WebCam Background and Lighting Tips...

A few thoughts on how to get the most out of your Webcam...  

- Be Aware of Lighting: Since the sensor on even the highest-quality webcam is pretty darn small when compared to, say, a digicam sensor which, again is small compared to a full-frame 35mm DSLR (or actual 35mm frame) we realistically can’t expect too much in the way of dynamic range.  Therefore, we have to have optimal conditions in place to get a good image- to make us look good. 

- Windows Kill: DON’T sit back-to a window- natural light will overpower anything but powerful studio lights.  DO put the webcam BETWEEN you and the window!  This will let you use the powerful natural light to light the subject- YOU.

who is that masked man?

- Get a desk lamp: either point it at yourself (this is a Key light), or at a cube wall so it bounces some light onto your face (this is a Fill light).  In a normal video shoot, there is the classic “3-point” lighting setup- which includes a Key-, Fill-, and Back-light to isolate the subject from the background- but in lighting for a basic webcam conference, you only really need one good light- if you use an advanced video system, you may want to invest in a more professional lighting package.

standard 3-point lighting for an interview...  only 1/3
needed for our webcam presentations!

- Background Information:  Sometimes its the little things that tell people the most about us...   Make sure that whatever is behind you is clean & clear, and free of debris.  Make sure to remove any dead plants, KISS posters, or old computer junk.  

- Missed Opportunities...  Now that it's blank, how can we use it?..  I like to think of that empty wall as unused advertising space- space for advertising YOU!  Not sure about this one? All you have to do is flick on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, etc to see how all the major news channels interview in front of cityscapes, cool graphics, bustling newsrooms, or libraries of books.  This adds a level of credibility to the speaker, and communicates even more to the audience.  Take a little time to "pretty up" your area, and think about how you can make your own background advertisement out of the artifacts in your office space- diplomas, degrees, books, plants, framed art, accolades or even magazine covers.  

- The Right Stuff- Don't have a web conferencing tool that will support this kind of webcam video?  Check out WebEx.  I know, you've heard this one before, but there's a reason for it- it works!

Don't forget to check out my post on how to have better web meetings...

- Josh