![[Updated] Brightening Indoor Realms Naturally and Smartly](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/F5BTzUP2d_h2drCRoj1OLhAxwKo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-d98962629d6f44f1ba48f09829e604eb.jpeg)
[Updated] Brightening Indoor Realms Naturally and Smartly
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Brightening Indoor Realms Naturally and Smartly
Indoor Natural Lighting Tips
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
A great looking vlog is a well-lit vlog. Not everybody can afford professional lighting equipment for their YouTube channels. It’s a big investment, especially if you think of your channel as a hobby. Sometimes even if you have a lighting kit you do not want to set up multiple lights and stands to every time you shoot a vlog entry. You might be shooting them every day. It is great to have lighting equipment, and it is also great to know when you can get around it.
How to Get Best Natural Lighting Indoors
Using a window as your main light source is a simple way to get high quality lighting on a budget. When it is bright outside a window is as powerful as any light you might have. So, besides just being cheap, windows can actually make your YouTube videos look amazing.
1. Windows as Key Lights
When you shoot near a window you can treat that window the same as the key light in a three-point lighting set up.
In three-point lighting you have a key light, a fill light, and a main light. Your key light, in this case your window, is off to one side. It will cast a shadow over half of your face which you soften using your fill light. Your backlight is a light you put behind you to help you pop out of your background.
Another thing that can help you pop out from your background is focusing your keylight so that its light is only landing on you, not your background.
Rather than setting up professional lights for your fill and backlights try using household lamps or reflectors. Reflectors are used to bounce light from another source, so if you set one up opposite to the window it will redirect light back at the shaded side of your face.
Reflectors are very affordable, often around $20, but if you do not have one then you can use a sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Windows as Front Lights
Vlogging while facing a window is a great way to get even lighting over your entire face. This is a great set up for makeup tutorials or other beauty vlogs. It can also work for opinion vloggers, or any other vlogging genre where the focus is on a stationary host, though.
The only issue that can arise when you use a window as a front light for your vlog is that you do not stand out from your background because the lighting is even on both you and it. This is not difficult to get around; you just need a backlight.
You can use a household lamp or a reflector as a backlight. The idea is that the light hitting you from behind will create a boarder around you that will make you pop out from the background of your shot.
3. Windows as Backlights
It is usually a bad idea to use a window as a backlight because they are too bright. Shooting with a window behind you will not just give you a dark boarder, like a lamp or a reflector; it will completely transform you into a silhouette. This is an interesting effect in some situations, but not in a vlog where your viewers are expecting to be able to see you. It is sometimes possible to make this kind of shot work by increasing your exposure, but then you might end up with over-exposed footage. Pushing the ‘info’ button a couple times will allow you to check you exposure on most DSLRs.
4. Diffusers
A diffuser is a screen of translucent fabric you can use to soften your light. The light coming from your window might be hard on your eyes, and setting up a diffuser between you and your window can help you not to blink. Often when reflectors come in colored sets one of the ‘colors’ will be translucent and you can use it as a diffuser.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
A great looking vlog is a well-lit vlog. Not everybody can afford professional lighting equipment for their YouTube channels. It’s a big investment, especially if you think of your channel as a hobby. Sometimes even if you have a lighting kit you do not want to set up multiple lights and stands to every time you shoot a vlog entry. You might be shooting them every day. It is great to have lighting equipment, and it is also great to know when you can get around it.
How to Get Best Natural Lighting Indoors
Using a window as your main light source is a simple way to get high quality lighting on a budget. When it is bright outside a window is as powerful as any light you might have. So, besides just being cheap, windows can actually make your YouTube videos look amazing.
1. Windows as Key Lights
When you shoot near a window you can treat that window the same as the key light in a three-point lighting set up.
In three-point lighting you have a key light, a fill light, and a main light. Your key light, in this case your window, is off to one side. It will cast a shadow over half of your face which you soften using your fill light. Your backlight is a light you put behind you to help you pop out of your background.
