Self Tape Lighting Does Not Need to be Complicated
This list of 7 pieces of self tape light equipment (and some extras) is built to get you up and running with some good, budget friendly light equipment that will make your self tape auditions look better. Now your brilliant work can stand out.
Things to Remember
When it comes to self tape auditions your first focus needs to be can you be seen and can you be heard? After that it’s all about the acting. Yes, you can get more intricate with your set up to make it look more cinematic, but it’s going to be viewed for about 2 mins and then they will move on. Having a neutral audition background (preferably not white) and good sound (like an external microphone ) will improve the quality of your audition as well.
Self Tape Lighting Gear
*Actor CEO works hard to research, interview, review, and provide great resources to actors. Links below may feature affiliate links used to support our efforts to provide these exceptional resources.*
Neewer 700W Professional Photography 24x24 inches/60x60 Centimeters Softbox with E27 Socket Light Lighting Kit
This is a great kit at a great price. The easy set up and puts out a lot of soft, white light from both sides of the camera. I use the Fovitech version of this set up which you can see in the video review below. Plugs into a wall outlet or an extension cord depending on your location. Bulbs included. Not dimmable. Comes with a carrying case and everything packs up small so it’s actually easy to carry.
Neewer 2 Packs Dimmable Bi-Color 480 LED Video Light and Stand Lighting Kit Includes: 3200-5600K CRI 96+ LED Panel with U Bracket and 75 inches Light Stand.
Another 2 light set up this time with LEDs. This kit is compact and travel friendly. It’s perfect for a small apartment or if you need to bring high quality lighting with you. Personally my favorite set up.
Emart 60 LED Continuous Portable Photography Lighting Kit for Table Top Photo Video Studio Light Lamp with Color Filters – 2 Sets
This is a cheap kit that is very small and compact. While it’s great for travel or in a pinch, you will have to get the lights quite close to light you well. Since the stands are so short, you will also need to find some way of raising them up to head and shoulders hight since that is generally how you’ll shoot your self tapes.
3 Point Lighting
Remember I said you could go the extra mile to make your videos look more cinematic? Three point lighting would be how you do that. Again, your acting wins the audition and if your’e not right for the role don’t blame it on the lighting, but with a set up like this you could certainly shoot some very good looking scenes.
Check out this great tutorial from Shutterstock on three point lighting. The video will start at the 2:52 mark where the concept is broken down.
Fovitec – 3x 20″x28″ Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit w/ 2500W Equivalent Total Output – [Includes Boom, Stands, Softboxes, Bag, 11x 45W Bulbs]
This is a solid set up at a very good price. You get a lot of light plus the adjustability of the “hair light” or “back light” that you can set at high angles really helps. Your videos will be more dynamic, better looking and take very little set up time.
Neewer 3 Packs Dimmable Bi-Color 480 LED Video Light and Stand Lighting Kit Includes: 3200-5600K CRI 96+ LED Panel with U Bracket and 75 inches Light Stands
Again the advantages or LEDs are many. They are not hot, compact, easy to move and transport, conserve energy and give out a ton of light. For just a few bucks more than the soft box set up you can have 3 high quality, durable, and dimmable lights that can be used anywhere. Note: The three stands are just straight light stands so you will need a C-Stand or some other fixture to get your third light to hang overhead.
Ring Lights
Ring lights have certainly become a fast and easy solution for our video happy culture. (OMG…Everyone uses them on social…) They can work for self tapes but you should be mindful of only having one light source and that you may not like the look of the ring light reflected in your eyes. If you use one, you can play around with it to achieve the best results.
Neewer Ring Light Kit:18″/48cm Outer 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light, Light Stand, and Carrying Bag
These are extremely popular for a reason. The are fast and easy to set up and even allow you to mount your phone in the middle. The ring does give you light all around your face and is dimmable. The downside is that there is little versatility so you cannot truly “sculpt” the look of the light. It’s mostly front bright light, and the closer you get, the more you see the ring light reflection in your eyes. That could be distracting.
Selfie Ring Light with Cell Phone Holder Stand for Live Stream/Makeup, UBeesize LED Camera Lighting [3-Light Mode] [10-Level Brightness] with Flexible Arms Compatible with iPhone 8 7 6 Plus X Android
This is a pretty handy device. While you may not want to shoot all your auditions on it, if you’re traveling or need to sit in front of your laptop for an interview this small ring light could help out. Plus, the hands free phone holder opens up a lot of options. Just know that it will work best with you no more than 12 -18 inches from the light.
Accessories
I’ve added a few extras that can help boost your lighting efforts. You can shoot without these, but I think you’ll find them pretty handy no matter what type of video your may be shooting. These are all pretty standard pieces of equipment.
Travel portable self tape backdrops and other backgrounds
Self tapes look best with backgrounds and backdrops that keep you as the focus. Here are some options for travel and more.
Kate 6.5x10ft/2m(W) x3m(H) Blue Video Backdrop Blue Photo Backdrop Abstract Photography Backdrops Portrait Backgrounds Kate Backdrop
You need a background that is not distracting and non-reflective. This is it.
Neewer Pro 100% Metal Max Height 10ft/305cm Adjustable Reflector Stand with 4ft/120cm Holding Arm and 2 Pieces Grip Head for Photography Studio Video Reflector, Monolight and Other Equipment
Ok. This is a more serious light stand. Known in the industry as a C-Stand, this is a sturdy piece of equipment built to hold lighting, reflectors, backdrops, props, or what ever else any where you like. You could drop this off a truck and it would be fine. A solid all around piece of equipment.
Neewer 4-pack Photographic Sandbag for Light Stands, Tripods and 6-pack 4.3 inches/11 centimeters Muslin Spring Clamps/Clips for Photo Studio Backdrops Backgrounds, Lighting Accessories
Use the sandbags to hold your light stands down and the clips to hold your backdrop or reflectors up. Note: You have to fill the sand bags. Be thankful, cause they can hold 20 pounds each…you don’t want to pay for that shipping.
Conclusion
There you have it. A great selection of affordable lighting that will certainly take your self tape auditions to another level.
You know that self tape submissions have grown in popularity and the fact that we can submit easily from anywhere is a huge advantage to the modern actor. This will only become more common. You should take your self tape game seriously and ensure you are showcasing your work in the best way possible. Don’t let poor lighting, a wrinkled background or bad sound distract form your solid work.
Find more resources and insight in the blog articles below.
Popular Blog Posts
Take a look at some of our most popular posts!
