The Modern Guide to Interview Lighting

Key techniques for creating professional, cinematic interviews with portable LED lights.

The New Philosophy: Speed & Simplicity

Modern lighting prioritizes portable, efficient setups over complex methods to create a natural look quickly.

1

Single soft light source is often all you need.

90%

Faster setup time compared to traditional kits.

💡

Go beyond 3-point lighting for natural results.

Core Lighting & Framing Recipes

👤

The Solo Storyteller

Use a large, soft key light at a 45° angle. Add a bounce card for fill.

👥

The Two-Person Chat

Use two key lights or one very large overhead source to cover both subjects.

☀️

The Outdoor Stand-Up

Use the sun as a backlight and a powerful LED as your key light.

Light for Your Camera

Tune your lighting power to your camera's sensor. Here are recommended starting points for key light power.

ARRI Alexa Mini

40%

RED Komodo 6K

70%

Modern Mirrorless/DSLR

50%

Achieving a Cinematic Look

Use Smaller Diffusers

Increase contrast and create more defined, dramatic shadows.

Add Negative Fill

Use a black flag to absorb light and deepen shadows.

Introduce Color

Use RGB LEDs to add a color wash to the background for mood.

Use Practical Lights

Incorporate scene lights (e.g., lamps) to add realism.