Lighting for YouTube Videos - Make Your Videos STAND OUT!

Need more in depth teaching on video lighting? Check out my FULL Lighting course: www.learnvideolighting.com
Learn how to light your videos so that they will STAND OUT! These simple techniques will drastically improve the look of your videos.
Hey Creatives, thanks for stopping by! In this video we are taking a look at lighting, and giving a few tips on how you can utilize it for your advantage. In this video we are following a simple three point light set up. All the lighting equipment used in this video is linked below:
LIGHTING IN THIS VIDEO:
Key and Fill Light: geni.us/WQNz8J
Rim Light: geni.us/EkXDps
Cool Lightbulb Lamp: geni.us/QtBm
Marquee LightBox: geni.us/JWQN
LIFX Z Strip: geni.us/3x5qQCV
MUSIC LICENSING
Here is where I license all of my music: soundstripe.com/start/?fpr=be...
**Use code: "CREATIVE15" to save 15% at checkout!**
MY FAVORITE GEAR:
My Favorite Video Effects: motionvfx.sjv.io/c/2276024/81...
Camera Used in this video: amzn.to/2LVuQbC
Lens Used in this video: amzn.to/31hWyrj
My Favorite Wide Lens: amzn.to/2NKITRX
Shelf for Cameras and lenses: amzn.to/2A1aCKI
Roller for Backdrop Mount: amzn.to/2LVvcPu
Studio Backdrop: amzn.to/3eedse4
Desk top: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/gerton-t...
Desk Fan: amzn.to/2ZvFOMT
Storage Drawers: amzn.to/2ytzfzp
Rode NT-USB Microphone: amzn.to/3crkrzF
Rode PSA 1 Arm: amzn.to/2WUt0hg
Smart Lights: amzn.to/2Xmezlm
LIFX Z Strip: amzn.to/2yqau70
Power Strip: amzn.to/3bZM1De
Battery Backup: amzn.to/3eee5Es
Label Maker: amzn.to/3cZdxCi
8tb Harddrives: amzn.to/2ZCrIcN
2tb Portable Drive: amzn.to/36o6Ua2
Favorite Editing HardDrive: amzn.to/3cZAHbA
LET'S CONNECT:
Instagram: / benjohnsoncreative
Facebook: / benjohnsoncreative
DISCLAIMER:
Some of the links in my video description are affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase, at no extra cost to you :)

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Check out my full lighting course here: www.learnvideolighting.com

[@psplaystationcollector165]

NICEEE ! i m a beginner , started some unboxing videos 😍.feel free to watch ,thanks to everybody for support!!😍😍

[@mitchellglick8737]

Great video! Can you tell me the lights you used in this video?

[@kennedyvasquez3517]

So helpful. What lights are the round ones if you don’t mind?

[@johanneshartman4618]

Jezus is heer

[@fastxgraphics]

"Hi Ben Johnson, Thank you for sharing valuable information. If we don't have a light source that allows us to adjust its brightness, how can we effectively use lighting for our KZbin videos? Should we aim for low, medium, or bright lighting?"

[@MadScienceHacksTV]

This is basically 2 years worth of college lighting tutorials, in one concise video.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

LOL 😂 You aren’t wrong...

[@RealHomeRecording]

If that is all you learned about lighting in college after two years then you went to the wrong darn college!

[@rontheronin]

Nothing but facts

[@FlyingArtz.]

And i need college why???

[@psycold]

I paid $50k for one year of film school and they barely taught us any of this.

[@krish8827]

I’m getting professional lighting education from a free, 6 minute KZbin video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us beginners. It means everything 🙏🏼

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Kris! Happy to share!

[@Money_Decoded_]

*Even after three years this is the BEST video on lighting for youtube videos!*

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@cocoscott1898]

You're a youtube hero. Thanks for saving us from the perils of bad lighting

[@benjohnsoncreative]

haha Thanks Coco, I'm glad you found this helpful!

[@DrFarisArab]

What u have explained in 5 min really others failed to explain in very long boring tubes..well done ✅

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much Sukon!

[@taimoorhassan5721]

100% agreed

[@FriedrichHabetlerMusic]

I have never seen a video explaining indoor camera lightning so well. Very well done!!!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much!

