7 Video Lighting Tips for Youtubers and Filmmakers

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Sorry for a long video! I really wanted to have everything covered here. All tips were curated from helping tons of people with their setups over the years! Thanks for watching!

[@PaulFeinberg]

No problems with me. Longer video = more information + more time from one of my favorite KZbinrs.Thanks!

[@ToastedSynapseGaming]

Maybe 8th tip (which you actually talked about in previous videos): If you are doing the majority of your work from home for KZbin, you can actually buy a cheap softbox and those nice LED Bulbs that you mentioned here on the channel to keep your costs low. They are not dimmable however, but they could work, you just dimm them with some extra defusion (which is really cheap if you buy a big cloth and cut that up). The point is that you only use wall power and even tough you won't have the convenience of adjusting brightness on the fly, maybe some people don't need that, maybe they are ok with spending 2 hours to get everything right the first time and then use the same setup for years without changing anything. Keep up the good work!

[@JustAskThisDad]

You cut out a bald joke at the start didn't you? :P

[@jeroenvoorthekke5121]

Can you make a video about lighting people with glasses?

[@MVargabass]

Can you please add subtitles to every your video! You just need to enable it in KZbin! It will automatically generate itself. Thanks

[@szaboorsolya7433]

I watched dozens of videos about this topic but this is so far the most valuable content among them. Thanks for creating!

[@robgianelli]

Finally...someone who really understands lighting. I see so many people just throwing a piece of diffusion in front of their light. This only really reduces the amount of light not the quality of light. Quality is determined by the size of the light source and the distance it is from the subject. I also like to feather my main light a bit depending on the skin tone. A darker skin can take more light. Just look at the highlights on the skin and feather the light until the skin “pops” but is not blown out. What a fantastic video..

[@instantsiv]

What do you mean by pop?

[@robgianelli]

instantsiv When you look at the highlights on the face, they should have detail without being blown out (no detail) or muddy (flat). The pop is the sweet spot between the two. No skin is exactly the same. It’s a very visual thing but if you try feathering the lift towards, then away from your subject... you should see the pop.

[@The12thSeahorse]

This guy is a natural......his voice is almost therapeutic.

[@funk4ever]

Hey man be proud of yourself. Stick your chest out! You really did a lovely job here. This is a major help for me. Humbly I say thanks.

[@TransplantHelper]

I’ve seen you talk about light before but you should know this was the best ever. Thank you for the great tips.

[@drwride]

This is one of the most helpful lighting tips videos I've come across. Thanks!

[@paulg3388]

Although this was from 4 years ago, amazingly useful to help me with my lighting setup and what I consider the best one out there (having watched way too many!), which is my final piece of the puzzle. Another great Video, so thanks for the help as always Caleb!

[@SavvyTurtle]

Thank you Caleb, Appreciate the long video, I gained what I was looking to know while learning about lights., Love all your videos and working on my lighting and also upgrading to the ultimate studio setup as I currently been using your first setup I built from your video.

[@shanemckoy6123]

This channel is god sent. So resourceful, dependable, & PROFESSIONAL.

[@BlackBearForge]

I do most of my videos in a blacksmith shop. Which is not a very friendly place for things like soft boxes or foam board. Would white painted sheet metal serve as a good reflector?

[@RedlineRevenant]

Thanks for this, Caleb! You are one of the most technically proficient KZbinrs when it comes to production technique and equipment. You make it seem so easy, it's almost annoying. I could spend a good two hours achieving a setup that would probably take you all of ten minutes. Cheers to you. Love the channel. I would subscribe, but I already hit the button ages ago.

[@diyworkouts]

Definitely one of the best channel. In my personal top 5

[@Atomicfog]

This video is fantastic. Actually straightforward and very useful for someone who doesn't want their mind boggled by stuff they don't need to know!

[@mattforero]

This video should be parenthesed (Aputure 120d II mini-review). I just watched your 300d review and the one thing I REALLY WANTED TO SEE of the 120d (mark 1 or 2) was how it filled the room when bounced off the ceiling. So glad I'm background bingeing your videos and you did that exact test! Thanks for the incredible amount of information you put out there, it's so helpful.

[@TwoTracksOutdoors]

Great video. Great tips. In fact, fantastic tips and techniques, simply but thoroughly explained. I'm sure I'll find myself watching this video several times.

