Lighting is a fickle thing. It can be artificial, natural, too bright, too dim, multi-colored... you name it! You just need to learn how to CONTROL it.

Here is my thread for tips & tricks on manipulating the lightand shadows in your room for your (any level) webcam:

1) What webcam should I get?

You do not need an expensive or super fancy webcam. Your integrated/embedded laptop webcam is sufficient enough (especially any laptop post-2015). The power of light can change the entire way you present yourself online.

2) Invest in some white curtains + curtain rods. There are curtain rods that provide two bars to layer your curtains if black-out curtains are needed.

Curtains work as a great filter to tone down any main source of light in a room such as windows or sliding glass doors.

3) Why white curtains? Specific kinds?

Having a semi-transparent white curtain is best for a more balanced, color friendly light. Be careful! If the curtain is too thick, it will not filter light & will block it instead. Make sure the light can pass through your curtain softly.

4) My window is behind me. You can't see my face!

The short answer: the light in front of you is too weak to fight against the light behind you. You want the light behind you to be equal or (slightly) greater than the light in front of you.

5) If that light in front of you is too bright, then you'll get washed out. The key is balance between your two major sources of light.

Depending on your skin-tone, you may have to play with how much light is needed to best highlight your beautiful features.

6) Another great option is what photographers call "bouncing the light" – your main source of light is reflecting the color of the base it is reflecting off of.

IE: if you have red walls and you direct light directly at it, then the wall will bounce a "red-tint" back on you.

7) Therefore, bouncing light is a great option for those who have large windows to the side of them & with a white wall on the other side.

Just make sure to use a curtain or make sure the main source of light is not too strong that it washes your (right/left) side out.

8) The color of your light bulb will impact how your webcam will capture your colors. I recommend neutral-colored bulbs over warm/cool tone bulbs.

Our home has the fancy LED "choose-your-color" bulbs, so I'm a bit lucky here & can control what vibe I want when I want it.

9) Ah, now... shadows! Shadows occur when your lighting is not filling out the natural curves of your facial/body features.

Try to avoid light sources that are directly above your head and under your chin. You'll look creepy especially if your shadows appear too harsh.

10) Here are some pictures that help illustrate all of the points above:

Ex 1: Lighting directly facing the subject. No bounce or usage of white walls. Neutral color light bulbs; however, the light bounces off the wooden desk which creates a warmer reflection. Harsh shadows.

Ex 2: Lighting faced away from the subject. Bouncing the main source of light against the white wall - creates a filtered, softer, and more even lighting in the room. Neutral light resulting in the more correct color. Less harsh shadows!

I'll add more to this thread if I can think of more, but otherwise... I hope this helped some of you figure out what lighting works best for your space!

Note: there is no right or wrong way to use your light. Feel free to adapt these recommendations to your liking.