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Question & Answer

Which Lighting for Video Conferences?

2 min read Reviewed July 2026 Technical Requirements

Short Answer

What matters is soft, frontal light on the face at a consistent color temperature — not the amount of light. The most common mistake in meeting rooms is overhead ceiling light, which shadows the eye sockets, as well as backlight from windows. Good lighting often makes a video conference look more professional than a better camera.

In 30 Seconds

  • What matters is soft, frontal light on the face at a consistent color temperature — not the amount of light.
  • The most common mistakes: overhead ceiling light, which shadows the eye sockets, and backlight from windows.
  • Light beats camera: a simple camera in good light delivers a better picture than an expensive one in bad light.

The Four Basic Rules

Direction

from the front, slightly elevated

  • not directly from above
  • otherwise shadows under the eyes and nose

Character

soft instead of hard

  • large, diffuse sources are flattering
  • point light sources cast hard shadows

Color Temperature

keep it consistent

  • don't mix daylight and warm artificial light
  • mixed, they produce unnatural skin tones

Windows

keep backlight under control

  • backlight turns faces into silhouettes
  • shading or repositioning helps
Ceiling light straight from above Eye sockets lie in shadow Light from the front, slightly elevated Face evenly lit
Side view, schematic. It's not the amount of light that matters, but the direction: a light directly above the head lets the eyes and nose area fall into darkness. The same light in front of the person and slightly elevated delivers an evenly lit face. A window behind the person acts like a second ceiling light at their back — it turns the face into a silhouette.

Why Light Comes Before Camera

Rule of Thumb

A good camera in bad light delivers a bad picture; a simple camera in good light delivers a good one. Anyone who wants to improve their impression in video conferences should invest in lighting first — it's the most effective and often the cheapest lever.

Permanently Installed Instead of Improvised

Practical Tip

In boardrooms and regularly used rooms, lighting belongs in the permanent installation, coupled to the media control system — that way the right light is on automatically in every meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I look bad in video conferences?

Usually because of overhead ceiling light and backlight from windows. Both shadow or underexpose the face. Soft frontal light at eye level solves the problem immediately.

Is lighting more important than the camera?

In most cases, yes. A simple camera in good light beats an expensive camera in bad light. Lighting is the most effective lever for a professional impression.

Should lighting be permanently installed?

In regularly used rooms, yes — ideally coupled to the media control system. That way the right light is active in every meeting without anyone having to do anything.

Related

GuideModernizing a BoardroomQuestionWhat to Consider for Hybrid Meeting Rooms?TermMedia Control

Prices are indicative ranges (net, excluding on-site works) based on comparable projects. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Better picture in meetings?

We start with the lighting — the most affordable jump in quality.

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