How To Use Window Light To Level-Up Your Video Quality
How do you record great-looking videos without any lighting equipment?
You can do this when you have plenty of window light.
I’m often asked:
“What lighting equipment should I use if I’m on a budget?”
My answer:
“Master using natural light first because then you don’t need any lighting equipment.”
“Natural light refers to light created by the sun. It’s the best lighting to start out with because it’s free!”
Natural light can be used whether you’re shooting outdoors or indoors.
Today, we’ll focus on how you can shoot your video indoors using natural light coming in through a window - known as window light.
Let’s go!
The Window Light Setup for the Best Video Quality
Here are two easy tips for the Window Light Setup that will give you the best video quality:
Find The Largest Window
When I film indoors, I choose the room that has the largest window and position myself as close to that window as possible.
That’s because the closer you are to a larger light source, the softer the light will be on you - which will better flatter your face and body.
In any room I film in, I go as close to the largest window as possible.
Adjust Your Angle To The Window
Position yourself and your camera close enough to the window so that the sunlight spills onto your face and body.
Pay attention to the angle of your body in relation to the window since that affects how the light and shadows look on your face.
The more you turn away from the window, the more shadows you’ll see on your face and body.
By the way, shadows aren’t a bad thing.
In fact, the amount of shadows on your face can contribute to the mood and vibe of your video.
There are 3 angles to use:
Angle #1: Directly Facing Window
When you face the window directly, you’ll have no shadows on your face. You will look bright, which fits well when sharing a happy, upbeat message.
Angle #2: Face Window at 45 Degree Angle
When you turn your body 45 degrees away from the window, shadows will appear on the side of your face furthest from the window.
This is my FAVORITE angle because it gives depth and defines my facial features. This look can fit any vibe so it’s my go-to angle using window light.
Angle #3: Window Directly To One Side
When the window is directly to the left or right side of your body, it creates what’s known as “split lighting.” Only one half of your face has direct light on it and the shadows are darker and more obvious.
This angle works well if you want to add more contrast or show a more dramatic, moody look.
For the Best Video Quality, Here's What To Avoid With Window Light
Avoid these common pitfalls.
Don’t Have A Bright Window Directly Behind You
When you have a bright window directly behind you, your camera has a hard time balancing the overall exposure. Either the window will look ok but you look like a dark silhouette, or you look ok but the window behind you is overexposed (too bright) and distracting.
You can fix this if you have a second light source or a reflector to bounce light back in your face (more on that in a bit). But since the goal is to keep it simple, I recommend avoiding this position when possible.
Pay Attention To Weather Conditions
On cloudy or rainy days, there’s not as much sunlight, so your video may look too dark.
In the middle of a sunny day (~ 11am-2pm), the sunlight can be too bright, which can overexpose your body or your background.
If the weather changes throughout the day, you’ll have inconsistent lighting conditions. This is not a big deal when filming short videos, but for longer videos where you want a consistent look, this is a factor to consider. You have to record quickly or really plan your shots during days and times when the window light is similar.
Create More Flattering Window Light for Your Videos
Softer Light Through Diffusion
In photo and film, you’ll hear the term “diffused light,” also known as “soft light.” Soft light is more evenly spread across a subject, resulting in softer shadows and generally a more flattering image since wrinkles are less defined.
Certain fabrics can be used to soften (diffuse) the light coming from a light source. When light passes through the fabric, its intensity and brightness is reduced.
For our Window Light Setup, use sheer white transparent curtains to diffuse the light. Many hotels and AirBnbs we’ve stayed at have this hanging in their windows in addition to normal curtains.
If you want to order this material, search for “Sheer Voile Window Curtain Panels” or a chiffon curtain panel.
This material helps during filming when the window light is too bright.
Add A Fill Light for Good Quality Video
A fill light is a second light source that “fills in” harsh shadows so they’re lighter. Fill light doesn’t have to come from lighting equipment. It can actually be light bouncing back from a reflective surface.
To add fill light, hang a reflective material opposite of the window. This will reflect window light back into your face to lighten the shadows.
DIY reflective materials can be:
Aluminum foil
White poster board
Windshield sunshade reflector
I recommend investing in a 5-in-1 reflector like this one:
It’s travel friendly so you can bust it out in any situation where you need more fill light.
See how I use a reflector to add fill light in this video:
Final Thoughts
When you know how to harness the power of window light, you don’t need expensive lighting equipment to record great-looking videos. The right window light at the right angle will help you look your best, which boosts your confidence on camera!
Thanks for reading!
Klara
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