Lighting for your webcam
Lighting is the single biggest upgrade for any webcam — and it does not require studio gear. Here is what actually matters.
Use the window correctly
Sit facing the window, not with your back to it. A window in front of you gives soft, even light for free; a window behind you turns you into a silhouette.
Lamp placement
One lamp slightly above and in front of you beats two lamps behind. Keep the light out of the frame and aimed at your face, not the wall behind you.
Match color temperatures
Warm lamps plus daylight produce orange-and-blue skin. Use the same color of light on your face from all sources, or turn one source off.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ring light?
Not necessarily. A well-placed desk lamp with a paper diffuser achieves most of the effect for a fraction of the price.
Why does my image flicker on camera?
Often a conflict between mains frequency and camera shutter. Setting the anti-flicker option (50/60 Hz) to match your region usually fixes it.