How To Do The Facetime Light Trick

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

24-01-2025

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Want to add a little extra flair to your FaceTime calls? The "FaceTime light trick" is a fun, easy way to enhance your video calls with a dramatic, almost cinematic lighting effect. It's surprisingly simple to achieve, requiring nothing more than a little strategic positioning and a readily available light source.

Understanding the Effect

The FaceTime light trick relies on creating a strong, directional light source that illuminates your face from the side, rather than directly from the front. This side lighting creates shadows that add depth and dimension to your features, giving a more polished and professional, or even dramatic, look. This contrasts sharply with the flat, often washed-out look of standard frontal lighting.

What You'll Need

You don't need any special equipment for this trick. All you need is:

• A light source: This could be a lamp, a window (preferably during the golden hour for a warmer, softer light), or even a flashlight. The brighter the light, the more pronounced the effect.
• A phone or computer: Naturally, you'll need a device compatible with FaceTime.

Setting Up the Perfect Shot

Here's how to achieve that cinematic look:

1. Position your light source: Place your light source to one side of your face, at roughly a 45-degree angle. Experiment with different angles to find what you like best. Avoid placing the light directly behind you, as this will only backlight you.

2. Adjust your distance: The closer the light source, the more intense the shadows will be. Experiment with distance to find the level of shadowing that complements your features.

3. Consider the background: A darker or less cluttered background will help the lighting on your face stand out even more.

4. Test your lighting: Before starting your FaceTime call, test the lighting by looking at yourself in the preview screen. Make sure you're happy with the shadows and the overall effect.

Beyond the Basics

Once you've mastered the basic technique, you can experiment with different types of light sources and angles to create a variety of looks. A softer light source will produce gentler shadows, while a harsher light will create more dramatic contrast.

Conclusion

The FaceTime light trick is a fun and easy way to elevate your video calls. With a little experimentation, you can achieve a professional and polished look that will leave a lasting impression on your viewers. So, grab your light source and get ready to shine!