[@jasperzanjani]

Fantastic, informative video. I wish I could have seen it before I bought 3 cheap LED lamps based on your recommendations from the other video. TL;DW #1 2:30 Use physically large sources of light, or makeshift diffusers to increase the size of light sources. #2 4:42 Use fewer lights #3 6:25 Think about light position: distance to subject, axis of light, and angle. #4 10:45 Try backlighting, especially outdoors with the sun #5 11:35 Use ceilings and walls as makeshift softboxes #6 12:36 Use gel filters #7 13:20 Get the ratios right: between key and fill lighting, and foreground and background lighting

[@joseonate111]

Bounce multiple small lights into a white board -> large light surface

[@stuartwrigglesworth9339]

One of the best videos out there. You explain things fantastic.

[@PolicarpioNicole]

my go to place for lighting tips. caleb always delivers high quality lighting tutorials.

[@stevepitkanen1424]

Great lighting tips for home studios. I reallly aprreciate it. Original Apple Macintosh computer in background? Nice.

[@TristanBarrocks]

Good video. I just picked up the 300d a few weeks back after having the 120d for a year or so. Love those lights and really don't feel like I need a tone more. Keep it coming Caleb. Thanks and have a great day!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Tristan! Yeah If I lost everything and had to start over, I'd just use a 120D with the light dome. That and some bounce boards make for a crazy versatile setup.

[@r3jk8]

Thank you so much for making this helpful video! I just tried a few of these tips and the look of my videos improved dramatically!!

[@OnlyThomasHayes]

The very last tip you gave is magical!

[@ProofPleez]

Super helpful info for this beginner. Thanks for taking the time to share. Thumbs and subbed.

[@GrantAinsley]

Another great video Caleb. Such great content!

[@janlasalle8845]

Just beginning to figure out how to get flattering light on myself for ZOOM viewing. Im a photographer that uses strobe(dance work)and know very little about LED lights and ring lights(which I dont think I like)..I have lots of modifiers to play with and hi white ceilings. Thank you so much for these tips. Excellent!(2021)

[@AmmarLegato]

I wouldn't mind listening to your tips all day long, your entire tutorials are precise and full of info. Im with you since you had 600 Subs :) .

[@joenicklo]

Great video. Love how in-depth you went

[@nussberger]

Just what the doctor ordered. Your videos are top notch. Thank you!

[@carlraetzsch]

Great video Caleb. Very good starter tips. Oh, and bring back the old theme music!

[@WizDom21]

Loved the video! Very informative, iIm looking to up my game on my lighting to help reduce the grain look. Thank you good sir!

[@CollegeFootballNerds]

Caleb, you are a phenomenal teacher. You have a great approach, you're very relatable, and you absolutely bring value to those who watch your channel. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@TheUcan2]

Well done short, sweet to the point video. Full of great foundational information to build on. "In simplicity there is awesome grandeur."~Bill Stockwell

[@kerendn]

Please make a video about filming a drawing demo on a table. I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you for your great videos.

[@IGF-en7gn]

Thanks Caleb! Your videos always save me

[@tombuck]

Dude, you are awesome. I learn something from EVERY video. Hey

[@cinyaca]

You really do have some of the most helpful videos I've seen on YT.

[@danielschiffer]

Great tips Caleb! What focal length are you using for your talking-head here? Looks great!

[@darren7110]

Daniel Schiffer huge fan of yours!

[@JasonParkerMagic]

Yeah I was wondering that too... for most of the video it looks like he is pretty zoomed in... I'm guessing around 75mm

[@simongoode7025]

Caleb pls reply!

[@duoliwu7280]

same question from me

[@АнтонШилов-и1л]

@@darren7110 Flow e l r 4 4⃣ 484r85 44 4 4 i8498356r4838748 Flow 45 840 r4rFlow 8ir 🖱 3 4

[@mellojoe6281]

I learn so much from you! Awesome video!! Also, I truly appreciate your calm delivery, it makes it all very pleasant to take in. Thanks :)

[@jonathanmasters2178]

As always another video I needed to see right when I needed to see it. Just got my 120d Mark II in the mail and was struggling to find a way to utilize it without the soft box while I wait for the light dome ii. Keep killing it man 👊🏼

[@RasmusChristopher]

Loved this video! Super helpful and I love how you give examples of how you can play around with the different elements!

[@darren7110]

Not even one minute in and already liked and bookmarked cuz you know it's gonna be 🔥🔥🔥

[@onlygknows7793]

Amazing video , however for a noob I would have loved to see the physical setup examples of the 7 tips. thank you for getting me started on the right path with these basics.