Another thing that can help you pop out from your background is focusing your keylight so that its light is only landing on you, not your background.
Rather than setting up professional lights for your fill and backlights try using household lamps or reflectors. Reflectors are used to bounce light from another source, so if you set one up opposite to the window it will redirect light back at the shaded side of your face.
Reflectors are very affordable, often around $20, but if you do not have one then you can use a sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Windows as Front Lights
Vlogging while facing a window is a great way to get even lighting over your entire face. This is a great set up for makeup tutorials or other beauty vlogs. It can also work for opinion vloggers, or any other vlogging genre where the focus is on a stationary host, though.
The only issue that can arise when you use a window as a front light for your vlog is that you do not stand out from your background because the lighting is even on both you and it. This is not difficult to get around; you just need a backlight.
You can use a household lamp or a reflector as a backlight. The idea is that the light hitting you from behind will create a boarder around you that will make you pop out from the background of your shot.
3. Windows as Backlights
It is usually a bad idea to use a window as a backlight because they are too bright. Shooting with a window behind you will not just give you a dark boarder, like a lamp or a reflector; it will completely transform you into a silhouette. This is an interesting effect in some situations, but not in a vlog where your viewers are expecting to be able to see you. It is sometimes possible to make this kind of shot work by increasing your exposure, but then you might end up with over-exposed footage. Pushing the ‘info’ button a couple times will allow you to check you exposure on most DSLRs.
4. Diffusers
A diffuser is a screen of translucent fabric you can use to soften your light. The light coming from your window might be hard on your eyes, and setting up a diffuser between you and your window can help you not to blink. Often when reflectors come in colored sets one of the ‘colors’ will be translucent and you can use it as a diffuser.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
A great looking vlog is a well-lit vlog. Not everybody can afford professional lighting equipment for their YouTube channels. It’s a big investment, especially if you think of your channel as a hobby. Sometimes even if you have a lighting kit you do not want to set up multiple lights and stands to every time you shoot a vlog entry. You might be shooting them every day. It is great to have lighting equipment, and it is also great to know when you can get around it.
How to Get Best Natural Lighting Indoors
Using a window as your main light source is a simple way to get high quality lighting on a budget. When it is bright outside a window is as powerful as any light you might have. So, besides just being cheap, windows can actually make your YouTube videos look amazing.
1. Windows as Key Lights
When you shoot near a window you can treat that window the same as the key light in a three-point lighting set up.
In three-point lighting you have a key light, a fill light, and a main light. Your key light, in this case your window, is off to one side. It will cast a shadow over half of your face which you soften using your fill light. Your backlight is a light you put behind you to help you pop out of your background.
Another thing that can help you pop out from your background is focusing your keylight so that its light is only landing on you, not your background.
Rather than setting up professional lights for your fill and backlights try using household lamps or reflectors. Reflectors are used to bounce light from another source, so if you set one up opposite to the window it will redirect light back at the shaded side of your face.
Reflectors are very affordable, often around $20, but if you do not have one then you can use a sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Windows as Front Lights
Vlogging while facing a window is a great way to get even lighting over your entire face. This is a great set up for makeup tutorials or other beauty vlogs. It can also work for opinion vloggers, or any other vlogging genre where the focus is on a stationary host, though.
The only issue that can arise when you use a window as a front light for your vlog is that you do not stand out from your background because the lighting is even on both you and it. This is not difficult to get around; you just need a backlight.
You can use a household lamp or a reflector as a backlight. The idea is that the light hitting you from behind will create a boarder around you that will make you pop out from the background of your shot.
3. Windows as Backlights
It is usually a bad idea to use a window as a backlight because they are too bright. Shooting with a window behind you will not just give you a dark boarder, like a lamp or a reflector; it will completely transform you into a silhouette. This is an interesting effect in some situations, but not in a vlog where your viewers are expecting to be able to see you. It is sometimes possible to make this kind of shot work by increasing your exposure, but then you might end up with over-exposed footage. Pushing the ‘info’ button a couple times will allow you to check you exposure on most DSLRs.
