Cheap DIY Video Lighting | Budget Setup

[@nathaco4999]

I gotta say this video is incredibly underrated!! I don’t really understand how lightning works just yet, but I wish I saw your video before I bought my lights!

[@KevinRossRN]

Ha! Well, I’m happy this helped. Lighting is often times more important than the camera. Best of luck with your setup.

[@Whipple1]

Thank you! This confirms my theory that the camera doesn’t care what you use to get the affect you are trying to achieve. I’ve been low budget and low tech for years. I get ribbed about it often, but don’t give a good tinker’s damn. Great video. Cheers! Whipple.

[@KevinRossRN]

Hey Whipple. Great that you found some value here my friend. I had fun making this one.

[@Whipple1]

@@KevinRossRN Yeah. I could tell you enjoyed making the video. It shows. For sure. I just got a new light weight but very tightly woven canvas backdrop. Going to get some color on it tomorrow and rig a new hanger with some electrical conduit. Picked up some cheap white sheets at Wally Mart that will work for diffusers. Like your hula hoop idea. I’ve been using some thin wooden strips bent into a large radius. Your hoops might be a much better solution. Take care. Look forward to watching more of your videos. Just subscribed. Cheers! Whipple

[@KevinRossRN]

Sounds like you’re going to have quite the setup my friend. And yes, the hula hoop worked out great and fortunately I had a larger one for that bigger diffusion. Either way, I hope you have fun with it. Best of luck, and I’ll see you around here.

[@WoodsPrecisionArms]

Hey that REALLY helped, thanks for posting this because I had really tried every damn lighting trick so I had two big box diffusers, just took the diffuser screen off and pointed it so it bounced of the ceiling and wall towards me and it looks really damn good. Thanks again!

[@KevinRossRN]

Happy to help. Lighting is so tricky to get dialed in. I still struggle at times. Sending my best on your continued experimentation.

[@marktracy]

Awesome video! Great ideas to help us get started, thank you.

[@KevinRossRN]

Just glad to help. Best of luck.

[@GrandChamp100]

I’m just Trying to do a photoshoot at a boxing gym that’s super dark this is perfect I got a bounce flash but i need a steady light not just flash!

[@KevinRossRN]

Glad to help. Hope everything turns out great.

[@ImabossSK]

Thank you, I do need this ultra budget, uber cheap lighting. Right now I am using a lamp and I need to prepare for a greenscreen.

[@KevinRossRN]

Ha! Well hey, this is definitely ultra budget. Doesn't have to look pretty behind the scenes...It just has to light your scene 😀 📷

[@ndamugobaivan1]

Wonderful. It is a very good set up. We need to learn these tips and practice to have effective lighting.

[@KevinRossRN]

Thanks! And yes, the lighting is definitely important.

[@isimplydidit5469]

Actually this inspired me to do something a littler bit similar but with some cardboard and aluminium... thanks for the video

[@KevinRossRN]

That’s great! Happy to hear that this provided some inspiration.

[@George-hl3qj]

I been actually testing lite to create a short film scene. I only have one of those. Not enough. I will share the content with you once I get the reel of the making. I will have to go to Home Depot and buy more lights to be able to finish up the project. Thanks for sharing.

[@KevinRossRN]

Definitely! Keep me posted on it for sure.

[@jordanleonmusic6852]

Feelin' that positive vibe, subscribed.

[@KevinRossRN]

And I’m positive you’ll like it here. 😉 Well, I’m assuming you will 😁 Either way, glad to have you here.

[@samsakharia3382]

Thank you for the info bud… I just became a subscriber… can’t wait to check out more on your channel.

[@KevinRossRN]

Appreciate you. Glad to be of service.

[@themormonblacksheep]

Thank you for this video. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤ I have everything at home already! 🙌

[@KevinRossRN]

Awesome! Really happy to be a help here. Sending my best.

