You’ve probably seen a video that just feels off, and it’s challenging to figure out why. It’s not the camera or the sound, but something about it just doesn’t click. 

Turns out the culprit is often hiding in plain sight: the lighting. 

Bad lighting is no different than a bad haircut; you might not notice it at first, but it’s impossible to ignore once you do. 

Lighting is precisely what makes a video look professional (or amateur). 

The plus point is that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to get it right. A few simple tweaks are all it takes to make it shine bright. 

11 Lighting Tips to Make Your Videos Look Professional

You could have the most expensive camera and a script that’s so perfectly written it practically tells itself, but without the right lighting, your video might still look unrefined. 

Below, we’ll share some insider tricks to take your lighting game to the next level. 

1. Use Natural Light Creatively 

Forget about stiff studio lights for a moment and take a good look at your surroundings. 

Sunlight, whether it's streaming through a window or bouncing off a wall, has a magical way of bringing life to a shot. But you have to be strategic about it. 

Try using the golden hour, that soft, flattering light just before sunset, to create a dreamy vibe. At that time around, the shadows are long, and the colors are rich – perfect for a more dramatic feel. 

You can also get creative with diffusing that harsh midday sun. A sheer curtain or even a white sheet can be your natural diffuser to avoid those unwanted shadows on faces.

If you’re shooting indoors, look for the direction of the light. Instead of shooting straight into the window, let your actors stand near the light’s source so it falls naturally on them. 

Also, if the sunlight’s coming in from the side, consider using it to highlight the contours of their faces. 

And do not forget about the weather. You can utilize the cloudy days because that’s when the diffused light creates a soft tone ideal for portraits or anything requiring subtle detail. 

2. Bounce Light for Softness

Let me introduce you to one of the best-kept secrets in video production: bouncing light. 

It's like creating your own softbox but without the box or the expense. 

Here's the idea: instead of shining light directly at your subject (which can often be too harsh), you bounce it off with something reflective - like a wall, ceiling, or a sheet of white poster board.

The light will quickly spread out, giving your subject a beautiful, natural glow that looks like they’ve been touched by a thousand Instagram filters.

For a more controlled bounce, grab something like a foam board or a piece of cardboard covered in white fabric. You don’t need to get fancy - just something that reflects light back onto your subject can do wonders. 

Also, if you’re indoors with no white walls around, look up. 

If you have a light-colored ceiling, bounce your light upward. It creates a giant softbox effect, which can give your shot an even light that flatters skin tones and minimizes those pesky shadows. 

3. Consider Three-Point Lighting

If you want to shoot like a pro, there’s a classic lighting setup you simply can't ignore: three-point lighting. 

Whether you're filming an interview or a solo talking head, this setup can completely change your visuals (for the better).

First, there’s the key light. It’s your main source that casts the brightest light on your subject. Positioned at about a 45-degree angle to your subject, it shapes the features of the face and brings out texture. 

Next up is the fill light. This one’s more subtle. It doesn’t steal the spotlight but complements the key light by softening harsh shadows. The fill light is placed opposite the key light, at a lower intensity, to keep your subject from looking like they're auditioning for a horror film.

Finally, there’s the backlight (or hair light, depending on your fancy). It helps your subject stand out from the background and, for this reason, is positioned precisely behind them at another 45-degree angle. 

Backlight creates a beautiful rim of light that outlines your subject’s shape and gives your shot that cinematic feel. 

4. Use Practical Lights to Add Depth

Practical lights are the ones you can see within the frame. It could be a cozy desk lamp in the corner, the glow of a TV screen, or the flicker of a candle. 

A viewer might think they’re merely pretty details, but in reality, they’re a visual shortcut to making a scene appear more alive. For instance, a lamp in the background tells your audience what time of day it might be.

Plus, practicals do wonders for breaking up that lifeless look that sometimes plagues even the most perfectly lit scenes.

What’s more, they help you shape light naturally. 

If you’ve ever noticed a well-placed streetlight outside a window throwing a gorgeous glow on your subject’s face or a hanging pendant light casting dramatic shadows, perhaps you know what we’re referring to. So next time you think about adding a little flair, grab that table lamp or plug in a string of fairy lights. 

You’ll end up getting a bonus lighting setup - and all you have to do is switch on the lights you already have. Genius, isn’t it? 

5. Light from Below for an Eerie Effect

This lighting setup flips the natural order of things by casting shadows in unexpected ways. The goal is to create a sense of unease. 

So, instead of the typical light source above, like a ceiling light, you place your light source under your subject. It casts an elongated shadow upwards, making your subject’s features seem more exaggerated (their eyes deeper and expressions intense). 

The viewers feel like the light is coming from a hidden source. This technique is often used in horror genres to keep viewers on edge. 

