How to Improve Video Call Lighting

Improving Your Video Call Lighting

Good lighting makes you look more professional on video calls. Poor lighting creates shadows, makes you hard to see, and can make you appear tired. Here is how to look your best.

The Basics of Good Lighting

Face the Light Source

The most important rule: light should be in front of you, not behind you.

Good: Window or lamp in front of you, illuminating your face Bad: Window behind you, creating a silhouette

Avoid Backlighting

When light is behind you:

• Your face appears dark or silhouetted
• The camera adjusts for the bright background
• People cannot see your expressions

Fix: Move so the window is in front of you, or close blinds and use artificial light.

Natural Light Tips

Use Window Light

Natural light from a window creates the most flattering look:

• Position your desk so you face the window
• The window should be in front of you or slightly to the side
• Avoid direct sunlight — diffused light through clouds or sheer curtains is best

Control Natural Light

• Too bright: Use sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse
• Inconsistent: Supplement with artificial light for cloudy days
• Wrong direction: Rearrange your desk or use lamps

Artificial Lighting Options

Ring Lights

Popular for video calls because they:

• Provide even, flattering light
• Reduce shadows on your face
• Often have adjustable brightness and colour temperature
• Can mount on your desk or attach to your monitor

Budget option: $30-50 basic ring lights work well Better option: Larger rings with adjustable colour temperature

Desk Lamps

A simple desk lamp can work well:

• Position the lamp beside your monitor (not behind it)
• Angle it toward your face, not the screen
• Use a daylight bulb (5000K–6500K) for natural-looking colour
• Consider two lamps, one on each side, for even lighting

Monitor Light Bars

Light bars that sit on top of your monitor:

• Light your face without creating screen glare
• Take up minimal desk space
• Many are adjustable for brightness and temperature

Positioning Tips

Camera Height

• Position your camera at eye level or slightly above
• Looking down at a camera is unflattering
• Use a laptop stand or stack books under your laptop

Distance from Camera

• Sit at arm's length from the camera
• Show head and shoulders, not just your face
• Leave a little space above your head in the frame

Background

• Keep it tidy and uncluttered
• Avoid bright windows in the background
• Use a virtual background if your space is messy

Colour Temperature

Different light sources have different "warmth":

• Warm (2700K–3000K): Orange/yellow — like traditional bulbs
• Neutral (4000K): Natural white — like midday sun
• Cool (5000K–6500K): Blueish white — like daylight

Best for video calls: Neutral to cool (4000K–5500K) looks most natural and professional.

Avoid Mixed Lighting

If you have both warm indoor lights and cool daylight, your face may have an uneven colour. Try to use one type of light or match your artificial lights to the natural light colour.

Quick Fixes

No Time to Set Up?

• Face a window during daylight hours
• Turn off lights behind you
• Use your phone torch propped up in front of you
• Increase screen brightness (your screen provides some fill light)

Working Late?

• Use a desk lamp positioned beside your monitor
• Turn off overhead lights (they create shadows under your eyes)
• Consider the lighting in your room's reflection on your glasses

On the Go?

• Position yourself facing a window
• Avoid sitting with your back to windows
• Use a wall as a neutral background

Common Lighting Problems

Dark Circles Under Eyes

Cause: Overhead lighting or top-down sunlight Fix: Use front-facing light at eye level or slightly above

Half Your Face in Shadow

Cause: Light from only one side Fix: Add a second light source or reflector on the dark side

Washed Out / Too Bright

Cause: Light too close or too powerful Fix: Move light further away or reduce brightness

Orange or Blue Skin Tone

Cause: Wrong colour temperature Fix: Match light sources or adjust your bulbs

Glasses Glare

Cause: Light reflecting off lenses Fix: Angle lights slightly off-centre, or tilt your glasses down slightly

Professional Setup

For regular video calls, consider investing in:

• Ring light or desk lamp — $30–100
• Laptop stand — $20–50 (gets camera to eye level)
• External webcam — $50–150 (better quality than laptop cameras)
• Light bars — $30–80 (space-saving monitor-mounted option)

Total investment for a professional setup: $100–300

Testing Your Setup

Before important calls:

• Join a test meeting with yourself
• Check your preview in Teams/Zoom settings
• Adjust lighting and position
• Take a screenshot to compare setups

Need Help?

For assistance with video conferencing setup or home office equipment, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.