Very useful budget lighting accessories under $60 for self tape acting auditions
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Getting the lighting just right on a self tape audition is like scoring a 1600 on the SATs to many parents. It just seems plain impossible to master. And I won’t mince words here when I say that great lighting is one of the most important factors to achieving a polished, crisp quality to a self tape video.
A three point lighting system will never fail you. Look it up. Or learn about it in the 10 section Perfect Self Tape Course for Parents I designed. I’ll even give you a 30% off link.
The three light sources do not have to break the bank at all and do not have to be cumbersome or complicated to set up.
I am going to share with you six lighting tools to add to your gear that can really help punch up your video quality. The best part is every item on this list is available currently for under $60 each. One as low as $10!
If you don’t have a ring light you may feel like an outcast. They are extremely popular and if used right they are very effective. The reality is these ring lights can be pretty pricey. I hunt for deals on them. And I recommend getting one that is 16” and larger.
If you act fast you may get the incredible price I just found on this 18” ring light. It normally retails for $159 or more. Currently it sits under $60. I actually own this light and I can attest to it being huge and powerful.
Neewer Ring Light Kit:18"/48cm Outer 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light, Light Stand, Carrying Bag for Camera,Smartphone,YouTube,TikTok,Self-Portrait Shooting, Black, Model:10088612 (Midgard best is seller)
$55.99 ($159)
Use Discount code 65FDR2021
The next product that I am totally obsessed with are pocket led rgb lights. There are many manufacturers that sell there and I probably own four different brands. What makes them so special is the size. They range from about 6” to 9” and are rectangular in shape. The brightness they are capable of producing is mind blowing. It is rare that I will turn the power on these pocket lights to more than 25%.
Pocket RGB LED lights are the perfect self tape travel companions.
Plus they are full RGB and create bold colors. There are even fun strobe settings that mimic a party or emergency vehicle lights. Each of them have a threaded ¼” hole to mount any tripod or light stand of your choice. You can expect to pay around $40-$50 for one of these and I swear they are worth their weight in gold.
Under $40
Another portable product are the two pack Neewer LED video lights. Also an incredibly bright light for its size. They are plug-in lights and table top size. They come with plastic colored filters to gel the lights from its 5600k white light. I like the adjustable neck that tilts the light very far. I think these are great hair lights or even fill lights. They usually run $50 but the current price was under $20 with code.
$17.85 (regular $50)
Use code 65FDU1021
Do you have a reflector? There are oodles of reasons to have some on hand. What I think is the neatest use of these round reflectors is that you can make two light sources from one light by using a reflector. They are great for diffusing light, blocking shade and adding fill light. Best part they are usually under $20. And currently this one was under $10.
Lastly, I am going to urge anyone with a growing self tape gear collection to grab a couple extra light stands. Use them to mount lights, hang backdrops, spare tripod, clip a shade or diffuser to it. The list goes on and on. I am always grabbing extra light stands and photography clips to makeshift a lighting scheme. It’s all about carving the light and shadows. This two pack of 6.7 feet tall stands are around $30.
Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Photography Tripod Stand with Case - Pack of 2, 2.8 - 6.7 Feet, Black
Hope this helps your wallets and makes your self tapes pop! Check back in for more self tape tech product recommendations.
