Lighting - tips, tricks, links, etc.

[yummybrownfox]

I decided to order the Inkeltech softbox set, and also ordered this gorgeous tapestry for the wall.

 

[AmberCutie]

Saw this neato guide on Reddit today, might be helpful!

I keep my cam lights in the 3200-3500 range usually.

 

[yummybrownfox]

I've started looking a tad blurry maybe the last two times I've gotten on cam, and this is even with Auto-focus turned off. It's not TOO noticeable, but it's bugging me. Lol. My other Logitech Brio isn't doing this at all...only my second Brio (the newer one).

 

[KylieJacobs]

View attachment 87799

I've started looking a tad blurry maybe the last two times I've gotten on cam, and this is even with Auto-focus turned off. It's not TOO noticeable, but it's bugging me. Lol. My other Logitech Brio isn't doing this at all...only my second Brio (the newer one).

Any chance that there is a smudge on the lens? The center of the pic looks more out of focus than other areas.

 

[yummybrownfox]

Any chance that there is a smudge on the lens? The center of the pic looks more out of focus than other areas.

Thanks. Yeah, it's just the center that's giving me this blurriness. I've put away both webcams and webcam cords (and laptop) for the night, but later Tuesday night - prior to getting on cam again - I'll try wiping it with a paper towel with a drop of water. Instead of just blowing on the lens and using a finger to wipe it. Lol.

 

[LittleLei]

Thanks. Yeah, it's just the center that's giving me this blurriness. I've put away both webcams and webcam cords (and laptop) for the night, but later Tuesday night - prior to getting on cam again - I'll try wiping it with a paper towel with a drop of water. Instead of just blowing on the lens and using a finger to wipe it. Lol.

I cam with the brio w/AF turned off and use Logitech's Brio control center to adjust coloring, Sometimes, not often, after I've click AF off, I'll have to drag the button all the way over where it's completely blurry and then drag it back to the left to fix any slight blurring issues.

 

[JessicaXOXOXO]

View attachment 87799

I've started looking a tad blurry maybe the last two times I've gotten on cam, and this is even with Auto-focus turned off. It's not TOO noticeable, but it's bugging me. Lol. My other Logitech Brio isn't doing this at all...only my second Brio (the newer one).

Try 3 point lighting. I think the glare/sheen off your back drop with the direct light is causing that. I'd suggest 2 side lights or ring lights then a clip on ring light behind your cam source if needed. I find my side lights being slightly pointed away from me works the best.

 

[yummybrownfox]

Try 3 point lighting. I think the glare/sheen off your back drop with the direct light is causing that. I'd suggest 2 side lights or ring lights then a clip on ring light behind your cam source if needed. I find my side lights being slightly pointed away from me works the best.

Any chance that there is a smudge on the lens? The center of the pic looks more out of focus than other areas.

I cam with the brio w/AF turned off and use Logitech's Brio control center to adjust coloring, Sometimes, not often, after I've click AF off, I'll have to drag the button all the way over where it's completely blurry and then drag it back to the left to fix any slight blurring issues.

Ugh, the multi-quote feature on here was driving me crazy just now! Lol.

No more lights for me. I am in love with this softbox lighting that I've been using since February, and I've also had this moon/ocean backdrop since then, and this hasn't been an issue...always awesome video quality. It turned out to be what Kylie suggested earlier...just a smudge on the lens. I cleaned it with a wet paper towel, and it's fine now. I just finished recording a video on it. Thanks, everyone.

 

[KylieJacobs]

Ugh, the multi-quote feature on here was driving me crazy just now! Lol.

No more lights for me. I am in love with this softbox lighting that I've been using since February, and I've also had this moon/ocean backdrop since then, and this hasn't been an issue...always awesome video quality. It turned out to be what Kylie suggested earlier...just a smudge on the lens. I cleaned it with a wet paper towel, and it's fine now. I just finished recording a video on it. Thanks, everyone.

Awesome! Glad that it worked.

 

[thinkinboutit]

I recently learned the Ikea Holmo is discontinued

 

[MissVaga]

I just got some RBG light sticks, I LOVE them. You can adjust brightness and you can mount them on a tripod or lighting stand for infinite angles. they also don't tend to spill alot of light behind them which I like.
I got mine on ali express but one day I want to fancy $100 a piece ones

 

[Billyboy]

I decided to order the Inkeltech softbox set, and also ordered this gorgeous tapestry for the wall.

View attachment 87068

I see this arrived. Looks great in your new profile photo.

 

[yummybrownfox]

I see this arrived. Looks great in your new profile photo.

Thank you!

I told my son that it would be awesome if we temporarily put this up in his room (where his piano is), and we record him playing Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata on the piano...with this backdrop behind him.

 

[haravoss]

I feel like umbrella lights make such a difference, I used a lot of improvisations for lights until I gathered enough money to buy something pro and I can honestly say it was worth the waiting

 

[MillyNoelle]

I'm saving up to get this: Godox ES45 Lighting Kit. Do I need a third light (for three point lighting) or will that not be necessary?

I'm thinking about getting a smaller, cheap light as my third point bc the kit is expensive.

Thanks!

 

[Nigerian Prince]

I'm saving up to get this: Godox ES45 Lighting Kit. Do I need a third light (for three point lighting) or will that not be necessary?

I'm thinking about getting a smaller, cheap light as my third point bc the kit is expensive.

Thanks!

3 point Lighting is a common setup, but it's far from necessary.

