Video Lighting Kits: Shooting Great Videos on a Budget
It’s not as hard as you think to create amazing videos, now that most of us have one of the highest-quality cameras ever made right in our pockets. And if you incorporate a versatile video lighting kit into the mix, well, you're in business.
Lighting has always been a key factor in producing high-quality video because if what you’re filming isn’t lit well, it will ruin the entire presentation. It might sound obvious, but lighting can add mood and set a visual tone to what you're capturing.
Sure, the iPhone camera is amazing...but it becomes phenomenal and almost identical to the top-end cameras that film studios use when you incorporate a video lighting kit. Your smartphone has an amazing sensor and can work in most light conditions, but if you take the time to light a scene for filming, it will make a huge difference.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to enhance your video lighting quality – even if you’re not rolling in the dough. Whether it's just understanding the concept & positioning, or purchasing a kit, these tips can help ensure that whatever you capture is elevated.
And don't forget about audio! That's a big factor as well to enhance your production, and following a few simple tips can go a long way.
Not All Lighting Strategies Are Super-Expensive
With traditional video production, lighting is a major expense. When you watch a beautifully filmed commercial, you’re looking at lots of $$$$ spent on the lighting and the crew that ran it.
For most simple videos, you don’t need that kind of investment. That's why we have you covered with the following tips.
Three Video-Lighting Budget Levels
1. No Budget
Don’t have any money to play with? No problem! Sunlight, window light, and knowing general lighting positions can give you a solid foundation. If you understand the basic concepts to position your subject to an already existing light source, that alone can elevate what you capture (and you won’t have to spend any money!)
These videos provide great, quick demos on all three lighting sources & how to consider them when filming your subject.
2. Minimal Budget
An understanding of good lighting positions is the foundation, and will take you far. But, if you have a small budget then invest in a readily available video lighting kit. It'll take what you capture that much further. Here are a few examples.
Ring lights: These exploded in the selfie & testimonial video realm, but they provide a great and affordable lighting resource if you just need to light a speaker’s face, especially when filming with a phone. The best ones feature adjustable stands, color filters, shadow elimination and more.
Lume Cube: Lume Cube started out with a portable light, but they now make really solid, multi-piece kits for videography. These are great for an introduction into incorporating a video lighting kit without the huge price tag. Plus, they’re:
Easy to load and carry
Designed for smartphones and DSLR cameras
Perfect for mobile videography
There are a few other lighting options with a minimal budget, but these are our top recommendations.
3. Substantial or Unlimited Budget (don’t we all wish!)
If you have a bit more money to work with, you can level up your entry level kit with either a higher-end package or you can build your own.
Nanlite is a great lighting option to consider that’s a little more expensive than Lume Cube, but not outlandish.
If you have a little more budget to play with, you can build your own kit with the basic components. There's a lot of nuances to understand, but the basic components to have in your kit include:
Key light: The brightest light source that shines directly on the subject.
Fill light: A smaller, less-intense light directed at the face.
Backlight: Another small light that illuminates the background.
Light reflector: A reflective surface that spreads light to soften shadows.
Grip gear: Includes light stands, A-clamps, C-stands, extension cords, sandbags, and gaff tape.
Light modifier: To block unwanted light, modify your light, and control spillage.
It’s in Your Hands
The technology that drives smartphones can also drive your basic video productions to a new level. Video lighting kits can help the budget-conscious videographer turn out results that grab and hold the attention of your audience. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
