21 October 2026

How to light an interview: a simple three-light setup that always works

A beginner-friendly guide to key, fill and back light for interviews and talking-head videos, with recommended light kits.

Why lighting matters more than the camera

Viewers forgive a slightly soft image, but flat or harsh lighting makes any interview look amateur. Good light separates your subject from the background, flatters skin and makes footage easy to colour.

The key light

Your main light sits about 45 degrees to one side of the subject and slightly above eye level. Use a large soft source: a bright LED such as the Aputure Amaran 200x or Amaran 300c inside a softbox like the Aputure Light Dome III gives wrap-around, flattering light.

The fill light

Place a weaker light on the opposite side to soften shadows. Many interviewers use no fill at all for a moodier look, or a white bounce. A small panel such as the Aputure Amaran 60x is enough.

The back light (rim light)

A light behind the subject, aimed at their hair and shoulders, separates them from the background. A compact RGB light like the Nanlite Forza 60C or Aputure Amaran Ace 25 works well, and can also add a coloured accent to the background.

Control spill

Use a flag to stop light hitting the background or the lens. A C-stand such as the Kupo C-Stand holds flags and lights safely in tight rooms.

Shoot settings

Turn off overhead room lights to avoid mixed colours, set your white balance manually, and keep the subject at least a metre or two from the wall to avoid shadows.