[@Victoriaward]

The best video I’ve ever watched on video lighting, by far. Thank you xx

[@lukasEgg]

I think there is another reason for bringing the light close. Because of the invert square law the closer you bring the light to the subject the more you expand the ratio between the light level on the subject and the light level on the background. This helps to seperate the subject from the background.

[@thewonkyquilterkimbourgeoi7908]

Thanks! I have a tiny channel and I am using only my phone and my task lighting in my quilting room. I really learned a lot and you are an informative and good teacher! Thank you again! 😊

[@thepumpkin1979]

I can't believe I just watched this video for free.

[@DirectorIllyRock]

Great tips always! We appreciate you out here in the freelance world!

[@LautaroRobutti]

Awesome job Caleb! I woould like to see a video where you apply all this tips with work lights or really cheap lights. Thanks

[@MrTorrit]

Great video. I am just starting to experiment with video and building some kit up. Really fancy a couple of those 120D MkII now......

[@sannansaleh_]

this is by far the best lighting tutorial ive ever seen!

[@theDMLair]

Great tips, dude! Thanks!

[@varunpuridp]

Clean, well-made video. It answered a couple of my questions and even some I didn't realize I had yet. Thank you!

[@101hamilton]

Great video. Thank you for posting. Please can someone tell me what camera settings you did yo make the background darker?

[@bobceffo]

that star wars sword lamp is fantastic! thank you for pointing it out.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Great video and super helpful. Just bought a pair of YN600s and a YN300 for our KZbin setup. Looking forward to putting these tips into practise.

[@GeoffStock]

Excellent lighting tutorial Caleb, also love the inky dinks on the bottom shelf, fabulous little lights from long ago. I have 4 myself with all the snoots. Totally agree with all the principles you shared and it applies to every light ever made so people need to just get good with any light they may have using the knowledge that you shared. I can show people how to get exactly the same result with 50 year old lights. Thanks for all you share.

[@ChrisWatkinsMedia]

Hey man just wanted to say a huge thank you for making these videos. I’ve been working on my own lighting for my channel recently and there so much trial and error but watching your content always make me think about how to improve my setup. I think I over complicate it sometimes and I strip it right back down to one light source. I’ve been a subscriber for a long time and just wanted to say thanks and keep it up. Love your work.

[@MrMganzer]

I would like your take on rotolight products!

[@wannabef]

Good stuff, Caleb! How about going deeper with something about using lights to communicate mood/tone? Like lighting a scene for drama versus comedy? Creative use of silhouettes? Or maybe something on lighting complex scenes involving multiple characters?

[@mediocremind3730]

This was amazing!! Thanks for sharing your wisdom. 😁

[@kookrally]

Dude. Thank you so much for posting this. I'm just getting started out with video, and I've really been struggling with a good light setup. This was super helpful.

[@andrewp1513]

I think he said somewhere the soonwell 230

[@TheInventar]

Who found out that he is rocking MKBHD merch?

[@OfficiallyMad]

I noticed lol

[@GTVStudiosWith-Gio-And-Will]

Not just MKBHD, but also a 1984 Macintosh (it could be the model after that but still)

[@DavidRoseberry]

Incredibly helpful. Thanks, Caleb. Maybe this isn't your "thing" but I'd love to see some tips on how to use lights in outdoor environments.

[@TwoTracksOutdoors]

I echo those sentiments with techniques showing motion capture, as well as stationary subjects, covering both running and gunning.

[@JensLarsen]

Super useful video, Caleb! Thank you :) I think I return to it every now and again and learn something new or understanding something better.

[@alanbesedin]

Amazing video dude. Love Aputure lights too. 300d is my personal fav!

[@TechLineHD]

Amazing tips, Caleb! Thank you!

[@ceo-strategic-advisor]

Hiya. Great video! How do you avoid the light to reflect through the bottom of your glasses and produce a light shadow under the glasses?

[@2CelebrateMusic]

Hey, your vlogs are really great ... 👏 just discovered your channel and watched already 3-4 vlogs and subscribed... Thx for the quality tips ! 👈👍

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

Thanks a ton Caleb! Definitely gonna bring my light closer in my next video. Would love to hear your thoughts on my current setup. I really wanna get better.

