The Best Lighting Techniques for Interviews
Whether you’re gearing up for a corporate interview, shooting a promotional video, or just jumping on a Zoom call with a potential client, there’s one thing that can make or break your video: lighting. Getting the lighting right is crucial—it not only affects how you look but also how professional you come across.
Having been in the film industry for years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful good lighting can be, and how bad lighting can seriously sabotage an interview. Trust me, I’ve been there with the awkward shadows and blown-out highlights that make you look like you’ve been filming from a dungeon or under the harsh glare of an interrogation light. So, let’s dive into the best lighting techniques for interviews, and how you can use them to look your absolute best on camera—whether you're in a full production studio or just working from your home office.
Why Lighting Matters in Interviews
You might think lighting is just a minor detail, but it’s actually one of the most important factors in how your audience perceives you. Here’s the thing: in the world of video, light is everything. It affects mood, trust, and professionalism. If your lighting is off, it can cause distractions that take the viewer’s attention away from what you're saying, and that’s a big problem if you’re trying to land a job, impress a client, or showcase your brand.
The Psychological Power of Light
Think about it. Ever watched an interview or a webinar where the person looks washed out or super harsh because of lighting? You probably didn’t feel a sense of confidence or trust, right? That’s because light can impact how we’re perceived—too much light, and you risk looking like a ghost; too little, and you might seem unapproachable or unprepared.
A good rule of thumb: lighting should make you look like you're glowing—without looking like you’ve been photoshopped. Aim for soft, even lighting that highlights your face without casting unflattering shadows or creating too much contrast. It's about balancing visibility and warmth.
The Key Principles of Effective Interview Lighting
Before we dive into specific setups, let’s cover the basic principles that will help guide you in making lighting decisions. These are the "rules" that, when followed, will give you the most professional and flattering results.
Soft vs. Hard Light: Which Is Right?
If you've ever been in a lighting situation where you looked way too harsh on camera, it's probably because you were using hard light. Hard light comes from a small light source, like a spotlight, and creates sharp shadows. It’s intense and can be a bit unflattering for interviews.
On the flip side, soft light diffuses across a larger area, reducing those harsh shadows and giving you a more flattering look. For interviews, soft light is generally the way to go. I’ve found that using a softbox (a large, diffused light) is one of the easiest ways to ensure a smooth, professional look without that “deer in the headlights” effect.
The Importance of Color Temperature
Ever seen someone on video with an unnatural orange or blue hue? That’s likely due to an inconsistency in color temperature. Ideally, you want your lights to have a balanced color temperature that matches the environment you’re in. Daylight-balanced lights (around 5600K) give you a natural look. Using a mix of lighting sources with different color temperatures can result in an unnatural color cast, so try to keep it consistent.
The Best Lighting Setup for Interviews
Alright, now we’re getting to the good stuff. Let’s talk about the setups that will give you that professional look without needing a Hollywood budget. One of the best techniques is called three-point lighting. This setup is simple but incredibly effective in creating a balanced, flattering look.
Three-Point Lighting: The Secret to Looking Like a Pro
The three-point lighting setup is the gold standard for interviews. Here's how it works:
Key Light: This is your main light, positioned in front of you at about a 45-degree angle. It should be the brightest light and will illuminate most of your face. I like to use a softbox or LED panel here for an even, soft look.
Fill Light: This one is placed on the opposite side of the key light to soften the shadows on your face. It doesn’t need to be as bright as the key light—just enough to fill in those dark areas. When I’m setting up interviews for clients, I make sure the fill light is at about half the brightness of the key light.
Back Light (or Hair Light): This light is placed behind you, usually at a high angle. It’s meant to separate you from the background and create a nice outline around your hair or shoulders. It adds depth to the shot, so you don’t look like you’re floating in space.
Why Three-Point Lighting Works So Well
I remember the first time I set up an interview for a client with proper three-point lighting. The difference was night and day! The subject looked sharp, well-lit, and professional, with no harsh shadows, and the background seemed just far enough to add some depth without taking attention away from them. It’s a game-changer.
Lighting for Different Types of Interviews
Not every interview needs the same lighting setup. Depending on the tone and style of the interview, you can adjust the lighting to reflect the right vibe.
Corporate Interviews: Keep It Bright and Neutral
For a business or corporate interview, you want a clean, professional look. That means even, soft lighting with minimal shadows. The three-point setup works perfectly here, and the backlight is key to creating some separation from the background.
A simple softbox setup, with your key light positioned in front and above at a 45-degree angle, will make you look polished without going overboard. Trust me, this setup is fail-safe for Zoom interviews or in-studio filming.
Casual or Creative Interviews: Add Some Flair
If you're shooting a more casual or creative interview—say, for a blog or social media—you can afford to get a little more experimental with lighting. A subtle contrast with some side lighting can create a more relaxed, artistic effect. You can even add a pop of color with a gel on the backlight for some creative flair.
Practical Tips for Achieving Professional Lighting Without a Studio
Not everyone has access to a professional film studio or expensive gear—and that’s okay! There are plenty of ways to achieve excellent lighting at home or in a small office setting.
Using Natural Light: The Free Solution
If you're filming from home or a small office, natural light is your best friend. Position yourself near a window, facing the light, and use sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight if it's too harsh.
One of my favorite tricks is using a white foam board or reflector to bounce natural light back onto the opposite side of your face. It softens the shadows and helps you look more evenly lit without needing a second light.
Affordable Lighting Kits for Beginners
If you’re ready to invest in some affordable lighting equipment, look into softboxes, LED panels, or ring lights. These are all great options for creating even lighting without spending a fortune. A simple softbox kit with adjustable stands can cost around $100, and it’s a great investment for anyone filming regular interviews.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Interview Lighting
Even the most seasoned video producers can make lighting mistakes, so here’s a quick rundown of things to avoid:
Don’t Use Ceiling Light
Overhead lights can cause unsightly shadows on your face. This is a big one—especially for virtual meetings. I’ve made this mistake before, and it made me look like I was under interrogation rather than conducting a professional interview. Always position your lights at eye level.
Avoid Mixing Different Color Temperatures
Mixing natural light with artificial lights of different temperatures can lead to weird color casts. For a clean, natural look, try to match the color temperature of your lights, or at least stick to daylight-balanced lights throughout.
Light Up Your Interviews Like a Pro
When it comes to interviews, lighting isn’t just a technical detail—it’s an essential part of your communication. With the right lighting techniques, you can look your best, feel confident, and ensure that the audience stays focused on what really matters: your words. Whether you’re using a high-end studio setup or just a simple desk lamp and some DIY tricks, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you.
So, next time you’re prepping for an interview, whether in person or on video, take a few minutes to think about your lighting. A little time and effort can go a long way in ensuring your professionalism and confidence shine through. Trust me—lighting makes all the difference.