Lighting for Video Conferencing

Video conferencing, especially when working from home, has numerous positive effects on productivity and quality of life. It has not, however, improved our appearance. Inadequate lighting in a Lighting for Video Conferencing  setup can make you appear pale, exhausted, indifferent, or even ill.

In the business world, a well-groomed appearance conveys competence and professionalism, and can even boost confidence and earnings potential.

 Since most of us are tired of appearing less than our best during an increasing number of conference calls, we've compiled the best advice and equipment recommended by vloggers and other online video professionals.

We will also provide you with a brief tutorial on how to set up 3-way lighting for the most professional video calls. Prepare to take a look at the best lighting for video conferencing to help you appear professional.

For the quickest Zoom conference call setup, face a window

Normally, facing a window is an ergonomic no-no because the glare from the outside causes excessive eye strain. However, as long as your Zoom calls represent a relatively small portion of your workday, there may be significant benefits to inverting this rule.

To appear your best on a budget during Zoom and Microsoft Teams calls, sit facing a window. The indirect light from a window softens all the sharp edges, just as it would on a photographer's ideal "overcast day." However, outdoor light varies, so your results will also be affected by the weather and time of day.

As helpful as this video conference lighting tip is, it is unlikely to give you a professional executive appearance.

Replace standard lighting with Daylight LED bulbs for the most cost-effective video lighting

The most cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your video conferencing is to replace your lightbulbs. The objective is to achieve uniform colour temperature across all light sources. 

Ensure that all of your bulbs have the same colour stripe. Choose Daylight LED bulbs for maximum warmth and illumination.

Typically, you desire light that fills the room and illuminates the wall behind you. Additionally, you want a light that illuminates your face and torso without harsh overhead lighting that can make you appear washed out. 

You can achieve both of these objectives by installing LED bulbs in both your overhead lighting and your desk lamp.

Find inexpensive LED bulbs such as this 20-pack on Amazon, or for a bit more control, purchase an app-controlled bulb that can be adjusted by colour temperature or even colour. LED bulbs are a big help, but to get the most bang for your buck, see the third tip below.

The most cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your video conferencing is to replace your lightbulbs. The objective is to achieve uniform colour temperature across all light sources. Ensure that all of your bulbs have the same colour stripe. Choose Daylight LED bulbs for maximum warmth and illumination.

Typically, you desire light that fills the room and illuminates the wall behind you. Additionally, you want a light that illuminates your face and torso without harsh overhead lighting that can make you appear washed out. You can achieve both of these objectives by installing LED bulbs in both your overhead lighting and your desk lamp.

Find inexpensive LED bulbs such as this 20-pack on Amazon, or for a bit more control, purchase an app-controlled bulb that can be adjusted by colour temperature or even colour. LED bulbs are a big help, but to get the most bang for your buck, see the third tip below.

Which is better for computer camera lighting: a ring light or a panel light?

Use a ring light or panel light to stand out like a world-class executive during Zoom calls. Because they work, panel and ring lights are popular among seasoned YouTubers, Twitch experts, and other video professionals.

 However, you do not need to be in the video industry to justify the expense. They're also a little bulky, making them unsuitable for on-the-go calls.

Best video conferencing ring lights

TikTok stars, YouTube pros, and other influencers who want to look like movie stars rely on ring lights. They light your face well, but they also highlight your eyes with a subtle, reflected ring of light around each pupil. For decades, videographers and cinematographers have used them for beauty shots in TV shows, commercials, and movies. When you use one as a light for Zoom calls, they can do the same for you.

1. 10-inch ZAZE ring light

Check out this 10-inch ring light with stand and phone holder by ZAZE for a great low-cost ring light. It clamps your phone in the centre of the light for phone video chats and comes with an adjustable tripod as well as various light modes and brightness levels so you can really dial in your look.

2. Selfie ring light Radiance

Sometimes you want that ring-light look but aren't talking on the phone. Instead, you're using an exceptional telecommuting laptop, such as the HP Spectre x360. If this describes you, consider a fan favourite like the Radiance Selfie ring light. It can be used with phones or clipped to a laptop. Even better, the price is so low that you'll be surprised you didn't do it months ago.

18-inch ESDDI ring light

If you want something bigger and don't mind spending a little more, consider the ESDDI PLV-R432 18-inch ring light. It's designed for smartphone use and can be set to a variety of colour temperatures. It also includes a fully adjustable stand, charger plug, and carrying bag for mobile video conferencing.

Best video conferencing panel lights

Panel lights are flat light boards that contain a large number of LEDs. Some are equipped with suction cups or clips for easy attachment to a laptop. They're small and adjustable enough to fit into a backpack or messenger bag. You can also change the colour temperature and brightness to achieve the desired effect.