Lighting - tips, tricks, links, etc.

[DJ_Pioneer]

yee , i have c920 and im not new in this domain but i want to have all thinga right , i have goid lighting , camera and the rest but now i read about external mic who js better for camming , anyway is not a hurry , im not broadcasting yet cause of some problems
kiss kiss

Then I suggest waiting before buying audio gear. If you were somewhat more stationary in your camming there are microphones that would improve the sound, but the problem is when you move around a lot and get more than 4 feet away from them the sound usually gets quiet. Miking the entire room or buying a 360 degrees ceiling mic is not something I would recommend and it is not withing your budget anyway. Start camming first and try and see what you think you need.

 

[Madz]

Then I suggest waiting before buying audio gear. If you were somewhat more stationary in your camming there are microphones that would improve the sound, but the problem is when you move around a lot and get more than 4 feet away from them the sound usually gets quiet. Miking the entire room or buying a 360 degrees ceiling mic is not something I would recommend and it is not withing your budget anyway. Start camming first and try and see what you think you need.

ahaa , now i understand well is not for me this ext mic i like to moce a lots
thank you a lots for advices , cool guys

 

[Larkin Love]

I know a pro setup isn't in financial reach of everyone, but I can vouch for the value it adds to your camming and video work. I have switched to Kino Flo lights in the last year and will never go back to anything else. The quality of my work has improved dramatically just by getting better lights.

I use a set of 2 lights, each 4' with 4 bulbs. They come in a hard-side travel case. The pair, with bulbs, was about $3400. Yup. Not a typo. Crazy expensive. These are the creme de la creme, and I use them for shooting clips with my 4k camera as well as camming. They do well for commercial photography as well - fill in every hollow and wrinkle so your skin looks marvelous.

Again, not in everyone's reach, but pro lights are worth the investment if you can make it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rstanton]

Kino Flos are large fluorescent lights that create soft light while being color-corrected to have perfect white light. They're also extremely tough since they're designed to be moved and set up quickly on location. There are other ways to get this kind of light for a lot less. Some color-corrected fluorescent bulbs generate light very close to Kino Flos and most people can't tell the difference. You can also create soft light with diffusers and bounce cards with many other lights.

 

[Shutterbuck]

Kinos are great! Spendy... maybe outside of the price range of most everyone here (or at least more than you want to spend even if you got the bread) but absolutely fantastic light. However, I sold off all of my Kino Flos (one of them to Marcos Rivera, funny enough) as they are just way too big to travel with. Sure, Kino Flo makes smaller lights, too but I’m not interested in paying their prices for a smaller light source.
But I still use Kino Flo bulbs in smaller, off-brand fixtures. This may be the way to go for some of you that want a high CRI light but don’t wanna drop Kino bucks (google CRI... way too much info for a post here). Most of the lower cost fluorescent lights you will find online say that they are daylight balanced. They usually average around 5450K (a happy medium between the two most common daylight ratings of 5200K and 5600K), though in my experience I find that even if you set your white balance to 5450K, these lights tend to have a green shift due to their lower CRI rating.
Since I travel so much I use these cheap-o Impact brand lights:
https://www.amazon.com/Impact-Ready-Cool-Fluorescent-Fixture/dp/B00G4L9ND4

They’re cheap enough that it won’t break my heart if they break and small enough to pack in and out of hotels/models’ homes with ease. However I installed Kino Flow bulbs for better color consistency:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/258267-REG/Kino_Flo_55C_K55_True_Match_Compact_Lamp.html

(I carry both daylight and tungsten balanced bulbs on shoots but the daylight balanced bulbs are probably just fine for most of you.)

These lights are a bit too small for that really soft light you’ll get from a 4’ bank of Kinos. But if you bounce them off a neutral surface or diffuse them with some white, sheer fabric and bring them nice and close... you’re golden!

Yes, investing in your equipment can improve the quality of your content. No, you don’t have to spend as much as others. Great advice in here but don’t be discouraged by the cost of some of the suggestions. There are ways to work it out within your budget. Research and experiment!

 

[brianabooty]

I just want to say I strongly reccomend DAYLIGHT/full spectrum bulbs. These bulbs are white and mimic natural sunlight (usually around 7000k). Yellow or blue lamps can make you look weird. Avoid having brightly colored walls or curtains around your camspace as well because these things can reflect back on to you and mess up your white balance.

For my lighting I bought TWO of this set http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/2pk-combo-set/6000134546239

They are inexpensive, tasteful enough for my livingroom, and create a diffused light. My concern when shopping was that I dont have a dedicated cam room, so I wanted something nice-ish looking that people wouldn't question.

