The Best Lighting For Zoom Calls: How To Look Professional On Video

Key Takeaways:

• Proper Lighting For Zoom Calls: Proper lighting is essential for presenting a polished and professional appearance during Zoom calls and can also support overall workplace wellness and sustainability.
• Illuminate Your Face: Utilizing a mix of natural and artificial lighting, along with the right positioning and temperature, can effectively illuminate your face and create a balanced on-camera presence.
• Avoid Lighting Mistakes: Avoid common lighting mistakes, such as relying solely on overhead lighting or mixing temperatures, to maintain a cohesive and energy-efficient video environment.

In today's increasingly remote and hybrid work environments, making a positive impression during video calls is more important than ever. One key element to enhancing your on-camera presence is optimal lighting. 

Conveying professionalism and ensuring effective communication with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is crucial. At FluidStance, we understand the importance of creating an efficient work environment that balances comfort, sustainability, and productivity. Various lighting solutions, such as our Illum Desk Lamp, can help you look your best on video calls and complement your commitment to an environmentally responsible workspace. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can look more professional for Zoom calls with FluidStance’s products, guiding you to achieving a more polished and professional look.

How To Set Up Lighting For Zoom Calls

Setting up the right lighting for Zoom calls is crucial in presenting a professional image and ensuring clear visual communication. Not only does proper lighting make you appear more vibrant and engaged, but it also reduces eye strain and can contribute positively to your workplace wellness. Here’s how to effectively set up lighting for your virtual meetings:

1. Utilize Natural Light: Whenever possible, position your desk near a window to harness the power of natural light. This eco-friendly option not only helps you look better on camera but also aligns with sustainable practices. Ensure that the light source is in front of you to illuminate your face, avoiding any harsh shadows.
2. Layer Your Lighting: Use a combination of overhead and task lighting to achieve balanced illumination. This approach reduces the dependency on heavy overhead lighting, which can be harsh and unflattering. The Illum Desk Lamp from FluidStance offers a selection of ambient, task, and webcam lighting and has an adjustable gooseneck for 360 degree rotation on each of the three LED fixtures, so that you’re able to control the intensity and direction of the light.
3. Optimize Lighting Temperature: Choosing the right color temperature is key. Our Illum Desk Lamp allows you to match your ambience with your mood with flexibility in brightness and hue.
4. Avoid Backlighting: Sitting with a bright window or light source directly behind you can create an unflattering silhouette. Instead, aim for ambient lighting in the background to create a sense of depth without overpowering your features.
5. Consider Ring Lights or Softboxes: If natural light isn’t sufficient or available, investing in a ring light or softbox can be a game-changer. These tools distribute light evenly and reduce harsh shadows, promoting a more refined on-screen presence. Pairing these with FluidStance’s desk setups can make your workspace both visually appealing and comfortable.

Common Lighting Mistakes To Avoid

Avoiding these common lighting mistakes not only enhances your video appearance but also supports a more sustainable and energy-efficient workspace environment: 

Relying Solely On Overhead Lighting

Overhead lights are a staple in many rooms, yet they often create harsh shadows on your face during video calls. Instead, try to supplement with softer, diffused light sources. Using LED lamps or ring lights that can be adjusted are energy-efficient alternatives that provide a more flattering illumination.

Ignoring Natural Light

While it's eco-friendly to use natural light, relying solely on it without consideration can lead to inconsistencies. Positioning yourself with a window directly behind can cause silhouetting, making it hard for others to see your face clearly. If utilizing natural light, it's best to have it facing you or coming from the side to evenly illuminate your features.

Mixing Light Temperatures

Inconsistent lighting temperatures, such as combining warm and cool lights, can lead to an unprofessional appearance on camera and may even contribute to eye strain over time. Stick to one type of bulb temperature for your lighting setup to maintain a cohesive look.

Positioning Your Light Sources For Best Results

Proper light placement can vastly improve your on-camera appearance, presenting you as professional and focused. Here are some tips to ensure your lighting is always on point:

1. Aim for Front-Facing Light: Always position your main light source in front of you, ideally at eye level. This prevents harsh shadows on your face and highlights your features evenly. A desk lamp or a ring light can provide the perfect amount of illumination without overwhelming your workspace.
2. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage: If possible, place your desk near a window to make the most of natural light. Daylight gives off a soft, flattering glow that's perfect for video calls. Ensure that the window is in front of you or to the side to avoid backlighting, which can obscure your face.
3. Minimize Shadows with Additional Lights: Utilize secondary light sources to balance the illumination, especially if you're working in a space with uneven lighting. A floor lamp or an adjustable desk light can help fill in shadows and create a more cohesive and professional look, enhancing the environment around your workspace.
4. Adjust the Angle and Intensity: Experiment with the angles and intensity of your light sources. While brighter is often better, too much light can cause glare and strain your eyes. Adjusting angles ensures you find the perfect setup that remains comfortable for prolonged use.
5. Eco-Friendly Lighting Options: Consider using LED bulbs or other energy-efficient lighting solutions that align with sustainable practices. Our Illum Desk Lamp contains flicker-free LEDs that help to reduce electricity usage, but they also last longer, reducing waste. This can be a meaningful choice as you set up your ideal workspace lighting that respects both your health and the environment.

Adjusting Screen Brightness To Complement Lighting

Adjusting your screen brightness to align with your light sources not only enhances your video presence but also contributes to a comfortable and dynamic workspace. When paired with sustainable products that promote movement, it creates an optimal setting for prolonged engagement and task execution.

