Tips for Improving Video Call Lighting

In today’s remote work culture, video calls have become as essential as in-person meetings. Yet, nothing undermines professionalism faster than dim lighting, harsh shadows, or washed-out faces. Proper lighting doesn’t just make you look good—it boosts clarity, reduces eye strain, and helps your audience focus on your message rather than your silhouetted outline. Whether you’re closing business deals, teaching online classes, or catching up with family, mastering lighting transforms your video calls from frustrating to flawless. These practical tips for improving video call lighting will help you achieve broadcast-quality results without breaking the bank.

Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think

Before diving into solutions, understand how lighting impacts perception. Natural, even lighting reveals facial expressions, builds trust, and prevents misunderstandings. Poor lighting creates unflattering shadows (hello, raccoon eyes!), obscures your background, and forces viewers to strain their eyes. Over time, this fatigue can diminish engagement and credibility. Investing in lighting isn’t vanity—it’s about creating a polished, comfortable virtual space where ideas flow freely.

Harnessing Natural Light: Your Free Lighting Solution

Natural light is the most versatile and budget-friendly option. When used correctly, it mimics the flattering effects of professional studio setups.

Position Yourself Strategically

Always position your camera facing a window. Place your desk or chair perpendicular to the window, not directly in front of it or with your back to it. Facing the window ensures even, diffused illumination across your face. If you’re forced to sit with a window behind you, your face will become a dark silhouette—easily fixed by repositioning your setup.

Pro Tip: For soft, shadow-free light, use a sheer curtain or blind to diffuse harsh direct sunlight. This prevents hot spots and squinting while maintaining brightness.

Time Your Calls Around Sunlight

Morning and late-afternoon light ("golden hour") provides warm, flattering tones. Midday sun is harsh and can cause overexposure. If your schedule allows, align important calls with these softer light windows. If not, combine natural light with artificial sources for balance.

Artificial Lighting: Controlling Your Environment

When natural light isn’t reliable or sufficient, artificial lighting steps in. Modern options range from affordable desk lamps to professional-grade kits.

Choose the Right Light Source

Opt for lights with a "cool white" (5,000K–6,000K) or "daylight" (4,500K–5,000K) color temperature. This mimics natural sunlight and avoids the sickly yellow glow of warm bulbs. Avoid overhead lights unless they’re diffused—they cast unflattering shadows under your eyes and nose. Instead, use:

• Ring Lights: Popular for a reason. These circular lights provide even, shadow-free illumination and often come with adjustable brightness. Place it slightly above eye level and angle it downward to avoid creating "under-eye raccoons."
• Softbox Lights: For a softer, more diffused glow, these rectangular boxes with fabric panels spread light evenly. They’re ideal for longer calls where harsh shadows could fatigue your audience.
• LED Panels: Adjustable, energy-efficient, and often dimmable. Look for models with bi-color capabilities (switching between warm and cool tones) to adapt to any setting.

Light Placement for Depth

A single light source creates flat lighting. For dimension:

1. Key Light: Your primary light source. Position it at a 45-degree angle to your face, slightly above your head.
2. Fill Light: A softer light opposite the key light to reduce shadows. A desk lamp with paper diffuser or a white foam board works wonders.
3. Backlight: Place this behind you to separate your outline from the background. A desk lamp aimed at a wall or ceiling bounce suffices.

Budget-Friendly Hacks to Elevate Your Setup

You don’t need a Hollywood budget to achieve great lighting. Everyday items can make a dramatic difference:

• DIY Diffuser: Tape parchment paper or a shower curtain to a window to soften harsh sunlight.
• Reflector Board: Use a white foam board, a white t-shirt, or even aluminum foil to bounce light onto shadowy areas. Position it opposite your primary light source.
• Desk Lamp Hack: If using a desk lamp, place it behind your monitor and angle it toward your face. The screen acts as a diffuser, reducing glare.
• Monitor Backlight: Most monitors have backlight settings. Increase this to reduce eye strain and balance facial lighting.

Avoiding Common Lighting Pitfalls

Even with the best gear, mistakes can sabotage your efforts. Watch out for:

1. Overexposure: Too much light washes out your face. Dim your lights or move them farther away. Use your camera’s exposure settings manually if possible.
2. Color Casts: Avoid colored light bulbs or gels unless intentional. Stick to neutral whites unless you’re aiming for a creative effect.
3. Background Clutter: A messy background distracts viewers. Keep it clean and lit separately from your face to maintain focus.
4. Glare on Glasses: Tilt your head slightly downward or angle your light to avoid reflections on lenses. Anti-reflective coatings help too.

Advanced Techniques for Perfection

For those ready to take their setup to the next level:

• Three-Point Lighting: Combine key, fill, and backlight for professional depth. Start with low intensity and adjust gradually.
• Chroma Key Magic: If using a green screen, ensure your lighting is even to prevent color spill and artifacts.
• Light Consistency: Use smart bulbs to maintain color temperature across calls. Apps like Philips Hue let you create "scenes" for instant recall.

Conclusion

Great lighting isn’t about expensive equipment—it’s about intentionality. By combining natural light with strategic artificial setups and simple hacks, you can transform any corner into a professional video studio. Start small: adjust your window placement, diffuse harsh overhead lights, or add a reflector board. Small tweaks yield dramatic results, making your calls clearer, more engaging, and infinitely more professional. After all, in a world where faces are our primary interface, lighting isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Can I use my phone’s flashlight for video calls?

Yes, but with caveats. A phone flashlight creates harsh, concentrated light that can cause shadows and overexposure. Bounce it off a white wall or ceiling to soften it, or place it behind you as a backlight. For best results, pair it with a reflector to fill in shadows on your face.

What’s the worst lighting mistake people make?

Sitting with a window behind you. This instantly silhouettes you against the light, making your face invisible. Always face your light source. If forced to use a window behind you, add a powerful ring light or softbox to illuminate your face from the front.

How do I fix uneven lighting on video calls?

Use a fill light to balance shadows. A small LED panel, desk lamp with paper diffuser, or even a white foam board opposite your key light works. Adjust angles until both sides of your face are equally illuminated without eliminating natural dimension.

Is warm or cool light better for video calls?

Cool light (5,000K–6,000K) is generally better for accuracy and professionalism, mimicking daylight. Warm light (3,000K–4,000K) can feel cozy but may cause yellow-tinted skin. For consistency, match your screen’s color temperature to your lighting to avoid eye strain.

Can I improve lighting without buying equipment?

Absolutely! Face a window, use sheer curtains for diffusion, and DIY reflectors with foam boards or aluminum foil. Repurpose desk lamps by bouncing light off walls or ceilings. Even adjusting your monitor’s backlight settings can balance facial shadows.