Optimizing Your Lighting for Professional Video Calls

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Eliminate backlighting

   Never sit with a window or bright light source directly behind you. This forces your camera’s auto-exposure to darken your face, resulting in a silhouette effect. Position your desk so that natural light faces you directly.

   Note: If you cannot move your desk, close the blinds or curtains behind you to neutralize the glare.
2. 1 min

   Set your primary light source

   Place your primary light source (key light) slightly above eye level and at a 45-degree angle to the side of your camera. This placement creates natural depth and dimension on your face. Avoid placing lights directly at eye level, as this creates a flat, clinical look.

   Note: Ensure the light is about two to three feet away from your face for optimal coverage.
3. 1 min

   Diffuse the light source

   Direct light often creates harsh, unflattering shadows on your skin. Use a softbox, a diffusion panel, or a sheer white curtain to soften the light output. This simulates the quality of indirect daylight, which is more forgiving for video conferencing.

4. 30 sec

   Control color temperature

   Set your light temperature between 4500K and 5600K for a clean, daylight-balanced appearance. Lower temperatures (below 3500K) introduce an orange tint, while higher temperatures (above 6500K) introduce a harsh blue tint that makes skin tones appear pale.

   Note: Most modern LED panels feature a dial or app to adjust Kelvin settings precisely.
5. 30 sec

   Check camera software settings

   Open your camera’s companion software or the settings menu in your meeting application. Disable Auto-Exposure or Auto-White Balance if they are fluctuating during your call. Lock these settings once your lighting is consistent to prevent the image from pulsing.

   Note: In Zoom, go to Settings > Video > Adjust for low light and set to Manual.