5 Simple Lighting Tricks That Make Any Video Look Expensive

Bad lighting is the number one reason home videos look amateur, even when the camera is great. The good news is that you can fix it today for almost nothing.

1. Face your window. Daylight is the best free light in the world. Sit facing a window about an arm's length away and let it wash over your face. Never film with the window behind you, or the camera will expose for the bright background and leave you as a dark silhouette.

2. Light at a 45-degree angle. Flat front light looks boring. Move your lamp or ring light slightly to one side and just above eye level. This adds gentle shadows that give your face shape and depth.

3. Turn off overhead lights. Ceiling lights throw harsh shadows under your eyes and nose. Switch them off and rely on your window or a soft lamp instead.

4. Bounce, don't buy. A white foam board or even a white pillowcase held on the opposite side of your main light bounces soft fill light back onto your face. It smooths shadows without needing a second lamp.

5. Match your colors. Mixing a warm lamp with cool daylight creates odd orange and blue patches on skin. Pick one color temperature and stick with it for every light in the room.

Test everything on camera before you hit record. Your eyes forgive bad light, but your audience will not.