The best way to light yourself for video calls is to put a soft light source in front of you, just above eye level, and keep any bright window behind the camera instead of behind you. That one change removes harsh shadows and makes you look clear and awake.
You don’t need a studio. Let’s walk through a simple setup that works in most rooms.
Why lighting matters more than the camera
People assume a better camera is the fix. In reality, light does most of the work. A basic webcam in good light usually looks better than an expensive one in a dim room, because the camera has less guesswork and less grain.
Start with a window
Free light is the best place to begin. Sit facing a window, so the light falls on your face, with the window just off to one side or straight ahead.
Now, here’s the mistake to avoid: sitting with your back to the window. The camera then sees a bright background and a dark silhouette of you. If that’s your only option, close the curtains or blinds and use a lamp instead.
Where to put a ring light
When natural light isn’t enough, a ring light is an easy upgrade. Place it directly in front of you, near the camera, and at about eye level or slightly above.
- Too low and it lights you from below, which looks eerie.
- Too far to the side and half your face goes dark.
- Too bright and you’ll squint, so turn it down until you’re comfortable.
Many people like webcams with a built-in ring light because it puts the light and camera in the same spot with one cable. We’ve linked a couple of roundups at the end if you want to see what that looks like.
Pick a good color temperature
Lights come in warm (yellowish) and cool (bluish) tones. Mixing them can leave your skin looking odd. If your room has warm bulbs, a warm setting on your light blends better. If daylight is coming in, a neutral or cool white matches it.
If your light has adjustable settings, try the middle and look at yourself on screen. Aim for skin that looks natural, not orange or gray.
Set up your webcam the right way
- Raise the camera to eye level, using a stack of books if needed.
- Look at the lens, not the screen, when you want to seem engaged.
- Leave a little space above your head in the frame.
- Clean the lens with a soft cloth. Smudges make the picture hazy.
On a small desk, a compact webcam with a built-in light helps.
Handling glasses and shiny surfaces
Glasses can reflect your screen and your light. Tilt the light slightly higher or move it a bit to the side to move the glare. A matte background, such as a plain wall, also keeps reflections down.
Use two lights for a more polished look
One light in front works well. If you’d like to go a step further, add a second, softer light to one side. This fills in shadows and gives your face a little shape, instead of a flat look. Keep the side light dimmer than the main one, so it adds depth without competing.
A lamp with a shade, or one aimed at a white wall, is great for this because it spreads light more softly than a bare bulb does.
Watch what’s behind you
Lighting isn’t just about your face. A dim, empty background can look gloomy, while a bright one pulls attention away from you. Try a lamp in the background, even a small one, to add a bit of depth. Keep the wall behind you tidy, and avoid anything that blinks or glows brightly.
Adjust your camera settings
Most video apps and webcams include settings for brightness, contrast and exposure. If you look washed out, lower the brightness. If you look dark, raise it, or add more light before reaching for software. Auto settings can also shift during a call as you move, so a manual setting gives you a steadier picture.
A five-minute test before an important call
- Open your camera app and look at yourself.
- Check for shadows under your eyes and nose, and fix them by raising the light.
- Look for glare on your glasses or forehead.
- Make sure nothing bright sits behind you.
- Do a quick sound check, since lighting and audio go hand in hand.
Lighting also matters for your eyes, not just your image. Our guide to home office lighting and eye strain covers how to keep a bright light comfortable all day.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ring light better than a desk lamp?
A ring light gives soft, even light close to the camera. A desk lamp can work too if you bounce it off a wall or point it through a shade to soften it.
Why do I look pale or orange on camera?
That’s usually a color temperature mismatch between your light and the room. Adjust your light’s warmth, or turn off the other lights that clash.
Should the light be on my face or behind me?
On your face. A bright light behind you makes the camera darken your face to compensate.
The bottom line
Face your light, raise your camera and match your colors. Do that, and you’ll look better on every call. If you’d like an all-in-one fix, browse the best webcams with ring light for video calls, or the best space saving webcams with ring light for video calls if your desk is tight.