Why Lighting Matters

Setting up quality, flattering lighting is a critical step when creating your camming space. You can have the best furniture, sex toys, makeup, and outfits, but with poor lighting, everything will look worse. By using poor lighting, you’ll only get a grainy, dark image that no one will watch. Good lighting does not mean expensive lighting. By investing in a proper system, you will be set for creating high-quality content for the rest of your camming career.

The 3-Point Lighting System

The OG lighting set-up that still yields the best results. The goal of the 3-point lighting is to highlight and accent the dimensions of the subject on camera. By placing the lights strategically around the subject, each source illuminates a separate dimension of the subject and creates a video with greater height, width, and depth, all while eliminating unsightly shadows. You can buy complete kits on Amazon, starting at about $40.

The key or main light is the strongest light and determines how the scene will look. It is typically located on the right or left of the camera, 45° from it, pointing 45° down on the subject. The object (you, in this case) should be placed in the middle of the side with the light.

The fill light, usually softer than the first light source, should be on the opposite side of the key light. The main light is quite powerful, and it comes from a single source. That means that it will cast shadows. The support light will soften those shadows or remove them altogether. The fill light needs to be dimmer and softer than the main light. So, don’t go overboard with the super-strong light bulbs.

The backlight should be placed behind the object so it provides a three-dimensional setup. It helps cam models look more defined and sharper, and it also enhances exposure. The backlight can be a standard lamp you already have at home, as it is not meant to be bright or harsh.

Ring Lights

A ring light is a circular light that fits around your camera lens, providing even illumination for whatever you’re shooting. The device is generally composed of a circle of small LED bulbs or one uninterrupted ring of light (hence the name) that provides an evenly diffused light source for photos and videos, regardless of your location’s natural light.

The IXPI LED 10'' Ring Light comes with a tripod stand & cell phone holder, includes 120 bulbs, and 3 colors: white, warm yellow, and warm white. Each lighting mode has 10 adjustable brightness. For only $25, it is a great, inexpensive option.

Other Options

• If you can’t afford a 3-point lighting system, use natural lighting or whatever you already have at home. However, be aware that if you are utilizing natural lighting that viewers cannot tell your location by what is outside your window.
• Use lamps with neutral paper shades because they eliminate glare and give a soft glow.
• Some cam models choose to buy golden or colored umbrellas to change the hue of their lighting, which can have great effects on how you look as well as set a specific mood. You can also use warm lights and cold lights. Warm lights have a yellow tint to them and cold lights are more blueish.
• LED bulbs are slightly pricier than CFL bulbs but emit much less heat and require less electricity to run.