The Best Light for Live Videos

Caroline Golum

Research

When you’re getting started with live video, it’s easy to overlook some filming basics that can improve the quality of your stream. We often see live video on Facebook Live and elsewhere that looks dark, grainy, and poorly lit. But 67% of viewers say quality is the most important factor when it comes to live video. When your livestream looks professional, you can attract a larger audience and more engagement.

Just like cinematography or sound, lighting is an art. Lighting for live video should be as much a part of your process as testing your internet bandwidth or streaming workflow.

On Livestream Learn, lighting expert Carlos Garcia joined us for a master class about lighting for live video. Watch or read on to learn:

  • What makes lighting beautiful.
  • How lighting for live video differs from lighting for pre-recorded video.
  • Live lighting solutions for every budget.
  • How to create a great live video lighting setup.

Lighting for Live Video vs. Pre-Recorded

Unlike traditional “narrative” lighting, which tells a story, lighting for live video is all about the content of your live broadcast. When you’re lighting for live video, you want to make sure your guest speaker, interview subject, or host are evenly lit and easy to see. It’s important to make sure that your lighting flatters your subject, and presents a clear picture to your audience.

Three-Point Lighting

One of the simplest ways to add production value to your live events is with three-point lighting. Three-point lighting is the foundation of all lighting setups, whether for a pre-recorded program or a live broadcast. With three-point lighting, you can ensure your subject is softly lit from multiple angles, giving your live video a nice, even look.

Testing Your Light for Live Streaming

Before you go live, you may already be testing your camera equipment, streaming solution, and microphones. When you add lighting to the mix, it’s important to build out time to test your lights as well. Setting up your lighting equipment ahead of schedule can save you time. Remember: when it’s live, you only get one take. The more you test, the more likely your show will run smoothly.

Lighting Live Video for Every Budget

Streaming technology has never been more accessible. But if you’re already investing in a livestreaming solution, you want to make sure your content looks professional.Fortunately, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to add professional quality lighting to your broadcasts. The video below includes equipment recommendations for entry level, mid-level, and professional level producers.

Watch our Lighting Master Class webinar below to learn:

  • Key lighting terminology
  • Tips for great lighting
  • Equipment recommendations