Newbies and experienced streamers alike tend to fall prey to a popular misconception. That is, if you want a cool image quality you must buy an expensive webcam or DSLR camera. But the reality is, even such an investment may have no effect. The reason for that is that the image quality doesn’t depend that much on your equipment and its cost, but rather the lighting settings and your ability to set up your equipment are the things that matter. Lighting is one of the most crucial components of your streaming equipment. So, even having an entry-level webcam, you can get a stunning picture. There are many plans on the Internet that describe correct arrangement of light. But what are the options if you’re on the rocks and yet you want to improve the broadcast quality right now. Below we will share the options that everyone can find at home or buy it cheap.
Before we get to the examples, remember one rule that is relevant for almost all options described below. TURN OFF the ceiling lighting. It works well for the room, but not for you. It is the lighting on the ceiling that brings those shadows on your face, a tired look, a dull picture and dark circles around the eyes, the kind that pandas have. Now find what starting point you’re currently at and let’s go!
This is what a top streamer’s setup looks like. Take a close look at the picture below and remember the location of the light sources, we’re going to take it as a benchmark. Now you need to figure out what to do if you don't have a few professional softboxes, RGB lamps and a whole room available to make a studio out of it.
What should I do if I don't have specialized lighting equipment for my livestream?
If there’s not a single lamp in your house that can be used, then daytime streams are your only way out. Natural daylight is a great ally. To use it, place your PC in front of the window and sit facing it (yes, don’t turn your back to daylight, since you will get glare and only make it worse).
Imagine you have a desk lamp and you're ready to spend up to 5 bucks. If you’re at the very beginning of your journey and you don’t have any equipment for streaming on Twitch at all, find a light source and place it directly in front of you. Optionally it can be placed 20 to 50 cm higher than your face, but certainly don’t put it lower. It can be any desk or floor lamp. There’s two things you can do with it.
1. Cover up with A4 white sheet so that the scattering effect appears and you don’t look like a pale ghost.
2. Turn the lamp to the wall for natural diffusion and reflection.
If you’re OK with spending a dollar or two, you can also buy a cool white lamp for these purposes.
Cheers! You’ve made it! You now have the same setup as 98% of streamers do. Let's move on to a more difficult option.
But, We can provide assistance in this situation, you are also welcome to participate in our influencer drop. Even if you are a beginner streamer with a minimal audience, it is not a problem. On our platform, you will have the opportunity to acquire your first professional livestream lighting, the NANLITE PavoTube II 6C Photography Light (click the link and participate). Best of luck!
Affordable lighting options for livestreaming within a budget of $50
And if you’re ready to invest your first coin, your option is a ring lingt. It can be used instead of the abovementioned option, as a single light source or you can combine them. The ring light and a table lamp can be placed on either side in front of you. This option looks great. All that remains is to make a few cosmetic improvements and your setup will be top-notch.
Some extra equipment for streaming on Twitch ($50-100)
Buy some RGB. They’re those light sources that give blue, red, or whatever colors you want. For one you will pay from 15 to 100 dollars. Usually they come with a holder out of the box, but it’s better to check before buying. Backlighting made by well-known brands will cost more.
Your goal is to put two pieces behind you and create a beautiful color outline. They can also be used to highlight details of a room.
How can I enhance the atmosphere during my livestream?
The picture will get more interesting if you add some color accents. It can be neon lights, desk lamps with your favorite characters, colored ribbons, strings of lights and anything else you can think of. Scatter them around the room to make it engaging for the viewer to look at the details.
We hope we’ve inspired you. And remember, the main rule for high-quality image is lighting. Buying an expensive camera will not solve your problems.