If you have a dedicated space or dont worry about looks, you can get these http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/likewise-trouble-lamp-with-4m-cord-0525012p.html at any hardware store. You can also buy stands for them. Much cheaper than photography lighting equipment, porn sets use them all the time.

This is the tutorial I used waaay back when. Its the basic whatever thats been hashed out a million times.


Thats my :twocents-02cents: on lighting!

This was an extremely helpful video! Thank you.

 

[Smores]

I just want to say I strongly reccomend DAYLIGHT/full spectrum bulbs. These bulbs are white and mimic natural sunlight (usually around 7000k). Yellow or blue lamps can make you look weird. Avoid having brightly colored walls or curtains around your camspace as well because these things can reflect back on to you and mess up your white balance.

For my lighting I bought TWO of this set http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/2pk-combo-set/6000134546239

I love this product idea of a normal tower lamp, but with a built in diffuser that wraps around the entire tower. How many bulbs are in each of the towers and can those be operated independently to scale up and down the total light output?

Does anyone know of a similar diffuser design is available in the US?

 

[Bellatrix Bandit]

May have already been said but I recently got a little lighting upgrade for free from MFC. Turns out the swag bags at sponsored events have mini LED ring lights that are good in a pinch! They can clip to your laptop or phone for a little extra boost. They don't last long without charging so I just keep them plugged in. I am still learning/upgrading so I find that it can come off very cool toned and harsh if you don't get the distance and cam settings adjusted accordingly.

Another trick for any manycam users out there which I recently discovered is you can simply right click your preview screen in manycam and go to properties to tweek the settings of the camera that is currently in view.

 

[zimmerxex11]

what are some cheap (under 20$) quality lights?

 

[Rose]

what are some cheap (under 20$) quality lights?

Get a table lamp and aim it directly at yourself! Walmart would be your cheapest option (lamp $10, good bulb $10). I would look up tips and tutorials on how to make your single light work best for you, but it's definitely the cheapest option and fastest.

 

[AmberCutie]

what are some cheap (under 20$) quality lights?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-Erskin-17-7-in-White-Desk-Lamp-with-Paper-Shade/50016042

I don't know what I'd do without the bajillion of these that I have.

 

[JustOmi]

what are some cheap (under 20$) quality lights?

I use a selfie ring light, that attaches to your desk with a clip, they cost about $18 on Amazon! Aside from a big full ring light its the best light I've had! You can switch up the lighting color too. Its also easy to move around which is what I need since I move around the house camming all day. If you need stronger lights you could always get two but if you were going to do that it would be better to get the full studio lighting system on amazon for like $49 I think.

 

[zimmerxex11]

Thank you guys so much! Y'all are the best!

 

[BlackHottie]

I know a pro setup isn't in financial reach of everyone, but I can vouch for the value it adds to your camming and video work. I have switched to Kino Flo lights in the last year and will never go back to anything else. The quality of my work has improved dramatically just by getting better lights.

I use a set of 2 lights, each 4' with 4 bulbs. They come in a hard-side travel case. The pair, with bulbs, was about $3400. Yup. Not a typo. Crazy expensive. These are the creme de la creme, and I use them for shooting clips with my 4k camera as well as camming. They do well for commercial photography as well - fill in every hollow and wrinkle so your skin looks marvelous.

Again, not in everyone's reach, but pro lights are worth the investment if you can make it. Just my 2 cents.

Wow, that's a lot. I took a peak at your stores and your video quality is amazing!

 

[Scarlett_monroe]

I use a selfie ring light, that attaches to your desk with a clip, they cost about $18 on Amazon! Aside from a big full ring light its the best light I've had! You can switch up the lighting color too. Its also easy to move around which is what I need since I move around the house camming all day. If you need stronger lights you could always get two but if you were going to do that it would be better to get the full studio lighting system on amazon for like $49 I think.

https://www.frontgate.com/simplehum...C5CJHiMqFR-9z5wtZRskDXWhgkAfeHdRoCtt0QAvD_BwE


^^^^^^ I have something like this...supposedly mimics natural lighting and stuff..but I only have one (a customer bought it ) would this work?

 

[rstanton]

https://www.frontgate.com/simplehuman26reg-sensor-mirror/534497?listIndex=0&offers_sku=65786&SourceCode=ZZ51120&intlShippingCtx=US|USD&CATARGETID=120245420002103067&cadevice=m&gclid=CjwKCAiAo8jgBRAVEiwAJUXKqNsQgh47MPHVr4nv-9B1WDC5CJHiMqFR-9z5wtZRskDXWhgkAfeHdRoCtt0QAvD_BwE


^^^^^^ I have something like this...supposedly mimics natural lighting and stuff..but I only have one (a customer bought it ) would this work?