[@thebushwookie9922]

Great content mate, I’ve been looking for budget lighting for a while, you’ve definitely inspired me to use some more unorthodox methods as yours look fantastic, thank you very much

[@KevinRossRN]

That’s great! And yes, we all start at a different place in our journey, and this setup can certainly help you get that start on a budget. Best of luck.

[@KeyDyer]

Great info! Calming voice !

[@KevinRossRN]

Well many thanks to you 🙏

[@letusiniteproductions9280]

Thank you very much for this information. It was very inoformative and will be used

[@KevinRossRN]

That’s great! Sending my best.

[@day1tech]

Great tips walking around hardware store getting inspired

[@KevinRossRN]

Ha! Gives you another excuse to hang out at the hardware store 😀

[@freeshipping9643]

Fantastic idea. My mind is thinking the same. Get started first audiences then production. I'm trying to start from scratch in 2021. This was cool thanks for your time

[@KevinRossRN]

Hey, thank you for being here on this one. Best of luck.

[@ewesley1]

This is a well-made video with GREAT sound!

[@KevinRossRN]

Well I really appreciate you saying so. Thanks so much!

[@EvanAube]

Great tip as always, Kevin!

[@KevinRossRN]

Thanks so much. Always happy to provide value where I can. 📷💥

[@EvanAube]

@@KevinRossRN So I am finally starting to set my space up, and I was wondering if you had an opinion on adding a dimmer to these lights? Would it be useful to be able to control them in that way, or would you run them full strength and defuse as needed?

[@Ackbarfangirl]

Do you know if one of those clamp lights can take a y-socket adapter/splitter, so that two bulbs can go in for more light? Might just get a big/garage led bulb since idk if it will work right, but two nicer CRI bulbs might look better.

[@KevinRossRN]

From a wattage standpoint you should be fine with LED, but honestly I haven’t personally tested this. However, it may give you a better look with a higher lumen bulb. Or a PAR 20 outdoor lightbulb.

[@JOEZEP54]

Reuse, repurpose part of the theme of my channel. Using what is on hand & basic material, this is my type of video. Thank you for the information👍 # 874 Stay well, Joe Z

[@KevinRossRN]

That’s awesome! Appreciate you stopping by on this one. Thankful for your time here.

[@JOEZEP54]

@@KevinRossRN My pleasure.

[@JaysDiecastCreations]

Awesome video! I've never shown my face on my channel because I didn't feel the need and so far it's been successful but with my recent success I've been invited on some interviews and a video podcast and don't want to go in looking like a bum 😂 this is going to help tremendously on a short budget. You earned my sub on this video alone. I'll be watching more. Thank you 😎👊

[@KevinRossRN]

Ha! Well thanks friend. And, you really can do this on a small budget. It looks like a mess in the background, but you’ll look so much better on camera. Best of luck and look forward to seeing you around.

[@JaysDiecastCreations]

@@KevinRossRN I have most of the materials you used here and I'm not worried about how it looks off camera. As long as the shot looks half decent were good to go. Thanks for the quick reply, appreciate your work here 👊

[@KevinRossRN]

You bet. I was answering some other comments and just happened to be hanging out. Glad we bumped into each other.

[@teacherxian2197]

Good job! Nice video! Thanks for sharing

[@KevinRossRN]

And thank you for stopping over.

[@keylamejia1771]

This is awesome. Thank you!

[@KevinRossRN]

My pleasure. Thank you.

[@TodaysProject-hc9mk]

I have to say thank you. I have been fighting my lighting

[@KevinRossRN]

Oh man, lighting is an art form that requires constant iteration. I’m still tweaking things here and there.

[@jenicahtraigo1115]

Very helpful and accurate. Thanks for this.

[@KevinRossRN]

My pleasure. 👊💥

[@zeroryoko999]

Yeah, the caught up as you mentioned isn't so much of the tech; I can live without fancy LED and there are CFL bulbs that can dim. My problem in getting started is Money, Space, and Time.

