Ways to Enhance Self-Tape Audition Setup

How to Enhance Your Ring Light Setup for Self-Tape Auditions

While a ring light can be a good starting point for your self-tape audition lighting, it's not ideal. Let's explore how you can enhance your self-tape audition setup to achieve a more flattering and professional look.

Creating Distance and Angle

Too Close Together

Move both yourself and the ring light away from the background. Aim to be at least 2-3 feet away from the backdrop and the ring light.

Try to create distance between you, the backdrop, and the light

Now, for the ring light itself, angle it slightly to the side (about 45 degrees) and slightly above you. This angle will create a more cinematic effect, and since the ring light is now further away, it's not going to be as even.

Add a Second Light Source

One of the limitations of a ring light is its harshness. To combat this, you can add a second light source. A second light will help create more even and flattering lighting, reducing shadows and making your skin look more natural. But don't go out an buy a second ring light!

The image on the left is me with just the ring light and window light acting as a fill, while the image on the right is me with two light sources. I don't recommend buying a second ring light, if you're going to invest in a second light, I'll have better lighting recommendations in a future post.

Here are two FREE light source options you can use in with your ring light:

1. Natural Light: If possible, position yourself near a window with soft, diffused light (either by it being indirect light or by adding a white curtain to the window). Place your ring light on the other side of your face, at a 45-degree angle. To match the color temperature of your ring light to the daylight, you'll want a more blue hue. Look for a setting around 4600-6500K (Kelvin) on your ring light.

2. Home Lamps or Bulbs: If you're shooting at night or in a room without windows, you can use lamps or bulbs as your second light source. However, the color temperature of home lamps can be different from that of daylight. To match the color temperature of your ring light to the lamps, you'll want a more orange hue. Look for a setting around 2600-3500K on your ring light. You can also check the exact temperature of your home lights, it's typically it's written on the side of the bulb.
   

Traditional home bulbs tend to be warmer, while daylight is a cool blue tone

Try Bouncing the Light

If you don't have access to an additional light source you can use a white wall, paper, or foam board to bounce the light back on your face from the other side to reduce the appearance of harsh shadows. My favorite tool for this is white foam boards from the craft store.

White Foam Boards from the craft store

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to lighting for self-tape auditions. The best lighting setup will depend on your space, access to alternative light sources, face shape, and skin tone. So, when you don't have an audition to shoot, take some time to experiment with these tips and enhance your current set-up.

Stay tuned for more in-depth recommendations on the ideal self-tape set-up, including my top picks for equipment. Be sure to subscribe to my blog so that you never miss an acting resource!

And if you're looking for professional headshots that showcase your unique look and personality, don't hesitate to book a session with Green and Gold Photography. Our experienced photographers understand how to light your face properly and create a backdrop that complements your skin tone.