A Simple Guide To Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Fandom Content & Video Marketing!

Joe Piddington’s simple guide to choosing the perfect lighting for fandom brands and pop culture content creators. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

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why the right lighting is

crucial for content creation

and video production

Your fandom content deserves to shine! Whether you’re showing off a jaw-dropping D&D miniature, an epic Marvel cosplay, or a must-have Pokémon card. Bad lighting is holding you back, costing you views, engagement, and even sales. Think upgrading to a high-end camera will fix it? Not if your lighting is dull, flat, and buried in shadows.

But get your lighting right, and suddenly your visuals stand out, your products shine, and your videos make a real impact.

Before you rush out and grab the latest gear, here’s a little secret: it’s not just what lights you use, but how you use them. Whether you're leveling up your video production game or refining your product marketing, this lighting guide will help you create content that truly shines.

Curious who’s behind this blog?
Hi, I’m Joe P, a creative director, producer, and lifelong fandom nerd. I’m on a mission to help fandom creators and businesses stand out with scroll-stopping video marketing that actually connects.

If you want the full backstory (from painting Marvel shoes to blowing up thanks to WrestleMania), check out The Origin Story of Ocean View Studios to see how it all started.

Now that we’re friends, let’s dive in.

Joe Piddington showing how important lighting is for video and photography. Tips for fandom brands and geek culture content creators, featuring DC comics Joker bust created by Queen Studios. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Queen Studios

step one: the best video lighting

setups for fandom content creators

and video marketers

Mastering the basics of lighting will help transform your video quality and make your content pop. Let’s break down the most important lighting concepts that every fandom creator and business needs to know:

1. Key Light Explained: How your main light impacts your fandom videos

The key light is the main source of light and will define the look and feel of your shot. It's essential to position it at a 45-degree angle helps to create a natural cinematic look. If you're shooting a cosplay photoshoot or hosting a video game livestream, a soft key light will bring out details without those harsh shadows.

• Soft Key Light: Use softboxes or diffusers for a gentle light effect, perfect for close-ups of action figures or tabletop games.

• Hard Key Light: Great for creating dramatic shadows in cosplay shots or event videos.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Always place your key light slightly higher than your subject to avoid unflattering shadows under the eyes. Whether filming cosplay tutorials or board game reviews, this trick will give your content a professional touch. Want to maximise your lighting quality? Pair it with the right camera settings! Check out my camera guide for fandom content and video marketing to see how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed can elevate your videos.

2. Fill Light Explained: How to Balance Shadows in Your Videos

The fill light is used to reduce shadows created by the key light. It should be less intense and positioned on the opposite side to balance lighting for a professional and polished look.

• Low Fill Light: This works best when you want subtle shadows, perfect for interviews or tabletop gameplay.

• High Fill Light: This is ideal for bright, evenly lit setups, like product shots or vlogs.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Use a dimmable or adjustable fill light to soften shadows exactly as you want. Whether creating a cosy vibe for your D&D stream or vibrant, evenly-lit cosplay showcases, this flexibility helps achieve the perfect atmosphere.

3. Backlight Explained: How to Add Depth and Dimension

Also known as a rim light, this element separates the subject from the background, adding a three-dimensional effect, essential for high-quality video marketing.

• Soft Backlight: Create a subtle rim of light around your subject, perfect for cosplay or interviews where you want to highlight the costume details.

• Hard Backlight: Gives a more dramatic look, especially useful for action-packed scenes or cinematic content.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Backlighting adds depth even in smaller spaces. Keep it subtle, just enough to highlight details in your cosplay costumes or tabletop setups without overpowering your key light.

4. Practical Lights Explained: How Small Lights Enhance Your Scene

Adding practical lights to your scene, like LED strips, can enhance the mood and environment. These lights are visible in the shot and add atmosphere to the video.

• Colourful LEDs: Ideal for capturing vibrant cosplay looks or fantasy setups.

• Fairy Lights: Perfect for creating a cosy, immersive environment in D&D livestreams.

Joe P’s Top Tip: Blend practical lights like LEDs or fairy lights with your main lighting for a cinematic touch. A simple RGB strip or lamp in the background combined with your softbox can transform your tabletop scenes or gaming stream into something special.

Joe Piddington explaining how camera and photography lighting works for geek culture and fandom content creation. Covering key light, fill light, backlight and practical lights. The image shows a documentary setup using the Aputure 300D Mark II LED lights. Photography: ©Max Ravier

step two: how to choose the best

lighting gear for your fandom

and geek culture content

Now that you know the essential lighting setups, let’s talk gear! Whether you're a solo fandom creator or a business in the pop culture space, having the right lighting tools can elevate your production quality. Great lighting ensures that your audience sees every detail, whether you're showing off a rare TCG pull, cosplay transformation, or board game breakdown.

Let’s now break down the different types of lights, attachments, and stands that will help you become a lighting pro!