This is similar to the "beauty dish" reflector used in still photography.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838064-REG/Impact_bd_22_22_Beauty_Dish_Reflector.html

 

[softnipple]

I go for a more rave/party room so i have a disco ball and some neon lights, but sometimes i'll use a lamp to have a more 'daylight effect.

 

[Therubyrouge]

I definitely need to invest in better lighting when I can!! I’m feeling like such a noob right now with my one little light in the living room (my only available cam space), so I better get a handle on that! I also move around a lot, dance, workout, etc, and all the lights in the apt are this icky yellow. Maybe I can start with changing the bulbs?

 

[Siena]

This thread has helped me SO MUCH as lighting has been the biggest pain in my a$$ while camming. I have a small, enclosed space I work in and I feel like I am in a cave half the time. The crazy part is on some days it looks flawless and then other days when I log in without touching ANYTHING it looks completely different and I have to readjust. So frustrating, so I guess I will keep playing with my zones and see if these tips can help reduce my frustrations! Thank you!

 

[Alina Alina]

I have four lights.A white main light source on the ceiling.

And then left and right two yellow lamps,Right in front of a white desk lamp.
Too bright doesn't seem good for your eyes. And it doesn't make your face look soft enough.
So they all face the wall.
Trying to make the picture clearer,

It also makes you look better.

 

[sweetbee]

I'm a nerd for streaming setups so can't wait to access the verified model stuff for more info! My lighting is whack rn bc I've been in the process of moving and am mostly trying to coordinate with natural sunlight.

For folks with softboxes, is yours dimmable? I have seen this recommended but I don't see very many options for that kind of thing.

I only really have one 12" ring light, which is nice but SMALL, that I purchased on amazon for like $20 lol. Time for an upgrade!

 

[DJ_Pioneer]

You can always attach a dimmer on the power cord if the lights you have are dimmable.

 

[sweetbee]

You can always attach a dimmer on the power cord if the lights you have are dimmable.

Good idea! I hadn't considered that.

 

[NaomiNyx]

I have a lamp from target that was less than $15. It has 5 lamp heads and they all are on bendable arms. I use white lights and fan them out in a semi circle and then perch it a few feet behind my laptop. It works beautifully and saved me a lot of money.

 

[Natalia_Rae]

I was camming with another model recently and learned a few things from her set-up!

This clamp light is crazy convenient.

Its moveable, but placing it low gets rid of the "dark hole" effect, keeping everything nice and lit up during teases etc.

It depends on your lighting preference, but I love the way using blue lights or light filters look.

If you're not sure about lighting or you're still working on getting lighting, I highly recommend downloading software to adjust your camera settings. A lot of models use a Logitech webcam which is what I would recommend. To change my settings I use "Logitech Camera Settings" and "Logitech Hub".

 

[Maeleth_Fae]

Did you use this in addition with other lights? Or was it bright enough to illuminate you both?

 

[Allforshow93]

anyone know what kind of lights is good for white walls (can't be painted, im renting) i was looking at the ones that jessi had (the walmart ones) and maybe two desk lamps, would that be good or i'd appear too bright?
[/QUOT
I have a white walls as well and I am using this westcott uLite LED 3 LIGHT Collapsible Softbox kit! I personally like the collapsible softbox light because I can bring it anywhere I go and they are very easy to assemble and disassemble.

 

[helenavixen]

These work really well if your in a bind and can't afford the super cool lighting upfront plus it's easy to travel. I travel often and tend to carry alot of stuff and these fit safely in a tote bag with my lingerie and such.

Also, before I could even afford those, I used a lamp with a "warm" lightbulb. I would take the lampshade off, tilt the lamp on a stack of books, turn it on and bam! bomb lighting on your face

 

[thinkinboutit]

Hey, just wondering if anyone has updated opinions on the desk-mount ring lights? there are so many choices on Amazon, I dont know what to pick!

I think something where the cam mounts inside the ring would look best, but I also want to make sure the webcam is near the screen so I face the camera as much as possible.

 

[BraisleeAdams]

Don't think I ever posted my new lighting setup. None of it is top of the line, but each box has 5 bulbs, but I usually only keep 2 bulbs on per box.




I also picked up a 3-pack of these for mobile video and bedroom camming to use instead of my cheap umbrella set and so far they're pretty awesome.



I think they look pretty fantastic for the price! (downloaded twitter pic, some quality loss)