Easy YouTube Lighting for Beginners (and Everyone Else)

In this video I’ll show you a basic lighting setup for talking head videos like you see on YouTube, or for interview style shots. There are a few basic rules to follow, at least as a starting point, but there is a lot of flexibility in lighting, and you can apply these tips whether you’re a beginner or expert in lighting for video. The key light should be large to create flattering light and soft shadows, and positioned 45 degrees above and 45 degrees to the side of you subject. Add some accent lights to the background, either as practical lights in-frame, or just to cast light and add depth to your final frame. A hair or rim light is a great way to add additional depth and interest by helping to pop your subject out from the background. A fill light or reflector to brighten dark shadows is optional and the level of contrast from highlights to shadow is up to personal preference. I used the Aputure 300x bi-color COB LED light, Aputure Accent b7C cinema bulb, and Aputure MC RGB pocket light because the S