1. Video and Photography Lights

LED Panels
LED panels are flat, lightweight, and packed with energy-efficient LEDs. Unlike old-school bulbs, these don’t heat up much, so you can shoot for hours without turning your studio into a sauna. They come with adjustable brightness and colour temperature, meaning you can switch from a warm, cosy glow to a bright daylight look in seconds. The light they produce is broad and even, making them super versatile.

Best for: Livestreaming, interviews, and event setups.

RGB Lights
RGB lights use special LEDs that can mix red, green, and blue to create millions of colours. Unlike standard white LEDs, these let you fine-tune brightness, hue, and saturation to create anything from a cyberpunk glow to a horror-movie vibe. They’re often controlled via remote or an app, making them super flexible for creative lighting setups.

Best for: Sci-fi and fantasy-themed streams, neon-lit action figure photography, dramatic anime-inspired backdrops.

Ring Lights
Ring lights are circular LED lights designed to give you soft, even lighting with minimal shadows. The hollow centre lets you pop a camera or phone right in the middle, ensuring even, shadow-free light across your face. They work by diffusing light evenly, reducing harsh shadows and blemishes, ideal for beauty and talking-head videos. Most models have dimming and colour temperature controls for extra flexibility.

Best for: TCG pack openings, cosplay makeup tutorials, reaction videos.

Tube Lights
Tube lights come in both traditional fluorescent and modern LED versions, offering a soft, even glow that’s great for reducing harsh shadows. Fluorescent tube lights use gas-filled tubes coated with phosphor, while LED versions provide the same diffused lighting with better energy efficiency and customisability. They’re often used on film sets and in creative studios to create even, flicker-free lighting across a wide space.

Best for: Podcast recordings, behind-the-scenes content, roundtable discussions.

Fresnel Lights
Fresnel lights use a special ridged glass lens that focuses the beam of light, making them different from standard LEDs or soft panels. You can adjust them from a narrow spotlight to a wider, softer spread. The focused beam is excellent for creating dramatic shadows and highlights, giving that classic cinematic look. They’re typically powered by halogen or LED bulbs and are a favourite in film and theatre.

Best for: Fan films, photography, cinematic interviews.

HMI & Tungsten Lights
HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide) lights pack a serious punch, producing daylight-balanced, high-intensity light. They’re powered by arc lamps, making them much brighter than standard LEDs or tungsten bulbs, perfect for large-scale productions or outdoor shoots. Tungsten lights, on the other hand, use traditional filament bulbs, emitting a warm, orange glow similar to old-school incandescent bulbs. They provide consistent, high-quality lighting but can get pretty hot!

Best for: Fan films, large-scale projects, professional shoots.

Strobe & Flash Lights
Strobe and flash lights emit short, powerful bursts of light, perfect for freezing fast-moving subjects. Unlike continuous lights, these only fire when you take a photo, reducing motion blur. They typically use xenon gas tubes, which release an intense flash when triggered. Often paired with softboxes or umbrellas, they provide professional-quality lighting with minimal heat output.

Best for: Cosplay photography, collectible figure photography, stop-motion animation.

Practical Lights
Practical lights include everyday lights like LED strips, desk lamps, and neon signs that add atmosphere to your shot. They might not be professional-grade, but they can enhance a scene and add personality. Think of them as background mood-setters rather than primary light sources.

Best for: Showcasing a retro gaming setup, action figure displays, manga review videos.

Joe Piddington talks about how to choose the best lighting gear for filming fandom content for geek culture and pop culture brands, featuring LED panels, RGB lights, tube lights, fresnel lights, tungsten lights, practical lights, strobe & flash lights. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

2. Lighting Attachments & Modifiers

Once you have the right lights, modifiers help you shape and control the light to match your specific needs.

Softboxes
Softboxes are a must-have for creators who want smooth, natural-looking light. They diffuse harsh lighting, reduce shadows, and create a professional, cinematic look. If you're setting up for a cosplay showcase, reaction video, or interview, softboxes help keep your lighting polished and even.

Best for: Podcast and interviews, behind-the-scenes content, product videos.

Umbrellas
Umbrella modifiers are one of the easiest ways to create soft, natural lighting. They work by diffusing and spreading light, reducing harsh shadows while maintaining a balanced look. Ideal for cosplay photoshoots, product photography, and livestreams where you need gentle, even light.

Best for: Cosplay photography, product showcases, beginner-friendly setups.

Lantern Diffusers
Lantern diffusers spread light in all directions, making them ideal for lighting an entire space evenly. Whether you're filming a podcast panel, a board game session, or a tabletop battle report, these diffusers ensure everyone is well-lit without creating harsh shadows.

Best for: Group discussions, D&D campaign streams, wide-set interviews.

Reflectors & Bounce Boards
Reflectors and bounce boards help soften shadows and balance out strong key lights. Whether you're using natural light from a window or a powerful LED panel, a reflector can fill in dark areas and give your lighting a more natural feel.

Best for: Softening harsh shadows, outdoor shoots, interview setups.

