Lighting

Budget friendly options

When you're first starting out as a cam girl, it's more than likely that you aren't already super rich from the get go! While better equipment makes for a better show, there are tricks you can use to upgrade your show without spending unnecessary money.

Let's talk lights

A good lighting set up is key in making a great, quality show. Even if your webcam isn't great, good lighting can dramatically improve your feed.

The best lights, of course, are photographer's lights complete with umbrellas that diffuse light and set an extra special mood. The cheapest professional light kit will cost you around $50. The cost goes up as the quality of the lights does. While having professional lighting equipment can be helpful, it's really not necessary. Here are some things to keep in mind, no matter what lighting option you go for:

• You should have at least three different light sources. It's best if you have light coming at you from the left, right, and front—or from behind the camera. Don't shine light from behind you or at the camera.
• You can use relatively cheap light sources which can work just fine. These include clip on desk lamps, for example, which are also great because you can adjust them to your liking.
• Sometimes a lamp with a paper shade is a good idea because this will give your image a pleasant, soft glow.

Lights that are too bright aren't advised, however. They can cause a glare on your image and even leave some parts of you looking completely white on camera. You can avoid lights that are too bright by doing the following:

• Use light bulbs with lower wattage
• If using a lamp, cover it with something like tissue paper or cloth. Make sure that the bulb isn't too hot too place something on it, and try not to use materials that are easily flammable!
• Put your lights farther away from you so they aren't as strong.

Sometimes girls will buy umbrellas with different colors so that the hue of their lighting gives off a special effect. You can get a similar effect by covering your lamp or light source with different color fabrics—this will give you a more interesting image.

Your bulb choice is also significant in how your image will appear to viewers.

• Bulbs that are considered “soft white” typically give off warmer or yellowish hues.
• Bulbs that are considered “daylight” typically give off cooler, bluer hues.
• LED bulbs are usually more expensive that normal bulbs, but they use up less electricity and generate ess heat which makes them pay off in the long run.