[@ralphralpherson9441]

Simple, straightforward, not a lot of fluff. No self-fellating or "hey go buy this"... Now that's what I call a helpful video!! Cheers mate! Great content!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@victoriagillerlain]

Two years later and this is still the best lighting video out there. Thanks for sharing!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Victoria!

[@PlasticScot]

Was fully expecting to see around 100k plus subscribers, incredibly high quality.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much! We are on our way there haha 🤘🏻

[@PlasticScot]

@@benjohnsoncreative Best of luck to you sir!

[@Kaskobi]

This changed my entire perspective on video lighting, thank you so much for this.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks I’m glad it helped! People can make it seem so crazy and difficult but it doesn’t have to be :)

[@Kaskobi]

@@benjohnsoncreative I agree! I always found it a hard topic to cope with but i have a much better understanding thanks to this video! I’ll be posting something in a few days in which i used this knowledge so lets hope its an improvement! Lol

[@jakekruegerify]

I know this video is old and you probably won’t see this, but this video has helped so much. I started tik tok in February, and grew to 700k followers, watched this in the beginning, coming back now that I have all the gear necessary and so excited to attempt this type of shot. THANK YOU

[@benjohnsoncreative]

That’s amazing Jacob!! Way to kill it on Tik Tok!

[@garuuntech]

Name of your tiktok so follow you

[@positive.stories]

Wow

[@jakekruegerify]

@@garuuntech parasyketv

[@jasonhuskie988]

At least 180 more potential followers here waiting for the name of your TT account

[@UdoADHD]

I dunno why it warms my heart to see a guy like you with such a sweet and sincere smile!! It brightens my day lol. I literally only clicked because of your smile (and great lighting so we could see that great smile 😉) 🥰 Have a lovely day! Edit: It appears you make great content! I subscribed! Looking forward to more.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks!

[@flannelcommander]

Starting with a “blank canvas” is a must. Same rules apply when doing photography with strobes. Get your ambient shot, then add one light, your second light, etc

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Yes it will definitely give you much more control and knowledge of what’s going on!

[@laurenlunchbox]

Wow I didn’t realize how much lighting is used to create this look. I appreciate how this looks much more now

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Lauren! Yes most of the time it’s all about the lighting :)

[@TheLancelot.Official]

My first time watching your videos and subscribed right away. No unnecessary info, straight to the point, well explained and visual support. Def planning on checking the entire channel!

[@realbenjaminseda]

The lighting and editing is slick af. Keep it up man this was super helpful!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching and for the encouragement! Also, check out my budget lighting video if you are in the market for good lighting on a budget! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ2maJ2XmL2NiKc

[@danielarvicaviado456]

I watched the same youtube video with the God himself. I feel so holy.

[@buuda8568]

Why you looking for good lighting, face reveal 🤔🤔

[@ll-SCOURGE-ll]

@@buuda8568 yes

[@kingdoejarthecollector6338]

💯

[@jaystreamzyt2487]

Best lighting tutorial ever. Straight to the subject matter. Broke it down into three key points and made it step by step, clear, and concise. No extra rambling and even gave a bonus lighting shot. Great information.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad you found it helpful, Javier! I try to get to the point as quickly as possible, cut the fluff 😎

[@atulrokkam147]

Hi Ben, I had to set up for an interview on short notice and this video of yours along with the other budget friendly one were a god-send. A little experimentation and it came out so well!

[@bengvideos572]

Video i was looking for , straightforward! Thank you

[@LuisAlonzoR]

Amazing explanation! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Luis! 🙌🏻

[@SNTMoto]

At this point I've probably watched hours of lighting videos and this one explains it better than them all combined in just 6 minutes and a really pleasant viewing experience 😍

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Awesome glad you found this one helpful! 💯

[@AqshinMahmudov]

The best video about lightning on TouTube! Thank you very much!

[@MOYEBOY]

Awesome advice. Thanks brother!

[@ZacSopak]

BRB Going to step up my lighting game ASAP! So many practical tips here! Thanks for sharing!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Zac Sopak Can’t wait time see what you come up with! 💡

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Also, I spy a pun in your comment, related to step four in my video haha 😂

[@ZacSopak]

@@benjohnsoncreative HAHAH Dude it just flowed out me and I didn't even know it.

