Lighting & Setup
Beginner Fundamentals5 min read
The secret to clean shadows is your setup. Learn the one-light rule, practical equipment choices, and positioning.
The #1 Rule
Use one light source. Multiple lights create overlapping, blurry shadows.
Quick Setup (60 seconds)
- Turn off room lights.
- Turn on one lamp or phone flashlight.
- Aim it at a blank wall or white sheet.
- Stand between light and wall, about 2-3 feet from the wall.
- Make a rabbit shadow and adjust until edges are sharp.
Light Sources Ranked
- Often easiest: Single-bulb LED desk lamp (bright, adjustable, sharp).
- Also works well: Clip lamp with one bulb.
- Convenient: Phone flashlight for quick sessions.
- Good for larger rooms: Projector for larger performances.
- Avoid: Ring lights, LED strips, and overhead room lights.
The Shadow Triangle
Think in three distances: Light to Hands, Hands to Wall, and Light Height. Small adjustments dramatically change size and sharpness.
- Hands closer to wall: Smaller, sharper shadows.
- Hands closer to light: Bigger, softer shadows.
- Light at hand height: Natural-looking projection.
Best Surfaces
- Plain white wall
- Tight white bedsheet
- Projector screen
Avoid textured or dark walls because they reduce silhouette clarity.
Recording Setup
- Film the wall or sheet, not your hands (unless creating a tutorial).
- Lock camera exposure to avoid brightness shifts.
- Use a tripod for stable footage.