Production Jan 07, 2025

Lighting 101

Avatar By The Creator Team

Lighting is the difference between a video that looks 'cheap' and a video that looks 'cinematic'.

The Core Problem

New creators rely on overhead room lights which create harsh shadows under eyes. You need controlled, directional light to create depth.

Strategy is about making choices, tradeoffs; it's about deliberately choosing to be different.

This is the "North Star" of growth!
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Strategic Insight

The 'Three-Point Setup' (Key, Fill, and Backlight) is the industry standard for a reason. It creates a 3D feel on a 2D screen.

How to Implement

Follow these three fundamental shifts in your daily workflow:

  • 01
    Establish Your Key Light: Place your brightest light at a 45-degree angle to your face. This creates 'Rembrandt lighting' and natural shadows.
  • 02
    Add a Backlight: Place a light behind you to separate your silhouette from the background. It adds instant 'pop'.
  • 03
    Diffuse Everything: Use softboxes or even a white sheet to soften the light. Hard light highlights skin imperfections.
Light is the language of photography and video. If you don't speak it, you're just making noise.