology, consisting of multiple LED bulbs embedded within a flat panel, to produce light evenly across their surface. They are excellent for creating soft, diffused light that reduces harsh shadows. They are ideal for achieving a natural and pleasing look during video calls.
Desk Lamps: Desk lamps with adjustable arms can be a cost-effective option to improve lighting. Position them strategically to direct light onto your face while avoiding glare on your screen. Consider using 'daylight' bulbs in them to recreate the most natural light.
Screen Brightness: The brightness setting on your laptop or computer screen can also act as a light source, so turn this up to the brightest setting and see how this impacts on your overall lighting conditions. Be mindful that increasing the brightness will also use more battery power over the course of the day.
Video Conferencing Software
Consider adjustment of your video conferencing software settings to increase your image quality, brightness and contrast adjustments to fine-tune your appearance on camera. Some video conferencing software such as that contained within Google Meet allow for an auto adjustment of your image in less than optimal lighting conditions.
Many video conferencing software, such as Google Meet, will allow you to adjust the video quality to suit your internet connection. If you have limited bandwidth or encounter issues with your video quality, lowering it can help maintain a smoother call, especially when dealing with poor lighting conditions.
Cameras and Recording Equipment
While many laptops come with built-in webcams, they may not offer the best quality. Consider investing in an external webcam for superior video quality. Opt for a webcam with at least 720p HD resolution or higher. This ensures that your image is sharp and clear, making it easier for clients to see you in detail.
Look for webcams that feature auto-focus and low-light correction. Auto-focus ensures that your image remains sharp even if you move, while low-light correction compensates for less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Consider the frame rate of your webcam. A frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) or higher ensures smooth, natural-looking video without noticeable choppiness.
Keep your webcam lens clean and free of dust and smudges. A microfiber cloth is perfect for this task and ensures a clear image.
Summary
There are many inexpensive ways that you can elevate your virtual meetings and client sessions to create a professional and well lit environment. Try some of the cheaper ways to tailor your lighting first before investing in the more expensive options such as webcams and laptops.
Further Resources
If you would like some suggested products that may improve your lighting conditions then you may be interested in the products below that I use personally in my business.
**As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but I only recommend products that I have personally used and recommended myself.
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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to financial advice and you should not rely on the contents of this article to make decisions for your business. Professional advice should be obtained to explore your personal circumstances before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Dr Sarah Simmonds, Trading as The Private Practice Suite disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.
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