Best Lighting Tips For Video Conferencing

You don't need a bunch of fancy equipment to get great image quality for your Zoom calls. Just a little knowhow. I've been at my dad's house these last few weeks working remotely, and I've been dialing into Zoom calls and podcast recordings from the dining room table. It's not an ideal setup but having a background in composition and lighting theory from my filmmaking days, I was able to rig up some workarounds. 1️⃣ Lighting is one of the biggest factors of image quality. Soft light (from a large light source) is typically most flattering, especially coming from slightly to the side and above you. I found a sheet of white cardboard in the basement and pointed a reading lamp at it to reflect a large, soft beam towards my face from a 45 degree angle. I also made sure that the background is lit a bit, and with the same colour temperature light as the main light on my face. The outdoor light coming through the patio doors is a bit blue-ish but I'm ok with that since it's snowy out there and cooler light reflects the reality of the season. Plus it makes the warmer light of the room feel cozier. 2️⃣ Camera height has all sorts of subconscious effects on your audience. Typically you want it to be roughly at eye level, which represents how it feels to be talking to someone in person. Positioning the camera slightly higher can be a touch more flattering. Don't go too high though, as that can metaphorically signal "looking down on you." 3️⃣ Background blur puts the focus on you. Now, this is where I did get a liiiittle bit fancier. I didn't use Zoom's digital blur; instead I'm using my actual photography camera with a lens that allows for shallow depth of field. For the photo nerds out there, I'm shooting at f1.8. 4️⃣ Dogs make everything better. I've gotten some questions about my image quality, so I thought I'd share.

In 2024, I realized that lighting on video calls was quietly sabotaging my presence. Here’s the harsh truth I learned about bad lighting (and how it’s changing my approach for 2025): The truth is... Lighting on video calls can make or break how people perceive you. Seriously. Why? Poor lighting can send the wrong message, even if you’re the nicest person: - Harsh overhead lights - Deep shadows over your eyes - Distracting glare - The “shadowy figure” look Good lighting matters more than you think. Bad lighting makes you look tired, distant, even untrustworthy. This isn't about vanity - it's about professionalism in the age of remote work. And you don't have to go overboard. I've got a super-simple set up: - Two 10.5-inch ring lights on adjustable stands for calls at home. - One 5" portable clip-on ring light for calls away from home. Both are set to the lowest brightness level and the warm light mode. Here are the results: - Better engagement and trust on video calls - More meaningful conversations I implemented this not just for myself, but for my team too. Why? Because connection and trust in the remote age start with how you show up.

Ever notice how the top creators have better video and audio quality than you? It's true- production quality isn't what makes a good personal brand. But it is what takes you from a good, valuable brand with the basics down.... To a GREAT personal brand. (Hard to argue when top creators like Marques Brownlee or Mr. Beast have built $1M studios...) Transform your video quality with just $30 worth of Home Depot lights: No fancy equipment needed - just 3 simple steps: Position your main light at a 45° angle and slightly above your face - NOT directly in front (this creates the flat, unflattering look) Place your first tube light behind your head, facing the wall - This creates depth and separates you from the background Position your second tube light on the shadow side of your face - This fills in shadows and adds dimension That's it. This simple 3-point lighting setup to get you off the ground. The difference is immediate and dramatic. Most creators think they need expensive gear to look professional. They don't. They just need to understand how light works. What lighting setup are you using right now? Let me know in the comments. ⬇️ Want more simple video tutorials like this? Check the link in my bio for my weekly newsletter.