[@KevinRossRN]

The time can be one of the biggest challenges for sure. Once you establish a routine, it does get a little easier, but it still takes quite a bit of juggling if you have a full time job, family, school, or anything else that might need your attention. Speaking of time, I appreciate you being here for this one. 🤘

[@zeroryoko999]

@@KevinRossRN Thing is, I would like to make filmmaking my full time job (Get Tips for the Tip Jar, patrons, or grants (That's far out)). I already had school, but my family, especially my father, things filmmaking is a waste of time. They want me to have a "Normal" job and life. Me being on the autism spectrum, What's normal?

[@KevinRossRN]

@zeroryoko999 What kind of filmmaking in particular are you interested in? Are there things that you’re interested in to be able to take on small projects where you can learn, but also make a small amount of money? Or are you hoping to have a KZbin channel?

[@zeroryoko999]

@@KevinRossRN As you can see, I already have a KZbin channel; mostly gaming and animation, but I want to expand. However, as I mentioned, Space and Time is a problem. The films I could make on a budget for right now is stop-motion (I already have one planned and try to have all the shots done in less than a week, It would be a 15 to 20 minute short). The money would be from a tip jar thanks to viewers that see the final result. I already have a degree in Video Production so I've learned and I've kept learning even after college by watching tutorials and such like Film Riot and your videos. My biggest roadblock is my own family where I now believe they want me to get out of Indie Filmmaking and start wearing a Grochery Store Uniform. With my mental condition, I wouldn't be able to handle it.

[@KevinRossRN]

@zeroryoko999 Oh, I didn’t see that. Since I mostly respond to comments on my phone the interface doesn’t really show much on the profile…Not like on the computer. I can understand that there are family pressures, and it can certainly stifle that creativity when you’re stressed about that dynamic. If you studied video production, what about finding a couple of creators that you could edit for to bring in a little cash just to show (your family) you’re making something of that degree? Stop motion is something I’ve never tried, but I’m certainly interested in, and very much respect the time and effort it takes.

[@Muzziik1]

Quality video! Thanks

[@KevinRossRN]

Awesome! Appreciate you saying so. Hope you found something helpful.

[@Danny_Banany]

This video is excellent. Thank you

[@KevinRossRN]

Really glad to hear it. Thank you.

[@jarodgatson361]

Great advice man... thanks!

[@KevinRossRN]

You bet, thank you.

[@KevinRossRN]

What kind of lighting are you using to light your studio? I know it's not the prettiest setup, but I wanted to hold myself accountable to only use items around my home. Just get your start and go create.

[@EvanAube]

Hey Kevin, you beautiful human! I just posted my lighting set-up that it based on this video, and I wanted to say THANK YOU!

[@fienddube]

We bought a 5000 Lumen LED shop light (4 ft long) to shoot our videos. We have a major problem with glare, though (we make videos with Magic: the Gathering cards, and all the cards are in plastic sleeves...so the glare makes them almost invisible--not good!). I tried sliding on pantyhose as a DIY light diffuser. It was ineffective. Any suggestions? Great video, man!

[@KevinRossRN]

Have you tried hanging something like a thin sheet or cloth shower curtain away from the light to see if that diffuses/spreads the light out a bit more? Also, what about a reflector to bounce some that filtered light back to fill that space that may take a hit from that diffusion?

[@flyingsolo242]

Thanks for the tips! Want to do some toy photography without busting my budget 😊. Do you have recommendations for closer pictures, figures are around 6-12" tall.

[@KevinRossRN]

You’d probably want a macro lens. What camera are you filming with?

[@flyingsolo242]

@@KevinRossRN I've got a Sony RX10 Mark 1...its got a 1inch sensor. Bought it for my trip to Japan.

[@KevinRossRN]

So that’s a fixed lens setup, correct?

[@flyingsolo242]

@@KevinRossRN yep, but it has an excellent Zeiss 24-200mm lens with a F2. 8 aperture even at 200mm... Wanted a good travel, all in one camera.

[@KevinRossRN]

So have you experimented with setting the camera back and zooming in at 200mm, for those figures?

