The secret to a professional look on camera isn’t entirely up to the camera itself. Even if you don’t have the money saved to purchase a brand new webcam like the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Streaming Webcam, you can still look like a veteran if you implement this tried and true method: Three Point Lighting.
What is Thee-Point-Lighting?
Three-point lighting is exactly what it sounds like: lighting the subject from three different angles. Movies, TV shows, and the best online streamers incorporate this strategy to eliminate and control unsightly shadows and set the mood of the frame. You may not know it, but it has likely made the difference in choosing one streamer over the other. Three-point lighting will make you stand out by looking more professional. As long as you incorporate the following three points, your setup will start to rake in those viewers like leaves in October.
Position #1: Key Light
To be key is to be of primary importance. This light is the primary illuminator of the subject (which is probably you). The rest of your lighting will be built on the color, position and strength of this light. For streamers, this is usually a lamp or ring light and may be colored differently based on the mood you are trying to achieve. For anything outside, the sun would be your key light. This should be the strongest light of the three.
If you are unsure where to place it, try positioning your key light about 45 degrees off center facing your preferred side in relation to the position of your camera.
Position #2: Fill Light
Without a fill light, your shot is a cup of black coffee with no cream. Sharp shadows, a little abrasive and uncalled for if we are being honest. Viewers need creamer, and Fill Light is your cream.
The Fill Light should be dimmer than your Key Light and preferably softer. You can get filters such as soft boxes that dampen light rays to create a softer effect.
A good placement for the Fill Light is 45 degrees off center opposite the position of the Key Light. Placement and strength can be adjusted until the desired effect is achieved. When adjusting, remember that the purpose of this light is to soften shadows and preserve some detail in the darker parts of the frame.
Position #3: Back Light
We all just want to blend in, don’t we? NOT YOU! And that is the purpose of a Back Light.
Back Light separates the subject (again, that’s you) from the background by lighting your back. The light from a Back Light should be positioned off center pointing towards your back. If done correctly, it creates a “halo” effect, lighting the edges of the subject.
Why Should Streamers Utilize Three-Point-Lighting?
Camera and content are both important aspects of streaming or camming, but lighting can have equal if not stronger impact on audience growth and retention. The professional look that a good lighting strategy provides can drive more viewers to enter your stream. Three-point lighting will keep your look and style consistent, inviting, and professional – three things that will keep your viewers always choosing to coming back for more.
Are you interested in which Three-Point-Lighting tools we have used and LOVED? Check out our storefront for a list of recommendations. Your purchases help to support the blog!
Lydia Love has been performing as a webcam model since January 2016, and in June 2022 she created IGF Studios, which aims to help webcam performers excel in their careers. She has been nominated for many adult industry awards during her time in the industry, further elevating her brand within the industry. Lydia enjoys sharing the knowledge and expertise that she has garnered over her 8 years in the industry with models from all over the world.
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