4. Diffusers
A diffuser is a screen of translucent fabric you can use to soften your light. The light coming from your window might be hard on your eyes, and setting up a diffuser between you and your window can help you not to blink. Often when reflectors come in colored sets one of the ‘colors’ will be translucent and you can use it as a diffuser.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
A great looking vlog is a well-lit vlog. Not everybody can afford professional lighting equipment for their YouTube channels. It’s a big investment, especially if you think of your channel as a hobby. Sometimes even if you have a lighting kit you do not want to set up multiple lights and stands to every time you shoot a vlog entry. You might be shooting them every day. It is great to have lighting equipment, and it is also great to know when you can get around it.
How to Get Best Natural Lighting Indoors
Using a window as your main light source is a simple way to get high quality lighting on a budget. When it is bright outside a window is as powerful as any light you might have. So, besides just being cheap, windows can actually make your YouTube videos look amazing.
1. Windows as Key Lights
When you shoot near a window you can treat that window the same as the key light in a three-point lighting set up.
In three-point lighting you have a key light, a fill light, and a main light. Your key light, in this case your window, is off to one side. It will cast a shadow over half of your face which you soften using your fill light. Your backlight is a light you put behind you to help you pop out of your background.
Another thing that can help you pop out from your background is focusing your keylight so that its light is only landing on you, not your background.
Rather than setting up professional lights for your fill and backlights try using household lamps or reflectors. Reflectors are used to bounce light from another source, so if you set one up opposite to the window it will redirect light back at the shaded side of your face.
Reflectors are very affordable, often around $20, but if you do not have one then you can use a sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Windows as Front Lights
Vlogging while facing a window is a great way to get even lighting over your entire face. This is a great set up for makeup tutorials or other beauty vlogs. It can also work for opinion vloggers, or any other vlogging genre where the focus is on a stationary host, though.
The only issue that can arise when you use a window as a front light for your vlog is that you do not stand out from your background because the lighting is even on both you and it. This is not difficult to get around; you just need a backlight.
You can use a household lamp or a reflector as a backlight. The idea is that the light hitting you from behind will create a boarder around you that will make you pop out from the background of your shot.
3. Windows as Backlights
It is usually a bad idea to use a window as a backlight because they are too bright. Shooting with a window behind you will not just give you a dark boarder, like a lamp or a reflector; it will completely transform you into a silhouette. This is an interesting effect in some situations, but not in a vlog where your viewers are expecting to be able to see you. It is sometimes possible to make this kind of shot work by increasing your exposure, but then you might end up with over-exposed footage. Pushing the ‘info’ button a couple times will allow you to check you exposure on most DSLRs.
4. Diffusers
A diffuser is a screen of translucent fabric you can use to soften your light. The light coming from your window might be hard on your eyes, and setting up a diffuser between you and your window can help you not to blink. Often when reflectors come in colored sets one of the ‘colors’ will be translucent and you can use it as a diffuser.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Also read:
- 2024 Approved Color Balance Boost in Photoshop Simplified
- Unique Perspectives Mastering Drone Footage
- Seamless Integration Turning Audio Into Written Format in MS Word
- The Newbie’s Roadmap to Understanding AV1
- [New] Comprehending Variants in Windows Movie Maker Software
- In 2024, Comprehensive Survey Life Through the Spinning Sphere of Samsung
- Inside the Cut An In-Depth Look at D500 4K
- Payment Structure Behind Item Assessment Videos?
- A Guide to Iconic Covers Top 10 Podcast Graphic Tips for 2024
- Diminutive Director's Script
- Beyond the Screen VR Movie Innovation for 2024
- In 2024, Advanced Color Techniques Incorporating Luts for Cinematic Flair
- 2024 Approved Crafting Visual Narratives with the Leading Frames
- Advanced Photo Manipulation Twisting Images
- Capturing Radiance Advanced Techniques in PS HDR
- In 2024, Airborne Mass Movers Selecting the Best Drones
- Explore the Finest iOS/Desktop Video to File Converters
- [Updated] Can a 64GB Drive Manage Large Video Files?
