[0:00] In this tutorial series, we get into the essentials of how to make you and your orchestral instrument sound and look better. You and your instrument should shine as bright as your performance. With some basic adjustments, you can dramatically improve the appearance of your image. We’re going from a poorly framed and very contrasty, hard-lit image that is rather unflattering to a pleasing image with soft light and good framing, which will make you and your performance stand out. First, let’s take a look at how to choose a perspective and picture frame for your shot. 

[0:33] Try to find camera angles that show something more interesting than just a flat wall. Leading lines and filming into the corner of the room will make your shot look way more interesting. Concepts like the rule of thirds ensure that your framing has balance. Additionally, you can add accessories like plants, decorations, pictures, or a floor lamp to enhance your shot without being too distracting. 

[1:07] If the room you record in has lots of natural light, it doesn’t require much to make the image work. An overcast day is ideal because the light through the window is already diffused and soft, compared to a bright sunny day when harsh shadows can occur. If your room tends to be dark when it’s overcast, or you prefer the warmth of sunlight, you can diffuse the sunlight by sticking a shower curtain to the windows or drawing translucent curtains. 

[1:42] Next, position yourself at a 45-degree angle to the window. This creates a nice travel of light over your face and instrument, sometimes referred to as “Rembrandt lighting” after the famous painter. It adds interest and depth. Your camera should be positioned to film from the shadow side of your face and instrument. Filmed from the bright side, the picture looks flat and uninspiring. Filmed from the shadow side, it has more depth and dimension. When done correctly, you’ll see a small triangle of light on the shadow side of your face.  

[2:17] This technique is universal and is used in almost every movie and TV series — you can even use it for selfies to make them look better. 

[2:22] We’ll show you a small DIY light assembly that is affordable, easy to set up, and gives great results. Take a 200-watt LED flood light and shoot it through a white shower curtain attached to two microphone stands to diffuse the light for softer light quality. Stand quite close to the curtain. This might feel a bit unnatural at first, but it will look good on your video. 

[3:00] To lift the overall exposure and ambience of your room, you can use additional practical lights such as floor or table lamps in the background. Try to avoid using overhead lights, as they can create unpleasant shadows, similar to the harsh noon sun. Here is our scene before and after our lighting setup. 

[3:27] [Music] Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to have a friend or colleague help you find the right position by looking through the camera and adjusting all the settings. Feel free to experiment, have fun, and good luck. 

[3:55] [Music] 

Use soft, diffused light, avoid harsh overhead lighting, and position yourself at an angle to the light source to create depth and dimension. 

Rembrandt lighting is a technique that creates a small triangle of light on the shadow side of the face, adding depth and a more professional appearance to videos. 

A shower curtain or translucent curtain can be used to diffuse direct sunlight and create softer, more flattering light. 

Overhead lights can create harsh shadows on the face and instrument, making the image look less flattering and less professional.