 

[mira_leo]

does anybody know how to create that dark/moody lighting? are there special lights for that? my makeshift mood lighting was to hang some fabric over a fairly bright lamp and that has been working quite well but i'm wondering if there are better ways of doing it.

i'm looking to achieve something like this:

 

[Nigerian Prince]

does anybody know how to create that dark/moody lighting? are there special lights for that? my makeshift mood lighting was to hang some fabric over a fairly bright lamp and that has been working quite well but i'm wondering if there are better ways of doing it.

i'm looking to achieve something like this:

It looks likes she's using a hard light source to the side of her face, and then a small red light directly above her.

Could probably achieve something like this with a handful of small lights like the Aputure MC

 

[mira_leo]

It looks likes she's using a hard light source to the side of her face, and then a small red light directly above her.

Could probably achieve something like this with a handful of small lights like the Aputure MC

I should add that I dont mean to recreate that exact colour composition. Just that "dark" lighting in general. The reference photo was probably misleading.

 

[Olive]

I should add that I dont mean to recreate that exact colour composition. Just that "dark" lighting in general. The reference photo was probably misleading.

Hm for darker set ups, it really makes a difference what kind of camera you're using.. Although I've had some good experience with a regular logitech c922 webcam & philips hue lamps & cheap RGB floodlights in the past (they can make some really interesting looking backgrounds, especially if you have plants or other decor to cast shadows etc.).

floodlights example

 

[mira_leo]

Hm for darker set ups, it really makes a difference what kind of camera you're using.. Although I've had some good experience with a regular logitech c922 webcam & philips hue lamps & cheap RGB floodlights in the past (they can make some really interesting looking backgrounds, especially if you have plants or other decor to cast shadows etc.).

floodlights example

Yeah, I will probably have to upgrade my cam to achieve the result I'm looking for. I've had my C920 for almost two years now so maybe it's time to get a new one.
Those lights look really interesting. There's so much I need to learn about lighting omg

 

[Skygirl]

Thank you so much for this post, there is a lot of good information here.

 

[TattooNate]

Just saw someone discuss this on another forum. Do you guys think that it's true that for some models home environment with less light and no professional background work better? I mean even on pornhub the content is usually split into pro and amateur categories. I don't really see how streaming in a good studio helps in this case really.

 

[THE MOLLIE MARIE]

@TattooNate even streaming from home, even portraying a girl nextdoor vibe or whatever, you'd still want viewers to be able to see you so lighting is still an important factor. Lighting impacts stream quality which impacts traffic and on some platforms, performer placement itself is directly impacted.

Unless for some stylistic reason, no, I do not agree that anyone works better with less light. Unless we are talking so much light that the performer is overexposed, then yeah, that needs to be reassessed. But generally, webcams do not have the ability to handle low light scenes very well and more lighting is better for that reason.

 

[TattooNate]

that makes a lot of sense, thanks for your thorough response

 

[its_so_ez]

Lighting Color Contrast...

There are good recommendations for warm lighting in this thread because of the flattering effect warm light has on skin tones, but it can be even better if there are cooler tones in the background. That'll keep eyes and even in-camera white balancing from cancelling out the warming effect.

When the whole scene is warm, people's eyes adjust to compensate. That's where the dress photo controversy came a few years ago, if you saw that meme - was it white and gold or black and blue? The scene didn't have enough color contrast, so the dress colors were ambiguous.

Warm tones on you and cool or neutral tones on the wall behind you will amplify the skin tone flattering effect. Some people take this to extremes by combining red lights and black (blue and ultraviolet) lights, which is fine, but you can get a more natural look with warm-white and cool-white.

 

[LolaLuv]

I should add that I dont mean to recreate that exact colour composition. Just that "dark" lighting in general. The reference photo was probably misleading.

I've watched a lot of great tutorials on youtube for this. Search cinematic lighting. There are different styles and methods available so you can probably find what you're looking for or combine methods to get what you want.

 

[Mistress Cash]

For those who don't have a professional set up and/or are short on funds, a few extra desk or table lamps can really help improve your lighting. I use one desk lamp, one multi head floor lamp, and one single bulb floor lamp and my lighting is pretty good. You don't have to break the bank to have decent equipment.

This is the lamp Amber recommended, I use it as well and would second her suggestion, but don't buy the blue one! I made that mistake and it makes adjusting my camera settings a bit tricky. http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials ... A-12242155

I agree. I used my lamp side table lamp, with a strong, white light bulb. It is tall enough to be above the cam, and light me, but not blind me. It helps if you have white walls. Also, if you have a window, or doors, exposing the outside when it is dusk, close them off, or the light is sucked out of the room. The smaller the space, the less light you need.

 

[Ozzie_]

From a user perspective, do not broadcast with a window behind you! Sunlight streaming into the room from behind means you can't be seen very well. This seems obvious to me, but I have observed a number of models on SC doing just this.

 

[yummybrownfox]

Just saw someone discuss this on another forum. Do you guys think that it's true that for some models home environment with less light and no professional background work better? I mean even on pornhub the content is usually split into pro and amateur categories. I don't really see how streaming in a good studio helps in this case really.

I know you posted this three months ago, and may not ever see this. But when I'm doing my daytime/afternoon cam times on Stripchat...if there's natural sunlight coming in through that window, and it's looking great on me, I absolutely will use that instead of my painfully bright Inkeltech softbox lighting. Then when it's beginning to get cloudy outside...or starts to go into evening time, and the natural sunlight is looking less lovely, that's when the party's over (Lol) and I've gotta plug in and turn on my softbox lighting.