[@SimplyAwesomeness]

I know this is an old video... I was thinking of doing a one-light setup. Do you think using one bright light with no modifier as a "hair light", higher up at 45deg to the back of the subject and a bounce board in front to one side in front to bounce it as a key light and another bounce board on the front on the other side as a fill light would work? On a tight budget... 😞

[@tonybeccar]

Mr. Pike! Would you be interested in doing a review of the LIFX bulbs? I'm hearing people are using them with softboxes and it's a great idea.. they can be like a cheap skypanel apparently. Hope you are doing well, cheers!

[@duoliwu7280]

really really helpful, thanks so much and will try some of the tips from it.

[@SamThik]

You're the Lord Varys for video production. Very resourceful.

[@alphapheproductions6704]

These some Jedi lightning tips, awesome video Caleb!

[@davidmackinnon2968]

I have 3 Godox 60 watts variable. I’m planning on putting them behind a sheet and adjust the brightness

[@danielmoore5667]

Great video Caleb. Super simple to follow and very informative.

[@GregsGarage]

Great tips as always Caleb,. I'm re-doing my set right now, so this was EXTREMELY helpful.

[@Direct19681]

Hey Caleb! How does the 120 markii compare to the 300d as far as output? Thanks!

[@DARKLYLIT]

Awesome vid Caleb. I wish I'd seen something like this 6 years ago! :) Many thanks!

[@anderslinden4701]

Thanks for the video! It would be great if we could see more of your gear, in other words having this filmed with an extra camera from the side.

[@CyrusHostetler]

14:32 does the Aputure 120D Mark II have a green tint to it?

[@AlexMinor]

More lighting vids!!! I'm obsessed.

[@mikefromflorida8357]

How does this great guy only have 500K subscribers, and McKinnon have 5 million? This guy is so much better to listen to, and is not always “on.”

[@RonLopez19]

Great tips. Thanks, Caleb!

[@SpryEnd]

I saw the notification and went straith to this video ! niceee

[@dslrvideoshooter]

🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 Thanks for watching!

[@MigsLechon]

From the budget $50 and under LED video to this...massive help!

[@znipernl]

Great stuff man! People should get into lighting much more often instead of run & gunning hoping for some "lucky shots & footage" and don't actually really know how they created there best content. This includes myself! Great video, more of this!

[@Vs2020_]

Great video... very helpful I’m new to filming an this definitely helped....

[@alanbalch1831]

Great video, Caleb! This is going on my re-watch list.

[@PERIKLISTSINTZAS]

Very informative and usefull video.if you would light a drama film scene in a wood cabin lets say for 2 actors,what would you use?One big light and backlights for actors giving them shadows?Or smaller light panels ?how would you set up this scene?

[@Ry311GP]

Yeaaassssssss! New video. Thanks Caleb

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Ry!!!

[@thegidgter1052]

Great tips for lighting, I was actually looking for something like this amazing! Would love to see next video about product shooting light setup.

[@IdolEyes84]

Thank you for this. :) Any tips for apartment lighting? I have bright/white/blue down lights/ceiling lights. They make the walls look white, yet people look tired and there's shadows everywhere. We also have grey carpet so nothing looks very bright.

[@IdolEyes84]

The gels might be a bit too warm for the white walls. The lamp facing the ceiling is a good idea. The lights are like retail lights here and hurt my eyes.

[@gyamtsoprod2245]

A great great thank from France you for all this tips ! You're one of the best.

[@PaulFeinberg]

Thanks for this video love it! Look forward to more lighting videos and I am waiting on that other LED mate review before I purchase a Falcon Eyes.

[@henrikolsen5]

How is the D&O batteries working out for you on the 120D II, and the 300D II for that matter? They are rated at 12A, but Aputure recommends more, I think it's like minimum 13A for the 120D II and 15A for the 300D II. Haven't been able to find actual experience regarding this issue, so would be very grateful for feedback. Thanks.

[@liferesurrected3682]

Man this is a great video! You’re the best Caleb!

[@AlexKillian]

Best lighting tutorial I’ve seen in a while, thanks man!

[@John-ye9dv]

Still haven’t found a lighting video that addresses my requirements. I produce a channel with two people on camera at all times. For depth in the room we shoot from one corner. I’ve tried multiple lights, 1 key for each person, but it quickly blows out one or the other. For now we are using one 20 inch ring light from the camera position. This lights each of us well but we deal with glare on our glasses any time one of us lifts our head directly towards the camera. Any suggestions for a better light setup?