- How to Convert AVI to GIF on Windows & Mac with Filmora
- In 2024, AE Lifesavers Budget-Friendly Template Assortment
- Sharpen Your Shots Easy Cropping Methods with iPhone
- Masterful Mac Livestream Tech Best of the Best, Ranked 1 to 5
- [Updated] Bring Life to Graphics Adobe Blur Masterclass
- Budget-Conscious Shooters' 7 Best 4K Cameras
- Pinnacle AI Transcribers for Speech
- [Updated] Copyright Compliance for Streaming Songs on Instagram
- Broadcast Battle Royale Deciding Between VMix and Wirecast
- Building Blocks for a Thriving Design Career
- Chorus to Beginnings 10 Musical Journeys for Podcast Intros
- Unleash Creativity with Our Selection of #18 Premier Cam Recording Apps
- Unveiling the Power of Nikon D7500
- In 2024, AI-Powered Text Conversion for Effective Presentations
- [New] Advanced Techniques in Aerial Cinematography
- Precision Close-Up Techniques with Kinemaster Software
- Read This Guide to Find a Reliable Alternative to Fake GPS On Tecno Spark 20C | Dr.fone
- The Timeless Tale of Roguelike and Roguelite
- In 2024, How to Unlock iPhone 12 Pro Max Passcode without iTunes without Knowing Passcode? | Dr.fone
- Updated Getting Started with M4R Conversion Tips and Essentials
- 2024 Approved Engaging Audiences with Smart InstaVideo Marketing Tactics
- 6 Solutions to Fix Error 505 in Google Play Store on Tecno Phantom V Fold | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Where Is the Best Place to Catch Dratini On Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G | Dr.fone
- [Updated] In 2024, Immersive Gameplay Capturing with CamRecorder Pro
- 2024 Approved Windows Live Movie Maker Tutorial Splitting Videos Like a Pro
- [New] How to Perfectly Alter Your Vocal Audio on TikTok
- Groundbreaking Camera Work Insight and Backup Films
- In 2024, Is pgsharp legal when you are playing pokemon On Realme GT 5? | Dr.fone
- New The Ultimate List Best Reaction Video Editing Software
- [New] In 2024, Create Vibes with GIFs Turning Vimeo Videos Into Animated Graphics
- Three methods to recover lost data on Honor V Purse
- Updated Best Video Format Converter for PC and Online for 2024
- Everything You Want To Know About Kapwing Video Translation for 2024
- New Best Practices for Soundless Video Creation on Windows Platform for 2024
- How To Leave a Life360 Group On Honor Magic5 Ultimate Without Anyone Knowing? | Dr.fone
- 2024 Approved 4K Videos Are the in Thing because of Their Flexibility and High Resolution. Stick Around to Learn How to Choose the Best Frame Rate for 4K Videos
- New Transcribe Talk A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024
- [Updated] In 2024, Innovative Techniques for Engaging IGTV Thumbnails
- The Ken Burns Method in Camtasia 9 Explained Simply for 2024
- 2024 Approved Explore 8 Essential Rainfall Audio Libraries Available to Download
- 2024 Approved Essential Mac Screen Recorders – Top 10 FREE List!
- How to Track a Lost Poco M6 Pro 5G for Free? | Dr.fone
- Updated In 2024, Make an Impact Top PC Intro Makers , Both Online and Offline
- In 2024, Complete Guide For Apple iPhone 6 Lock Screen
- 2024 Approved Exploring ManyCam's Latest Video Capture Innovations
- Title: [Updated] Brightening Indoor Realms Naturally and Smartly
- Author: Paul
- Created at : 2024-05-24 12:33:52
- Updated at : 2024-05-25 12:33:52
- Link: https://extra-information.techidaily.com/updated-brightening-indoor-realms-naturally-and-smartly/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.