Asses Ambient Lighting 

First, assess the ambient light in your workspace. If you're using natural light, a lower screen brightness may be sufficient, ensuring that your face is not overexposed on screen. Conversely, in dimly lit settings, increasing the screen brightness can help illuminate your face, ensuring clarity on camera.

Combine With A Curated Lighting Environment 

Moreover, maintaining the correct screen brightness helps reduce glare, which is crucial for video call quality and eye health. Combining this with a thoughtfully curated lighting environment—possibly using anti-fatigue solutions like FluidStance's Springboard or the UPmat for standing tasks—ensures that your setup supports both productivity and well-being.

Additionally, you can clamp our Illum Desk Lamp onto desks up to 2.625" thick with an adjustable clamp, allowing you to have better lighting during your Zoom calls for a professional look. 

Tips For Looking Professional On Video

Looking polished and professional on Zoom calls starts with creating an optimal environment. Here are some valuable tips:

1. Choose the Right Lighting: To ensure you look your best, position yourself facing a natural light source. If natural light isn't available, consider investing in LED lights or ring lights to provide consistent, flattering illumination. These options not only enhance your appearance but also reduce eye strain during prolonged calls.
2. Mind Your Background: A tidy, distraction-free background conveys professionalism and helps maintain focus on the conversation. For added creativity and organization, integrate items like the Slope™ Desk Whiteboard from FluidStance. It keeps notes within reach and complements your workspace aesthetics.
3. Elevate Your Camera: Positioning your webcam at eye level is crucial for proper alignment and reducing neck strain. You can achieve this effortlessly with the Raise™ Monitor Riser or Lift Whiteboard Laptop Stand from FluidStance, which elevates your device while promoting good posture.
4. Dress Appropriately: While virtual meetings might tempt casual attire, dressing professionally can elevate your mindset and confidence. Opt for neat, professional clothing that aligns with your workplace's expectations.
5. Promote Comfort and Movement: Staying comfortable during long meetings is crucial. Consider using the Springboard or the B+Ground™ Anti-Fatigue Mat from FluidStance. These products ensure comfort during prolonged standing and encourage subtle movement, promoting greater engagement and alertness during calls.

Enhancing Your Background With Lighting

• Utilize Natural Lighting: When participating in video calls, the focus is not only on you but also on your immediate environment. Thus, creating a professional and inviting backdrop is key, and lighting plays a crucial role in achieving this. Aim to have a balanced light source both in front of you and behind, which fosters a professional and refined appearance. If possible, utilize natural light by positioning your workspace near a window, accounting for any glare or overexposure on your camera.
• Take Advantage of Indirect Lighting: Incorporating indirect lighting, such as a lamp with a soft bulb behind you, or using desk lighting to brighten your face evenly, can enhance the clarity of your video feed. This setup ensures there are no harsh shadows and magnifies the overall professionalism of your appearance on screen.
• Combine Lighting With Other Desk Accessories: Consider how FluidStance products, like the Slope™ Desk Whiteboard or the Raise™ Monitor Riser, can assist in maintaining an organized and visually clean background along with our Illum Desk Lamp. These items not only help elevate your tech equipment to an ergonomic position but also enhance desk appearance by organizing your workspace efficiently. Combining good lighting with a tidy and organized environment contributes significantly to a seamless and professional video call experience. Remember, a well-lit and organized space not only reflects well on camera but also creates an inviting workplace that promotes focus and productivity.

Final Thoughts

By choosing the best lighting for your virtual meetings, you enhance your presence and make a good impression. FluidStance can help you achieve this. 

Ultimately, crafting a workspace that supports both professional presentations and personal health leads to a more satisfying workday. With FluidStance's dedication to eco-friendly materials and designs, you can align your professional needs with sustainability goals. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your well-being and environmental impact, all while maintaining a professional edge on your Zoom calls with our Illum Desk Lamp.

Read also:

• Transforming My Workspace With FluidStance: A Doctor’s Journey To Office Bliss
• Standing Desk Guide: How Many Hours Should You Stand Each Day?
• The Perfect Monitor Distance: Improve Posture And Reduce Eye Strain

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Lighting For Zoom Calls

What type of lighting is best for Zoom calls?

The best lighting for Zoom calls is soft, diffused light that illuminates your face evenly without harsh shadows. Ring lights or softbox lights are popular choices, as they simulate natural daylight and provide widespread coverage, ensuring you look professional and approachable on screen.

How can I avoid shadows on my face during video calls?

To avoid shadows on your face, position your light source directly in front of you at eye level. This lighting angle helps minimize shadows and brightens your face uniformly. In addition, using multiple light sources, such as placing additional lights on either side, can help balance and soften any unwanted shadows.

Is natural light good for Zoom meetings?

Yes, natural light is excellent for Zoom meetings, as it provides an even and flattering glow. Position yourself facing a window with indirect sunlight to benefit from natural illumination. However, be mindful of the time of day and weather conditions, which can affect lighting consistency during your call.

How should I position my lights for a Zoom call?

Position your lights at a 45-degree angle relative to your face to create a balanced and three-dimensional look. Use a primary light source in front of you and consider adding secondary lights on either side to diffuse shadows. Adjust lighting height so it's at or slightly above eye level for optimal results.

Can LED lights be used for video conferencing?

Yes, LED lights are an excellent choice for video conferencing due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and ability to produce natural-looking light. They come in various color temperatures, allowing you to select a setting that complements your skin tone and provides a professional appearance.

How do I achieve even lighting on my face?

To achieve even lighting, ensure your light sources are positioned symmetrically around your face. Use diffusers or softboxes to spread light evenly and eliminate harsh spots. Combine this setup with an anti-glare screen protector to reduce reflections and achieve a clean, polished look on video calls.