It works wonders for tense moments or when you want to inject some psychological discomfort. Here’s an example. 

6. Focus on Eye Lighting

Let’s face it - if the eyes don’t pop, your shot is dead in the water. 

The eyes are where connection happens, and nailing the lighting here lets you tell a better story. You must give your subject’s eyes that magnetic sparkle that holds attention.

To begin with, consider catchlights. These tiny reflections of light in the eyes instantly bring them to life. 

To create them, position a soft light source - a ring light or a softbox - at eye level or slightly above. The goal is to catch just enough of the light to add emotion without overpowering.

If you want to add a dramatic vibe, use a kicker light (a small light source) off to the side to create a subtle twinkle in the eyes. And if you’re outdoors, position your subject so they face the sky or an open area for those glowing catchlights.

Besides, don’t ignore shadows. A bit of contrast around the eyes can add depth, but too much will make your subject look tired or, worse like they’re plotting something sinister. Remember, balance is key.

7. Use Back Lighting to Create a Halo Effect

If you want to give your subject that ethereal charm, backlighting is the way to go. 

This is where you position a light source behind your subject to create a radiant halo effect that outlines their silhouette and adds depth to your shot. It’s a pro-level move that screams polished production.

Start simple: place your light just out of the frame, slightly above and behind your subject. This helps the light spill gently over their head and shoulders, creating an iconic glow. 

If you’re outdoors, golden hour is your best friend. Position your subject with the sun behind them for a natural, golden halo.

For indoors, you can try a softbox or a rim light to control the intensity. 

Also, to make it extra dramatic, consider adding a fog machine or a touch of haze. The light will scatter beautifully and make your scene even more stunning. 

8. Reflections to Add Visual Interest

When done right, reflections make even the simplest setup look like it belongs in an art gallery.

To begin with, you need to think beyond mirrors. Sure, mirrors are great, but you can get more creative for added depth. Glossy floors, puddles, glass windows, car hoods, and a shiny tabletop can all work as reflective surfaces. 

A puddle on the street? Instant mood. A windowpane at sunset? Pure magic. 

Keep your eyes open for anything reflective around you, and you’ll be surprised by what you can use.

Further, make sure you control the angle. Experiment with low angles or tilting your camera slightly to include both the subject and their reflection in the frame. The key is to create symmetry without making it too obvious. 

Additionally, you can add motion for more depth. A subject walking past a reflective surface adds a touch of reality and mirrored imagery, which makes the shot more alive. Or try rippling water for dreamy distortion.

You can also use reflections as story elements. Got a moody scene? A distorted reflection can hint at inner conflict. Want a surreal vibe? Frame your subject entirely through their reflection.

Once you start using reflections right, you’ll see endless possibilities.

9. Set Up Cross-Lighting for Depth

This technique involves using two light sources positioned at opposing angles to illuminate your subject from different sides. This results in a beautifully sculpted look that flat lighting can’t achieve.

Here’s how to do that: place your key light (the main light source) at a 45-degree angle in front of your subject. Then, position a second light (a backlight or kicker) at an opposing angle behind or to the side. 

This second light adds highlights to the edges of your subject. It’s precisely what separates them from the background and gives your scene a professional polish.

For added creativity, you can tweak the intensity of each light. A softer key light and a stronger backlight, for instance, creates striking contrasts, while evenly balanced lights deliver a subtler effect. 

The key is to play around until you hit that perfect cinematic vibe!

10. Experiment With Colored Gels

Whether you want to evoke warmth or a futuristic glow, gels give you endless creative possibilities.

Simply attach colored gels to your light source and experiment. 

If you want to convey nostalgic vibes, consider using an orange gel on your key light. For a more moody, cyberpunk aesthetic, combine a blue gel on one side with purple on the other. 

Experiment with contrasting colors to create tension or harmony depending on the scene’s tone.

Besides, don’t settle for single tones. Layer gels on the same light to create custom colors. For example, stacking red and yellow gels gives you a fiery gradient. 

You can also use gels on accent lights to add splashes of color to your props or subject’s edges (think a soft green on plants or a red glow behind a chair)

Last but not least, pair your gels with a gobo (a stencil for light) to project colored patterns like window blinds or abstract shapes. This adds texture to your shots while keeping them visually stunning. 

Let the Video Production Chicago Experts Do the Job!

Perfecting lighting takes trial and error and maybe a few blown bulbs along the way. 

If you want to skip the mistakes and get straight to work, Indirap is here to help. From providing expert lighting setups to guiding you in creating stunning content, we’re your partner in video production success. 

So what are you waiting for? Let’s make some magic together; your next masterpiece is just a light adjustment away! 

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