[@saminrahman9740]

Damn, it was great

[@lavalyricsandmore4015]

Shot

[@BrandiTV]

I have so many different lights, but still unsure how to use them correctly 🤣 So happy I came across this video, I cannot wait to try all of this. Definitely subbed, nothin but love!!!! 💚

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much Brandi glad to have you as part of the creative crew!🤘🏻

[@verse7670]

Probably the simplest and most effective lighting tutorial I’ve seen. Thanks dude

[@AutisMinasClearingClutter]

Oh wow this was so awesome! I didn't know what to expect but sure didn't expect this. I love how you just keep filming in the 'bad settings' and keep adding stuff to make it better bit by bit. That way we get to really experience what all of the seperate lighting bits are doing. I have no idea yet how to incorporate this into my type of videos, but I do know I get annoyed at them being either to light or too dark, so I'ma keep trying stuff with lighting. Thanks so much for the inspiration! New sub too, I like your style!

[@chrisdempsey2379]

Keep making stuff like this and you'll be at 1M easily. Great quality, minimalistic edits that just make sense. Good stuff.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much!

[@BeingDengineer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4imZqydlLR6bJY

[@AbuYussuf]

Very professional and to the point. Greatly appreciated, thank you.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Abu!

[@NellenelleForSure]

@MACHAR PLAYZ I'll never look at a conversation between Aladdin and his 🐒 Abu the same again... Thanks 😅😆

[@oboealto]

Absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@christopherliljeback246]

I've been working with video for over 20 years. This video very well produced and covers the basics in a very good way. Good for learning and reminding, well done!

[@Silverpicker]

This was the best primer on lighting I've seen. As I approach 100k subs, I want to take my channel to the next level. Thank you!

[@Silverpicker]

Any recs on the lights, though? The ones in your referral links are out of stock :(

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Yes check out this follow up vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZrFn6iwqtytn5o I plan on trying to find a good alternative to link since those ones are out rn You could check for them on B&H as well

[@Nehakhan-ed2tt]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/b565c3Wkf72aac0

[@notjebbush4478]

You have a good soul, Ben. Never change.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks!

[@jamesrcmarshall]

Easily the best tutorial I have ever seen around video lighting and composition. Absolutely brilliant

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much James I appreciate that!

[@mhzplantingaroids]

Thank you! The changes from before and after are so drastic! Usually I'd be researching so many videos in order to get things right. But this is literally the only one I need. Everything is explained, and amazingly in such a SHORT video. Thank you again!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ahmed-Crane]

Thank you so much for such beautiful explanation of lighting...️️

[@flywithcaptainjoe]

Amazing video mate!!! So helpful! Thanks so much!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching Captain Joe! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonasberkmiller7603]

No way. You're here! :O

[@Sameer_AhmadTV]

@@jonasberkmiller7603 ahah that’s what i said. All the famous youtubers i watch are here 🤣

[@TheWantedVideos]

You nailed it man😮💥💥💣

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blusadas]

Assistindo do Brasil 🇧🇷 Ótimo vídeo, ótima didática, ótimo conteúdo ❤

[@JoeSrebernak]

I love how you structured this video. Great explanation and a pleasure watching!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bomatravels]

Thanks a lot for making this video. I've learnt what I wanted to know

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Awesome glad it was helpful for you, thanks for watching!

[@BurgLifeMark]

The transition in the beginning had me sold 😂 subbed ima have to try this out today

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Haha awesome Huey thanks for watching!

[@Rose_Wander]

Amazing video. I’ve watched 15 videos and yours is so easy to understand. By far the best! 🎉

[@WeAreEvolution]

The way you made this to be clear is incredible 💯

[@benjohnsoncreative]

I appreciate that!

[@FootlessJo]

Great video! Thank you!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@UncleJessy]

Awesome work man. Been at this for a while and I still have no idea what I’m doing with my lighting. This video for sure gave me some tips!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Awesome! Check out my budget lighting video as well for some cheaper alternatives! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ2maJ2XmL2NiKc

[@passamanif]

THE best video i've seen so far! Simple, straightforward, informative. You're great! Thank you!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@milehighmisfits]

Great video! I can't wait to try these techniques out!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad you like them!

