Light is the most fundamental thing in photography and image processing. As a LuckyCrush model, your image is everything. You only have a few seconds to show yourself to a new random partner and let him decide whether to stay or press the “Next” button. Thus, the more attractive you look (in terms of image quality, content and mood), the more likely you are to retain your partner. Also the light in your image, if handled well, can make a cheap camera return a high quality image… for this, and more, we’ve created this Ultimate Guide to Lighting.
In this article, we will focus only on light. That’s why we’ve made the background plain and white, but everything can be perfectly applied to the place where you usually connect (your room, at your desk, on your bed, in a living room, etc.). Remember: the cozier your background, the better. A comfortable chair or sofa, another lamp in the background, some cushions, nice furniture, etc.
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All the examples shown in the guide were taken with a Trust Webcam HD 1080, a medium-quality webcam. We have done it on purpose so that you can see with a real example how the image can change thanks to the correct use of light. The most common mistakes in handling image lighting are how much light we use, where it comes from, and the angle from which the camera takes the face. Each of these cases is explained here:
How much light is needed?
Let’s look at these three cases. These are the most common mistakes in lighting. The first occurs when you are in the dark in your room and the brightness of your screen is not even at medium intensity. This way, your partner can hardly see you and this is not attractive at all. Thus, the screen of your computer or cell phone is usually not sufficient for a good picture quality.
Even if it is at its highest intensity, as in the second case, the shadows it makes do not really give a good picture. This gives an impression of coldness, as if you were hiding or not really in the mood to play. For a long conversation, this usually doesn’t work, and your eyes will end up super tired.
Finally, in the third case, you can see that the room light is on. But having only the main room light can cause shadows on your face. A head lamp is missing. Even if you use the screen light at the maximum level and the room light together, the same shadow will appear, because the backlight on the wall is stronger. You should use an external light (a lamp, or a window) in front of you, directly to your face.
Where should the light be placed?
Natural lighting is great if you work during the day. You don’t waste energy and it’s best for your eyes. But never behind you. Face the window so the light bounces off your front. You need that big light source to be in the direction of your face, otherwise it will work as a backlight and you will only appear as a shadow. The first case is an example of this.
The same is true in the second case. If the light comes only from one side, your figure will be split in two, making you look like a character from a horror movie. That aggressive look is not the best choice for a cam match web. It is a good choice for a fill light, but you still need a front light first. On the other hand, if you decide to use a ring light or a lamp as in the third case, never place it overhead. It will make spooky shadows to your look and your eyes will be completely lost. Remember this: the eyes are the most communicative part of your body, highlight them and catch your partner with a single glance.
Read also this guide about what colours to wear on camera! 😍
Where should the cam be placed?
Let’s say you now have great light. You’ve managed to place the window or lamp in front of you (and you may have also added a backlight to fill in the scene or kept the room light on). But that’s not all it takes to have a perfect image to capture your companions. Let’s talk about the camera angle.
The most common case is to place it right at the edge of the laptop (if you work from a computer), whether it’s an external camera or one already built into the laptop. In the first case, the light is perfect but this angle we are describing cuts your body from above, making a weird shape of your head. Take advantage of your neck and chest. And try not to take up more than half the content of the frame. Always stay centered if possible.
If you are too close, as in the second case, you won’t have much chance of introducing new information into the image later. The frame is too small.
The same is true if you go to the opposite side, as in the third case, where the camera is looking at you from below. Not only will it make an ugly shape of your face, but it will also look like you’re not really looking at the chat.
In the fourth case, be careful when using a cell phone because the frame is smaller than with a webcam, and you will have to use it farther away.
Finally, the fifth case is also very common when using an external webcam. Sometimes you try to place it in another part of your room to make the frame look bigger. But if the angle is not aligned with your eyes, it gives the impression that you are not even concentrating on the chat, and you may be doing something else instead of connecting with your interlocutor. That will get you a “Next” for sure.
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Perfect lighting, perfect angle
So, for a perfect lighting: use an external light or a lamp in front of you. Add a fill light to erase shadows. Look for symmetry in your angles, and don’t just focus on your face, but also on every part of you that shows in the frame. It doesn’t matter if you are showing your face or not. Having the right light and a perfect angle will greatly increase the quality of your image. Your partner will have a clear view of you from the very first moment, and if you add a good mood with a cheeky smile… your LuckyCrush earnings will improve for sure.
Wanna make it awesome? The last detail we can give you is: to look directly into the camera. It will give the impression that you are looking your partner directly in the eyes, and you can take advantage of it to seduce him 😘.
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