Video conferencing light: With work-from-home, I am doing a lot of video conference calls. The ambiant light in my room is all to one side so the other side of my face is very dark. I...

repleo Loc: Boston

With work-from-home, I am doing a lot of video conference calls. The ambiant light in my room is all to one side so the other side of my face is very dark. I am looking for a light that will give me front lighting without dazzling me while looking at my monitors. I see a number of 'computer monitor' lights that clip onto the top of the monitor. Does anybody have experience with these? Are they bright enough or too bright? I have tried experimenting with an adjustable LED video panel light but it wasn't satisfactory. I would appreciate recommendations or suggestions based on actual experience. Looking for a solution under about $50.
Thanks.

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

repleo wrote:

With work-from-home, I am doing a lot of video con... (show quote)

Why not ask the ones you are conferencing with? They may have the best answer for you.

twowindsbear

First off, try a reflector on the "shadowy" side, then turn on more lights - see how that works for you. Adjust the light so it doesn't shine onto your monitor or dazzle you. Good luck

Ollieboy

repleo wrote:

With work-from-home, I am doing a lot of video con... (show quote)

Check out Neewer video lights on Amazon at $42. Great value with 2 dimmable heads with diffusers and filters. I use them for Zoom meetings and no complaints.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

repleo wrote:

With work-from-home, I am doing a lot of video con... (show quote)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086WVMMHL/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_60?psc=1&uh_it=ba3dd0d5001a5576f224f5169087d718_CT&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySlA0MUNUN1Q5SEZSJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzcyMjIyRUNEN0FNWFI1NjhUJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5ODc0MjAzTlgwMDNLU05MS0JHJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c2Rfb25zaXRlX2Rlc2t0b3AmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

See what it looks like when you set your computer display to 100% brightness.

Tex-s

repleo wrote:

With work-from-home, I am doing a lot of video con... (show quote)

Last spring I tried to adjust lighting for just the reason you mention. By the time I ran through several conventional bulbs, LED, and adjustable temperature LED, I gave up. Every option ended up tricking my internal camera and making one side of my face distinctly red or distinctly blue. I chose poorly/oddly lit over looking like psychedelic album art from the 60's.

repleo Loc: Boston

Thanks folks. I have rigged up an led panel light with diffuser on a table tripod just out of my field of vision. It is cumbersome and takes up valuable worktop space. It works, but I was hoping for a more elegant suggestion.
I use a photo of an interior of an apartment in Gaudi's Casa Mila in Barcelona as my backdrop. It is just about credible. I get a lot of envious compliments from my colleagues.

NewBEE161 Loc: Olney, Maryland

Purchased a Lume cube that attached to your desktop monitor or laptop. Totally portable from one computer to another computer Adjustable dimming range 1-100%, color temperature 3200K - 5600K, color rendering index (CR) Ra>96+. LED DIODES:60. Battery life - 1.2 hours. Works off USB Type-C (cable included). Lumecube.com

www.Lumecube.com

Currently on sale for $55.00

Purchased mine three months ago for virtual meetings. Resolved the lighting problems.

repleo Loc: Boston

NewBEE161 wrote:

Purchased a Lume cube that attached to your desktop monitor or laptop. Totally portable from one computer to another computer Adjustable dimming range 1-100%, color temperature 3200K - 5600K, color rendering index (CR) Ra>96+. LED DIODES:60. Battery life - 1.2 hours. Works off USB Type-C (cable included). Lumecube.com

www.Lumecube.com

Currently on sale for $55.00

Purchased mine three months ago for virtual meetings. Resolved the lighting problems.

Thanks. I was considering a Lume Cube but was afraid it might be too bright in my face. I hear a lot of people talking about them just for general photography. I think I might try one.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

repleo wrote:

Thanks. I was considering a Lume Cube but was afraid it might be too bright in my face. I hear a lot of people talking about them just for general photography. I think I might try one.

Put a string on it (Lume cube) and drop it into an empty clean milk jug (Plastic) the diffusion might be just the amount you are after for a softer light.

NewBEE161 Loc: Olney, Maryland

The Lume Cube I purchased ($55) came with a flexible diffuser which covers the LED diodes. I had the "too little light" problem and it made my face look like I was sun burned. The Lume Cube's adjustments really did the trick. Prior I was using an 18 inch diameter ring light. It was too big. The Lume Cube has a section cup and an attachment that firmly attaches to the back of your monitor. The lighting fixture then attaches to the mount. Really simple.