Why worry about lighting for video calls?
- Less distractions for your audience
- Facial expressions can help convey your message
- Quality video helps to make the technology seamless and allows the meeting to focus on content.
I’ve been videoconferencing remotely for about 10 years now. From home, on the road, and internationally. Two things I constantly try to improve for each meeting are audio and lighting. For now, we’ll cover lighting.
And if you’re here for the FREE USB RECHARGEABLE LAMP FOR PITTSBURGH, PA TEACHERS, click here or scroll to the bottom.
https://forms.gle/Yk1aaydUsXH661UU8
Over the past 10 years, I’ve collected a variety of battery powered lights. They’ve usually needed a tabletop tripod. Though sometimes when I don’t have one handy, I will just use a tall drinking glass to prop the light on top and behind my laptop.
My current favorite solution is a USB rechargeable lamp from Bostitch. It’s portable, offers 3 temperature settings, and adjustable. Plus it’s tall enough to set up as a light behind my laptop. Below are some screenshots illustrating basic considerations for lighting. One thing to keep in mind, keep in mind where you place yourself relative to a window. Have the window next to you, not behind you.
My preferred set up is #6 and #3. #6 is using the new USB lamp. #3 is using an old video LED light that runs on 4 AA and is sitting on top of a drinking glass behind my laptop.
Are you a teacher in the Pittsburgh area and are doing online teaching? I’ll get you one of these USB rechargeable lights, FREE. Just fill out this form and I’ll drop it off for you, no-contact.
Screenshots for Reference: the actual video was crisper than the screen grabs, but the lighting reference still comes through.
