When Should I Use My Camera Light for Video?

Shooting videos can be a challenging task, especially when lighting conditions are not ideal. If you are new to videography, you may wonder when to use your camera light and when not to. In this article, we’ll discuss the best scenarios where using a camera light can improve the quality of your videos.

What is a Camera Light

Before we dive into the topic, let’s briefly define what a camera light is. A camera light is an external light source that attaches to your camera or tripod to provide additional lighting for your video shoots. It comes in various sizes and shapes and can be either continuous or flash.

When Should You Use Your Camera Light

1. Low-Light Conditions
If you are shooting in low-light conditions, using a camera light can help brighten up your subject and make it more visible on the screen. This is especially useful when shooting indoors or during nighttime.

2. Backlighting
Backlighting occurs when your subject is positioned in front of a bright light source such as a window or lamp.

This can cause your subject to appear dark and underexposed in the video. To overcome this issue, you can use a camera light to balance out the lighting and properly expose your subject.

3. Shadows
Shadows can create an unflattering look in videos by making your subject appear older or tired-looking. Using a camera light can fill in these shadows and create an even lighting effect on your subject.

4. Creative Effects
Camera lights can be used creatively to produce different effects such as lens flares or adding dramatic shadows to your shots.

When Should You Avoid Using Your Camera Light

While using a camera light can be beneficial in many situations, there are some scenarios where it’s best to avoid using it.

1. Natural Light
If you are shooting outdoors or in a well-lit area, the natural light can provide sufficient lighting for your shots. Using a camera light in this situation can create harsh shadows and make your subject appear overexposed.

2. Reflections
Using a camera light can create unwanted reflections on shiny surfaces such as mirrors or glass. This can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of your video.

Conclusion

Knowing when to use your camera light is essential to producing high-quality videos. Use it when shooting in low-light conditions, backlighting, shadows, or when you want to create creative effects.

Avoid using it in well-lit areas or when dealing with reflective surfaces. With practice and experimentation, you’ll discover the best ways to use your camera light and improve the quality of your videos.