How to setup a book light for your videos.

I setup a book light using a Wescott 4 x 4 scrim jim to use as a key light for my videos.

[@benarnoux]

Nice approach to this technique!

[@motionbymike]

Thanks Ben, this way makes it a lot easier imo.

[@jennasyseng]

Thanks for doing the side-by-side comparison. It really helps to pinpoint where the differences are in techniques. It did seem that there was a lot of bleed into the background with the book light setup that made it a little less dramatic overall IMO, but I suppose that could be blocked with a negative panel if it wasn't desired.

[@motionbymike]

Oh absolutely, it’s definitely not for every scenario. I was more so looking at the effects it had on the skin and face rather than the spill. In a real works scenario I would have flagged a lot

[@abdullahhelwani5453]

We love book lights!

[@motionbymike]

Ya I’m pretty pumped about it!

[@BillStreeter]

I think it looks much better than the softbox. The wrap is much better and the shaddows are much softer. I am always interested in how to set a book light up with one stand and I really like your idea here. Gonna try it myself!

[@motionbymike]

It’s a lot quicker setup than I thought it would be too!

[@BillStreeter]

@@motionbymike it looks so much easier than any other solution I have seen! Thanks for this!

[@heroaomedia]

interesting how straight at the camera, the book light isn't very flattering but on the b-cam (typical interview style), it looks very nice

[@motionbymike]

Totally. I don’t love lighting for straight on shots but it’s awesome for literally anything else

[@heroaomedia]

@@motionbymike just an fyi, a large 6/7 foot umbrella with a sock (I think that's the term) is an easy way to create a book light with just one stand. And if you use a stand with wheels, you can easily move it around :)

[@motionbymike]

@@heroaomedia good to know! I’ll definitely look into that

[@iamkevinkouassi]

Could you please share the links for the parts (clamps, c-stands, etc.) you used for the book light?

[@jean-david-ouellette]

Nice comparison! Was wondering, what tube lights are you using? Thanks!

[@motionbymike]

I’m using the Amaran T2C for this shot but I use the Aputure MT pros a lot too!

[@jean-david-ouellette]

@@motionbymike Looks awesome!

[@Watchpaulburke]

Can you try it with one of those big 5 in one reflectors that are impossible to fold up that I bring with me all the time but never use?

[@motionbymike]

Haha you an me both. They’re actually really good for negative fill in a pinch

[@Watchpaulburke]

@@motionbymike I'm thinking they may be a nice bounce in a pinch

[@motionbymike]

@@Watchpaulburke absolutely, they're super versatile but I still rarely use them haha