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How to Choose the Best Lighting?

Selecting the right lighting for your stream requires careful consideration. Don't be one of those streamers who overlook the importance of proper lighting and end up streaming in the dark. Good quality lighting not only creates a pleasant viewing experience but also enhances the performance of your camera. Even a built-in webcam can produce impressive results when paired with the right lighting equipment.

The Two Main Roles of Light

Light serves two primary purposes: fill light and key light. Both play vital roles in improving the quality of lighting in any setting. The key light is the main light source and highlights the main subject. It is typically a powerful light that directly illuminates the subject. On the other hand, fill light is used to "fill in" the shadows created by the key light, resulting in a more balanced look.

Types of Lighting - Soft Light and Hard Light

Soft light and hard light are the two main types of lighting commonly used in the media industry. Soft light provides a balanced spread of light and casts minimal shadows. It creates a natural and welcoming aura, making it easier on the eyes. Soft light is achieved through the use of diffusers, reflectors, or natural light from windows.

In contrast, hard light is more focused and aggressive. It casts distinct shadows, drawing attention to specific areas or subjects. This type of lighting creates a high-contrast look, with defined transitions between light and shadow. Hard light is easily created using bright lights, natural sunlight, or camera flashes.

Different Lighting Options for Live Streaming

There are several lighting options available for live streaming, each with its pros and cons. Let's explore some of the most popular choices:

Softbox: A softbox is a box-shaped lighting source that provides soft light. It is widely used in photo studios and indoor photography events.
Light Panel: A light panel consists of multiple LED bulbs arranged over a large surface. It offers soft light, easy setup, and comes in various sizes. However, finding additional accessories for light panels can be challenging.
Ring Light: A ring light is a circular light that emits direct light, with a space in the middle for your camera or phone. It creates a hard light and is known for the catch light effect in the eyes. Ring lights are affordable, easy to position, and widely used by streamers.

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Positions for Your Lighting When Live Streaming

Once you have chosen your preferred lighting option, it's crucial to position them correctly to achieve consistent and high-quality lighting for your streams. The three-point lighting setup is the most popular choice, as it involves light coming from three different directions, resulting in soft, balanced lighting with minimal shadows. However, this setup can be expensive as it requires at least three light sources.

Backlight or background light is an excellent way to highlight wallpapers or collections in the background, adding depth and personality to your stream. Streamers often use additional lights such as Nanoleaf panels or RGB strips to balance the stream's color temperature.

Loop lighting is another technique that creates a shadow on one side of your face, emphasizing your features. By placing the main light source slightly above eye level and adding an extra light source from a different angle, you can eliminate shadows and achieve a more flattering look.

Our Picks for the Best Lighting for Streaming

To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a list of the best lighting options for streaming. These options include softbox lights, light panels, and ring lights. Here are our top recommendations:

Best Soft Box Lights for Streaming
Mountdog 1350W Photography Kit: Affordable and reliable softbox lighting kit, complete with energy-efficient light bulbs.
Walk Fly Softbox Photography Lighting Kit: A cheap and easy-to-set-up lighting option for beginner streamers.
Fovitec 3-Light Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit: A professional-quality softbox kit with excellent brightness and color temperature.
Best Light Panels for Streaming
Elgato Key Light: A compact LED panel with adjustable brightness and color temperature, perfect for close-up shots.
Neewer Dimmable 176 LED Light Kit: A budget-friendly LED panel that provides ample brightness and comes with two battery packs.
Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit: A versatile and portable light panel kit that offers professional-quality lighting for your streams.
Best Ring Light options for Streaming
UBeesize 10’’ LED Ring Light: An affordable and versatile ring light with adjustable color temperature and touch controls.
Elgato Ring Light: A premium ring light with advanced integration features and superior light quality.
Razer Kiyo: A webcam-ring light combo that offers adjustable lighting and high-quality video streaming.
Summing it Up

With a wide range of lighting options available, you can find the perfect lighting source for your streaming needs. Consider factors such as space, flexibility, ease of use, and light quality when making your decision. To make it even easier, refer to our table summarizing the recommended lighting options based on your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best lighting for streaming?
How do I choose the right lighting for my stream?
What are the different types of lighting for streaming?
How should I position my lights for live streaming?
Which lighting options are best for soft light or hard light?
What are some affordable lighting options for streaming?
Can I use natural light for streaming?
What are the recommended lighting kits for beginner streamers?
How can I achieve a professional lighting setup for my streams?
Are there any specific lighting options for close-up shots or backgrounds?

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