5 Lighting Mistakes Every Beginner Makes

Good lighting is the difference between amateur and professional-looking video. The good news? Most lighting mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Mistake #1: Relying on Overhead Lights

The Problem: Most rooms have overhead lights that cast harsh shadows under your eyes and nose—the dreaded “raccoon eyes” effect.

The Fix: Turn off the overhead lights and use a key light positioned at a 45-degree angle from your subject. Even a simple ring light or desk lamp can work in a pinch.

Mistake #2: Shooting with a Window Behind You

The Problem: When your light source is behind your subject, the camera exposes for the bright background, leaving your subject as a dark silhouette.

The Fix: Face the window instead. Natural window light is beautiful and free. Position your subject so the window is in front of them (behind the camera) or to the side.

Mistake #3: Mixed Color Temperatures

The Problem: Combining daylight (blue) with indoor lights (orange) creates an unflattering, confusing look that’s hard to color correct.

The Fix: Choose one or the other. Either close the blinds and use artificial light, or turn off the indoor lights and use natural light. If you must mix, use daylight-balanced bulbs.

Mistake #4: Harsh, Direct Light

The Problem: A bare bulb or direct sunlight creates hard shadows and unflattering highlights on skin.

The Fix: Diffuse your light. You can use a softbox, shoot through a white bedsheet, or bounce light off a white wall or ceiling. Soft light is forgiving and flattering.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Background Light

The Problem: Lighting only your subject while leaving the background dark creates a “floating head” effect.

The Fix: Add separation with a background light or hair light. Even a small accent light behind your subject can add depth and make your video look more polished.

Quick Checklist Before You Hit Record

Master these basics, and you’re already ahead of 90% of content creators.

Need help setting up lighting for your project? Book the studio and we’ll help you get it right.

5 Lighting Mistakes Every Beginner Makes (And How to Fix Them)