In this episode of The Tap, Wes and Julian break down one of the most common beginner questions: How should I light my smartphone videos? They explain why you don’t need fancy equipment to look great—and how a simple desk lamp, a window, or clever positioning can make all the difference.

• Why three-point lighting isn’t required for great results
• Natural light tips: The easiest, most affordable lighting source
• Common mistakes: Downlights, backlight silhouettes, and mismatched lighting
• DIY hacks: Coffee cups, desk lamps, and everyday objects as light sources
• Why flat light is flattering: Simple ways to reduce shadows and look younger on camera
• Ring lights explained: Pros, cons, and why they’re often misused

In this episode, we cover:

• 00:00 Introduction and topic overview
• 02:00 The lighting myth: why you don’t need pro kits to look professional
• 04:00 Common beginner mistakes and why lighting is an art not a formula
• 07:00 Natural light strategy: how to face a window for soft, flattering light
• 10:00 Why downlights create “baggy eyes” and harsh shadows
• 12:00 Desk lamps as practical, available lighting sources
• 14:00 Ring lights: what they’re for and why they can look distracting
• 16:00 Smartphone camera limitations vs human eyes: why your phone needs more light than you think
• 18:00 Final advice: start simple, build skills through practice and experience

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Contact Wes directly: wes@tapeditgo.com

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This episode was originally part of the Smartphone Video Podcast with Julian Mather. Julian is now an accomplished motivational speaker — learn more at julianmather.com. He has passed the reins of this podcast to Tap Edit Go to continue the mission, bringing you fresh episodes and new guests.