[@jayeverall4064]

Possibly the most concise guide to 3 point lighting I've ever watched, and with great results too. Thanks so much.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Jay! 🙌🏻

[@danishshaikh4765]

Literally no one gives this type of tutorial Appreciate brother 🙏🙏🙏

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@OthelloAcademy]

This is so much knowledge delivered right to the point in under 6 minutes. Very inspirational, both from a lighting knowledge perspective and also a video structure perspective. Thank you so much for this.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Awesome I’m glad it helped! And thank you!

[@Fyre_Blake]

Great, succinct video! Helped a lot with lighting, thanks Ben!

[@Eurshanie]

So damn spot on! Shout out for the production of this video. A lot of people don’t know how much work goes into simple and short epic video’s like these! And the information. Wauw! Freaking love this and thank you for making this video!🙏🏽

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much I appreciate the encouragement!

[@rva]

It has taken me forever ....lol thank you bebe

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching Rebecca!

[@embodiedauthenticity]

What an amazing video, short, concise and to the point. All we need to know about lighting in like 5min. That's awesome! Good job.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FamiliaTimeMachine]

this was awesome! thanks!

[@AAvfx]

I've struck 🥇 gold! Many 😊 Thanks!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching AA!

[@simonm.456]

Now, 5 Months later, right after ordering some new lights I want to thank you again. I moved into a new apartment and set up my home office with this in mind. Although I only had some basic lights I made stunning improvements. I chose the darkest room and build up the lights step by step. it just looks awesome and I love not to blur my background in my meetings. I hear "wow" your office looks amazing" quite a few times per week and I feel super good about that. I am planning to launch even a YT channel now since everything looks better now. So, thanks again, mate!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Amazing! That’s great to hear! I’ve got lots of other lighting videos on the channel to check out

[@PillowCaseDog]

Looked at your channel, did you ever do your KZbin channel?

[@MobilityForFighting]

Thanks mate. Watched about 10 of these 'light your studio' videos. And this one really landed it all for me. Appreciate the work.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Great to hear!

[@formosaboba]

Thank you for all the links! your videos are so helpful !!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad you like them!

[@TheASMRRyan]

Incredible video 👌🏻 thank you for this

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching Ryan!

[@MINDTHEHEADPHONE]

Absolutely incredible. Thank you, Ben!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching Mind!

[@setup.lucido]

muito fã de ambos

[@sierrafox5444]

It looks great! Thank you so much

[@ItsDeniseRenee]

I’ve been waiting Ching lighting tutorials for years (and my video lighting still sucks) and this has been BY FAR the most straightforward and usual tutorial I’ve EVER watched! I actually feel like I can duplicate this effort! Thanks so much!!

[@olivercruz3962]

I love the way you were able to articulate what goes on in your mind when you’re setting up! FIRE content

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Oliver glad you enjoyed it! More like this coming soon!

[@FilmyReact]

Man u deserves more subscribers! 👍🏽

[@benjohnsoncreative]

lol thanks filmy! I’m just stoked about all of you who are here watching the vids!

[@svn14]

A video like this with everyday objects for people like me without all that equipment would a great one!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Here are some DIY hacks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4XRlKeflrZ7f8U And a budget version of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ2maJ2XmL2NiKc

[@svn14]

@@benjohnsoncreative Oh sweet! thanks mate!

[@phillynn79]

What an incredible package of information. Quick, casual and inviting!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@alisalah7360]

Wooow, you're gonna have a million subs soon, your words are so simple, keep going, I'm a fan from Egypt 🇪🇬 ❤

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comment!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you. This was exactly what I was looking for 🙏

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Awesome I’m glad you found it haha!

[@Black16media]

hands down the best lighting tutorial I've come across. Simple and straight to the point

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Josh! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnwesgreen1853]

Hey Ben, thank you for taking the time to put together this tutorial. I found it extraordinarily helpful. I’m in the process of doing commercial work and part of the requirements are to submit audition reels. Being new to this process I’ve found it difficult to do at home. This is going to help me purchase the right lighting and establish the right effects so that when I create a reel, the casting directors will be able to focus on me and not the poor quality of the video. Thanks again!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Amazing!! I’ve got lots of tutorials on the channel that would help with that

[@SGPsurya]

You are doing absolutely great work bro. Don't matter how many subscriber you have but your content is great.Carry on👍👍👍

[@natestraubinger]

No fluff, straight advice. Great video!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

thanks Nate! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MyFitgirlLifestyle]

The lighting looks soo cool!! Thank you for this.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching!