[@AvisBoone]

Value added!!

[@KevinRossRN]

Ha! Well, it's not a pretty setup, but it's workable to just get started.

[@AvisBoone]

@@KevinRossRN ...and THAT is what counts!! Great content! Loving it!

[@KevinRossRN]

Very much appreciated 👍

[@Marquettes2010]

Cree apparently supplies the actual LEDs to professional Video lighting manufactures

[@KevinRossRN]

Oh that’s a good piece of knowledge. Appreciate you sharing.

[@kianareads606]

this was very helpful, thank you!

[@KevinRossRN]

That's awesome. Super glad it helped!

[@grassrunner7983]

wow man. Thanks!

[@KevinRossRN]

You got it.

[@KeepNitReeel]

I love you're aura. *Thank you!*

[@KevinRossRN]

Well all right. Glad I was rocking the aura on this one 😉Much appreciated 🙏

[@GrimPixels]

A vey helpful video man! Just wanted to ask, how did you make your voice sound so wow?!

[@KevinRossRN]

That's the voice they gave me 😎 Guess it just comes out that way... Glad to hear that this helped you friend. Appreciate you saying so. 🙏

[@GrimPixels]

@@KevinRossRN ha ha... Yeah i know that's your voice. Just your recorded voice sounds so good that I thought may be you tweaked, may be a lil.

[@KevinRossRN]

Ha! Well, the microphone does help a bit, but as someone who has podcasted for years, I suppose I perfected some of that tone from talking so much... Not too much tweaking in post actually... But I do appreciate the compliment.

[@MarkRoach]

Thank you

[@KevinRossRN]

Many thanks to you.

[@CLASSICMESSENGERSERVICES]

Nice video..

[@KevinRossRN]

Thanks! I appreciate your time here.

[@tigerorchid67]

Great content!

[@KevinRossRN]

Much appreciated 👍

[@bbScreams]

4 years later, still gotta say: you rule.

[@KevinRossRN]

I appreciate that my friend. Best of luck to you.

[@scoobydadog246]

i'm surprised w/ all these 'lighting hack' videos that I've never seen anyone else suggesting using the chicken coop warming light fixtures. that's what I call them :) They seem to be the perfect shape, and if you put the bulb protector on, you could put some fabric over that and create a perfect soft light. I'm not a content creator, just want to look decent on video calls, meetings, etc. so don't want to spend money, that is what I am going to do!

[@KevinRossRN]

Yeah, I had fun putting this one together. It’s funny, because I did this for my wife (years after I posted this) for her video calls. It’s great.

[@TheCharlycroki]

Bro can you please drop a guide step by step to get cinematic color on 6400 and sigma. Already have my len but can’t get it right 😢

[@KevinRossRN]

What picture profile are you filming with, and is it mostly indoor or outdoor... Or both?

[@TheCharlycroki]

Kevin Ross I am trying to do both

[@KevinRossRN]

@@TheCharlycroki do you have a particular picture profile you're using?

[@j3rw1n666]

How about a white umbrella??

[@KevinRossRN]

Depending on the material it could work.

[@MykEviiL]

Awesome video Kevin. I have a tendency to like expensive things and always want the best I can afford. I notice some people use phtograpby soft boxes and umbrellas, other people use bright LEDs cheap and expensive. I can't decide to go cheap DIY, cheap leds mid range leds, or soft boxes. With LEDs you can control brightness but they need to be diffused and not directly in your eyes or on your face for harsh light, soft boxes are already diffused but you cant control brightness. If you have the means please do a video addressing various lighting options cheap led's vs midrange leds for the small budget two or three light guy. And how to properly control the lights with leds and do leds vs softbox comparison. Thanks.

[@KevinRossRN]

I definitely hear you on this one. And I always encourage folks to work within their budgets, however if you (or anyone) can save up to get better equipment. Buy it nice or buy it twice. But for lighting, I’d say this is an extremely worthwhile investment. I’d choose good lighting over a camera because with the right lighting just about any camera will produce great results.

