This post may contain affiliate links. If a product or service is purchased using a link(s) in the post below a small commission may be earned.
Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 12:57 pm
header image provided by Pexels
I’m not a great expert on lighting but I thought I’d share this post. These are things I’ve learned over the years. You might not have to break the bank when it comes to improving your lighting for photos or videos.
Natural light
Let’s face it we all know natural light is best but sometimes we may not have that option. There may not be a window near our desk or we may not have the best light due to other obstructions. Or in some cases, we may have too much light. So it may be too harsh for filming or taking photos.
This video is an example of when natural light may not help when filming. It’s also a good source of info for other tips too.
Use Lamps you already have
You can use lights you already have to help improve your lighting issues. Something as simple as a desk lamp or a lamp with an adjustable or flexible head works well.
You can even use a standing lamp if you have one. As long as it gives you extra light so your not in the dark that’s great.
For photos you can use a desk lamp to add light to your product or surface.
lamp examples
In terms of lamps you can use anything you have on hand from an LED lamp to a desk lamp to even a floor lamp.
the above LED lamp is similar to the one I share in the video post. I like this one for when I do flat lay photos or when I need to add a little extra light to videos as well.
Ring lights
Ring lights are a nice option if you have the space and budget for them. They range in price from under $100 USD and up. You can find them in different sizes as well. They are sold in 8 inch to 18 inch sizes. Some offer different light settings as well.
I was fortunate enough to review a ring light a few years back. It’s still working but I can’t set it to the highest light setting anymore because it begins to flicker.
If you take photos ring lights with an adjustable or tilting head work great. they can help light your subject with out having to take up much room or extra equipment.
Some people have an issue with ring lights because when you film you have the halo or ring reflection in your eyes. I have figured if you raise your light a bit you may avoid having that issue.
ring light examples
As I mentioned ring lights come in various sizes and styles. I thought I’d share a few examples.
Bower – Flexible 24″ LED Ring Light – White
Bower – Selfie Ring Light Studio – Black
soft boxes
Soft boxes are like ring lights you can use them for photos or when filming. Also like ring lights they come in different sizes and price ranges. They are collapsible and can be stored in a carrying bag. They come in handy though. I have a set I purchased a few years back and used one recently and it was a big help.
The soft boxes I have are 24 inches by 24 inches and can be used with our without the stand.
Soft boxes are sold in a few different shapes and sizes. I found a few while checking Amazon.
soft box examples
Here are a few softboxes I found sold via Amazon. They are square, one similar to the one I own (which is not available at this time) and an octagon style one as well. They are also sold like in a strip form too.
Like ring lights they may range in price from under $100 USD and up.
You don’t always need to break the bank
You don’t always need to break the bank to have extra lighting for your photos or videos. As I mentioned work with what you have on hand and move on when you can. I know that can be frustrating or annoying when you’d like to have better lighting but you know what if you have to improvise that’s okay too.
I know we all don’t have extra space or possibly money for large lighting set ups but you might work your way up to that one day. Either way working with what you have is good too.
I hope this was helpful these tips and ideas were helpful.
How do you light your photos or videos?
