How to Light Your YouTube Videos Like a Pro Using Only Two Lights

How to Light Your YouTube Videos Like a Pro Using Only Two Lights

If I told you that you could completely transform your YouTube videos using only two lights, would you believe me? Lighting is one of the most underrated ways to elevate the look and feel of your content, and in a saturated platform like YouTube, professional lighting can help you stand out from the crowd.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to use two lights to create professional-looking YouTube videos. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current setup, you’ll learn how to design cinematic lighting for your videos with minimal equipment.

Step 1: Start with a Blank Slate

Before adding any lights, turn off all of the lights in your room. This allows you to see the impact of each light you introduce, giving you complete control over your lighting setup.

This might feel a bit dark and lifeless at first, but don’t worry — we’ll build a professional lighting setup in no time.

Step 2: Add Your Key Light

The key light is the main light source that illuminates you or your subject. This light is responsible for shaping the face and creating a natural, professional look on camera.

What You’ll Need for a Key Light

  • Aputure Amaran 300C (or any bright light)

  • A Light Dome or any large diffuser

I’m using the Aputure Amaran 300C with an Aputure Light Dome, which gives me a soft, even light on my face. However, you don’t need a professional light to achieve this look. Simply use any bright light and diffuse it with a white sheet or a softbox to create a nice, soft light.

How to Position Your Key Light

  • Angle the light at 45 degrees from your face.

  • Position it slightly above eye level to create natural shadows.

  • Look for a small triangle of light on the opposite cheek (often called Rembrandt lighting).

This will create flattering and professional lighting on your face, instantly improving the quality of your videos.

Pro Tip: Make sure your camera’s white balance matches the light temperature. If your light is set to 6,100 Kelvin, set your camera to daylight settings to ensure consistent color.

Step 3: Design Your Background with a Secondary Light

Now that your key light is in place, it’s time to make your background visually interesting. This is where the second light comes into play.

The background is your canvas. With a simple, affordable light, you can transform a boring background into something creative and eye-catching.

Option 1: Use a Sunset Lamp

I’m using a sunset lamp (which you can get for about $15 on Amazon). This light projects a circular glow onto your background, adding a stylized, cinematic look.

Here’s how to make it more interesting:

  • Use objects to create patterns. For example, place a colander, air fryer lid, or any object with holes in front of the light to create dynamic shapes on the wall.

  • Position the light behind you to add depth and separation from the background.

Option 2: Use a Color-Changing Floor Lamp

Another affordable option is a color-changing floor lamp. These lamps can toggle between different colors, allowing you to customize your background for each video.

  • Place the lamp slightly off-center to create a gradient effect on your wall.

  • Experiment with different colors to match the mood or tone of your video.

Step 4: Compare the Before and After

Here’s a quick look at how far we’ve come:

  • Before: A dark, flat video with no visual interest.

  • After: Professional, well-lit footage with an eye-catching background.

By simply using a key light to light yourself and a secondary light to design your background, you’ve instantly upgraded the quality of your YouTube videos.

Why Good Lighting Matters on YouTube

In an ever-growing crowd of YouTubers, high-quality lighting can make the difference between a forgettable video and one that captures attention. Professional lighting:

  • Improves your on-camera appearance

  • Keeps viewers engaged

  • Makes your content look professional and trustworthy

And the best part? You only need two lights to make it happen.

Recommended Gear

If you’re interested in using the same gear I used in this tutorial, here’s a quick list:

Want to Learn More About YouTube Growth?

If you enjoyed this lighting tutorial and want to learn more about creating high-quality content for YouTube, be sure to check out my free community — The YouTube Launch Lab. It’s filled with other passionate creators sharing tips, strategies, and feedback to help each other grow.

Join The YouTube Launch Lab for Free

Also, subscribe to my YouTube channel where I share weekly tips on YouTube growth, video production, and content creation.

By mastering lighting, you’re already a step ahead in the content creation game. Now get out there and create something amazing!

Kellan ReckfilmmakingComment