[@MykEviiL]

@@KevinRossRN I have the camera and 3 lenses just got a Canon 80D. Just looking into lightning options, cheap, $50 LEDs, $200 leds $500 leds or $100 to 200 photography softbox set up but use it for video or a cheap version of the aperture light made by godox. However people talk about cheap lighting all the time but don't often show you how to diffuse lights like bright leds or show you what extra panels and reflectors you might need. This could be a good video for you. :)

[@KevinRossRN]

Well I've done a video on the Godox and Neewer LEDs which I think are very reasonably priced and comparable to some of the much more expensive lamps. But, I definitely stand by the Aputure Light Domes. They are definitely work the extra money in my opinion. But I do appreciate the suggestion. I'll definitely put that on the list, especially as I'm reviewing some of the newer smartphone cameras that folks are trying to use in their studios.

[@MykEviiL]

@@KevinRossRN from what I understand Leo from frog leap studios uses only one softbox light. He did a series on how he uploads one cover song week and shows his gear when he videos. I am not sure if he is still only using a single softbox light. However his videos look amazing.

[@KevinRossRN]

I'll have to check him out. If you need some real lighting tutorials I'd also suggest Tommy Callaway. He's definitely lit 😄

[@Liketotallydude]

What’s the song in the background

[@KevinRossRN]

I’d have to pull up my rough timeline to check. I’ll see if I can find it.

[@ryanagar7498]

Good stuff bro :)

[@KevinRossRN]

Appreciate it. Keeping it on the real. 👍

[@captaincbt]

if you’re like me and prefer not to shop online and want to get your supplies from in person stores. I wasn’t able to find one of these lamps at typical hardware stores and had to go to a place dedicated to farm life

[@KevinRossRN]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing that information here. Thanks so much for your time.

[@captaincbt]

@@KevinRossRN they’re also called “brooder lamps” which was very helpful to find out because every other source i’d found had given them a different name like “dome light”

[@KevinRossRN]

Also good to know.

[@yufielfranklin9453]

Hey Kevin! I actually exported the first episode of my podcast this past weekend! It is now on SoundCloud , Spotify and a couple other platforms. HOWEVER, I cannot get it on iTunes/ Apple Podcasts. I am using the Anchor app to distribute my podcast to different platforms. When I tried to Validate my podcast through iTunes, I got an error stating my cover art didn’t meet the requirements so I edited my art work to meet these standards. However I’m still getting the same error ! Any ideas on how to get my podcast out there? A lot of my friends want to support my channel but they use apple services. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@KevinRossRN]

Oh man! Do you have a link to your podcast artwork? I can check it out.

[@yufielfranklin9453]

@@KevinRossRN I'm not sure how to access a link for my photo. It's in my downloads folder on my pc.

[@KevinRossRN]

What's your podcast name?

[@yufielfranklin9453]

Kevin Ross Essential Livin’. If it doesn’t pop up instantly, look up “essential Livin Yufiel Franklin”

[@KevinRossRN]

It's possible that there was a delay when you resubmitted your artwork. Here's your podcast on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/essential-livin/id1518419687

[@homerdadon6363]

I tried to use your affiliate link for the light bulb but im an Amazon guy, the bulbs were linked with H.D ... sorry bro

[@KevinRossRN]

Hey it’s all good. If you can find what you need on Amazon, then that’s what matters. Happy lighting 💡

[@negativefilms200]

❤️

[@KevinRossRN]

Right back at you 👍🤙

[@rogermocca]

Hollysh***! 3/4 of video is introduction 😵

[@KevinRossRN]

Context matters.

[@carlosenriquez2092]

The cree is better.

[@KevinRossRN]

Well alright 👍

[@blessedbythebest1003]

THIS IS SO RELATABLE RN RN!! 😆 2023 yazzz. Ty

[@KevinRossRN]

It still is. Appreciate you being here.