The Big Video Course:
Storytelling filming 🎥

Lighting

 

In this lesson

Lighting can transform how your video looks, but a lot of people don't know where to start. You ain't going to be one of them, though.

 

What you'll learn

  • must-know lighting basics

  • when and why to use certain lights

  • specific products for all workflows and budgets

  • the classic four-point setup

Get ready to shine bright like Rihanna. 💎

PART 01

The basics

Thumbnail art by Lizz Lunney and Flo Meije via Giphy

Bookmarks

00:00 → Lesson overview
01:05 → Overhead light
01:34 → Window light
03:04 → Light size
03:19 → Light height
03:55 → Light direction

PART 02

Key light options


Bookmarks

00:11 → Window light
00:22 → Ring light
02:59 → Umbrella light
05:54 → Soft box light
07:52 → Comparison

PART 03

Four-point lighting


Bookmarks

00:07 → Key light
00:38 → Fill light
01:33 → Hair light
02:43 → Background light
06:36 → Four-point recap

Resources

See product picks and cheat sheets with clutch takeaways.

Lighting guide

 

Assignment

Your mission this lesson is to choose a lighting setup and test it out. If you want, you can also share before-and-after pics online using the hashtag #bigvideocourse and tagging me @gomarybetsy. I'd love to see your results!

 

Tips

  • Use a window with lights you own if you're cash-strapped.

  • Browse the lighting guide if you're looking to buy.

  • Don't get sucked down research rabbit holes. Your time's much better spent doing hands-on experiments or dreaming up good stories.

Credit

Music in part by David Cutter at @dcuttermusic and davidcuttermusic.com.

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