Video conference lighting

Where the light should come from

The light should come from the front, facing the person, at about the height of the camera or slightly above. Front light fills the face evenly, so the other participants see expressions clearly. Light from behind the person is the common mistake: it turns the person into a silhouette, because the camera exposes for the bright background and the face goes dark.

Light from directly overhead is the second mistake: it casts shadows under the eyes and chin, which makes a person look tired even when they are not. A light placed in front, slightly above eye level, and diffused so it spreads evenly, avoids both problems. The room's own lights can serve, if they are in front of the person, but a dedicated video light gives control that room lights do not.

What to avoid

Avoid a bright window behind the person, which silhouettes them, and avoid a single harsh light close to the face, which creates glare and hard shadows. Avoid mixed lighting that changes colour across the face: a warm lamp on one side and cool daylight on the other will show as two different skin tones on camera. Consistency matters more than brightness: an even, moderate light beats a bright, uneven one.

Avoid a light that flickers or changes with the room: a light that dims when a cloud passes, or a screen that changes brightness, will show on camera as a shifting image. A stable light, set once and left alone, is the goal. The video light selection guide explains the light types, and this guide explains their placement for calls.

What to ask next

Name the room and the setup: where the person sits, where the camera sits, and what light already exists. Ask for the specification for the exact type, the quantity terms, the lead time, and the certificates for your market, by name, with documents attached. The bulk video light inquiry page lists these confirmations.