Light it up! includes everything in The Essentials package plus specific technical recommendations and system configuration that consists of both hardware and software. We’ll expand where The Essentials leaves off and go into details about the type of external monitor that will work best for your setup, webcam video resolutions, microphone types, and recommended models for presenting on-screen, the need for a USB hub, and the best way to increase your internet speed.

Then we’ll talk about lighting. One of the most critical aspects of how a presenter comes across to an audience is their lighting. We’ll touch on techniques such as reducing shadows, adding presence, and adjusting brightness in the room. Once we have a plan, I’ll walk you through solutions that will work in the space, and that is also gentle on your budget.

After that we move on to video conferencing software. I’ll help answer any questions you may have about your VC solution.

To get you started with lighting, here are a few general tips.

• Don’t sit in front of a window. It creates terrible backlighting.
• Never light from above. It cast bad shadows.
• The primary light source should be centered behind the camera.
• Have an extra light source—LED lamp or overhead light—so, if necessary, you can adjust the brightness of the room.
• An inexpensive camera light-ring works well. 8″ to 10” lights are the best for home offices. You can find some here on Amazon. Make sure to pay attention to the footprint of the base. Some are wider than others.
• Use shades or curtains to reduce external lighting. 

Lighting Recommendations

Because Light it up! includes a deep evaluation of your current office configuration, below are a few things we will work on.

• Adjusting overhead lighting
• Contain or filter exterior lighting
• Rearranging your workspace for proper lighting
• Purchasing a small light-ring to brighten your appearance (key light)
• If helpful, purchase a larger Softbox to illuminate your room (ambient light)

When working with lighting, the goal is to take away the edges.

If you use Zoom’s “Touch up my appearance” feature, that is what it’s doing. It is reducing shadows.

Good Lighting Examples

Bad Lighting Examples

As you can see, lighting makes a huge difference in your presentations. From your audiences perspective, it truly is the difference between a professional and amateur.

We also have two other options if you need more or a little less?