[@realrobertpopa]

Awesome video Ben! Thanks for sharing those useful tips.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Happy to help!

[@Virrow]

*THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! This video was EXACTLY what I was looking! :D*

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@a_learning6736]

Me tooo...... Guys checkout my channel🥺

[@yoshiston3r]

I’ve binged watched a lot of your tutorials and I will say, I’ve seen a lot of tldr videos about lighting and yours is straight to the point, concise, just what I was looking for. I’ve been shooting since 2017 but to be honest I haven’t gotten down to the nitty gritty of lighting basics so I’m grateful for your content. A lot of people including myself want to get down and dirty but never go back to basics or take the time to learn them because we’re all so used to getting things fast. Thank you.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

I’m glad this helped! Basics are always good to revisit from time to time

[@SSSN17]

shooting since 2017? what are your favorite guns! mine personally is the ak-47!

[@itsdanielleryan]

This tutorial was very helpful! Thanks Ben!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexivani7452]

Omg thank you!…watched a TON of videos about lighting and yours helped me the most…really well explained

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PurpTheDurp]

Thank you so much for this! I've been wrestling with the lighting in my videos for a long time and I really feel like I have a better idea of what I want now. This is easily the best tutorial I've seen in ages.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Wow, thank you! That’s a huge compliment - I’m so glad you found value here

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Omg this is bringing me LIFE! I'm just learning lighting and everything - but this was BRILLIANT!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Awesome I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@exxymusic]

Looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your setup with us - definitely going to implement a lot of these tips into my filming!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jennykvox]

Best lighting tutorial I’ve ever seen!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Jenny!

[@skeptikai]

This is SUCH a great tutorial. I've seen a whole bunch now, but the fact that you did this in just 6 minutes is super impressive. I really appreciate it!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much appreciate that! 🙏🏻

[@spacemanjupiter]

Man I really appreciate this. I've never seen all of this explained so quickly and simply. I am not a youtuber and may or may not ever be in the future, but as an artist just now getting into digital art, I can see where this immediately applies to that as well.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

I’m glad you got some value out of it spaceman!

[@ivanfernandez2262]

Thank you! Extremely simple to understand what can be a complex subject. Thank you for making it easier to understand how lighthing works.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching and I’m glad it helped!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for breaking this down in such a straight forward way. I’m currently trying to improve my setup to get better shots. I’m very much a beginner in this regard.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found this helpful!

[@benjdewantara]

It's hard to believe you are not in the 1 million range. But that just made me more excited to follow you because I can keep up with your content from zero. That will be more relatable! Until you hit that 1 million range (let's be real, you will get to that!)

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m looking forward to hitting that one day haha! Until then, thanks for being a part of the creative crew from day one! 🤘🏻

[@Redxzy]

This is legit the best advice on mood lighting I have ever learned! Can't wait to use these in my own videos. U earned another sub brutherr

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Redxzy! Have fun with it!

[@source528]

Thanks a million for sharing this video Ben!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching Paul!

[@4K-Walk-and-Drive-BR]

This is the simplest and the best teaching on video lighting I've ever watched! Thanks for the information, mate! 👍

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching!! Glad you found value here!

[@NiraSuarez]

Short and simple video, extremely useful and direct to the matter. Thank you very much for sharing! 🌟

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks for watching Nira glad it was useful for you, stay creative! 💡

[@FoolproofLiving]

This was so well explained. Please do more of these lighting videos. Thank you. ✌🏻

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks FoolProof! I have lots of lighting videos in my channel and more in the works

[@DEBBYSKITCHEN]

You nailed it. Thank you so much for this

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheMiniMadCat]

Thanks Ben! I definitely plan to use this advice for my future videos.

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ariizamofficial]

Love this channel❤️

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Thanks Ari! 🖤

[@ositanwoye]

Straight to point. No unnecesary filler words etc. This video has made me understand all the features I thought were unnecessary. Consequently, I am now going all in to get my lights. Thank!

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Awesome!

[@DrSidewayZ]

Just the video I was looking for! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@benjohnsoncreative]

Glad I could help!