Gels & Colour Filters
Want to add a unique vibe to your lighting? Colour gels allow you to tint your scene in any shade, transforming the atmosphere instantly. Whether you’re giving your D&D one-shot an eerie blue glow or setting a neon-lit cyberpunk scene, gels help bring your creative vision to life.

Best for: Themed streams, fantasy or sci-fi aesthetics, adding visual storytelling elements.

Barn Doors
Barn doors give you full control over where your light falls. By adjusting the metal flaps, you can direct light precisely, reduce spill, and create sharp, dramatic effects. They’re great for highlighting key subjects, such as a rare collectible in a showcase or a striking character reveal in a cosplay video.

Best for: Cinematic lighting, spotlighting collectibles, moody cosplay shoots.

Honeycomb Grids
Honeycomb grids narrow your light beam, reducing unwanted spill and adding contrast. They’re perfect for creating a high-contrast, dramatic look, making your subject stand out against the background. If you're aiming for bold, cinematic lighting, honeycomb grids are an essential tool.

Best for: Cosplay portraits, moody gaming setups, high-contrast photography.

Snoots
Snoots focus light into a narrow beam, helping you highlight specific areas with precision. If you need to showcase the fine details of a trading card, action figure, or intricate costume piece, a snoot allows you to spotlight exactly what you want, without lighting up the whole scene.

Best for: Highlighting collectibles, dramatic spotlighting, detailed close-ups.

Joe Piddington talks about how to choose the best lighting gear for filming fandom content for geek culture and pop culture brands, featuring softbox, umbrellas, lanterns, reflectors, gels and colour filters, barn doors, snoots and honeycomb grids. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

3. Light Stands & Mounts

The right light stand or mount keeps your setup stable, flexible, and clutter-free. Whether you’re working in a studio or a compact space, the right support system ensures your lighting stays exactly where you need it.

Tripod Light Stands
Tripod light stands are the standard choice for most lighting setups. Made from aluminium or steel, they’re portable, easy to adjust, and great for quick setups. Whether you're filming at home or on location, tripod stands are a dependable option that works for most lighting needs.

Best for: Home studios, convention vlogging, on-location shoots.

C-Stands
C-Stands (Century Stands) are the industry standard for heavy-duty lighting setups. Built from solid steel, they provide unbeatable stability, making them perfect for holding large LED panels, softboxes, or complex lighting rigs. With an adjustable grip arm, you can position lights at almost any angle. If you need reliability and precision, this is your go-to stand.

Best for: Studio setups, professional shoots, heavy LED panel rigs.

Boom Arms
Boom arms extend outward from a stand, allowing you to place lights overhead without a stand getting in the way. Most models include counterweights to balance the load, preventing tipping. If you're filming an unboxing video, a product showcase, or a cinematic interview, a boom arm keeps your lighting clean and out of sight.

Best for: Overhead lighting for unboxings, product showcases, interview setups.

Clamp Mounts
Clamp mounts use a strong grip to attach lights to desks, poles, or shelves. They’re a great space-saving solution for creators working in tight setups, allowing you to position lights exactly where you need them without bulky stands. If you're setting up a gaming stream, TCG pack opening, or a close-up product review, clamp mounts are a flexible option.

Best for: Desk setups, gaming streams, compact filming spaces.

Wall & Ceiling Mounts
Wall and ceiling mounts keep your lights off the floor, making them ideal for small studios or dedicated content spaces. They free up floor space while keeping your lighting consistent and secure. Once installed, they provide a clutter-free, professional setup with no trip hazards.

Best for: Small streaming rooms, permanent studio setups, compact workspaces.

Joe P’s Top Tip: No matter your setup or budget, investing in the right lighting gear can transform your fandom content from amateur to professional.

Want to make the most of that lighting setup? Pairing it with the right lens makes all the difference. Check out my guide to choosing the best camera lenses for fandom content and video marketing to learn how lens choice can elevate your visuals.

But before you head off, let me share my top lighting gear recommendations to help you find the perfect setup for your fandom content.

Joe Piddington talks about how to choose the best lighting gear for filming fandom content for geek culture and pop culture brands, featuring tripod light stands, c-stands, boom arms, clamp mount, wall and ceiling mounts. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

step three: ultimate buying guide

top lighting gear for fandom

content and video marketing

Now that you understand the basics, let’s dive into some recommended lighting gear that will enhance your fandom content creation. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a pro-level upgrade, there’s something here for every creator and every budget.

1. Beginner Lighting Setup: NEEWER 2 Pack Bi-color 660 LED Video Light Kit

Main Light: NEEWER 2 Pack Bi-color 660 LED Video Light Kit with U Bracket, Barndoor, Softbox Diffuser, and 75-inch Tripod Stand
Price: £170 - £220 / $160 - $200
View the NEEWER 660 LED Kit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GSMXPb

Pros:

• Adjustable Settings: Brightness and colour temperature (3200K to 5600K) can be tailored to suit any setup.

• User-Friendly Design: Lightweight and beginner-friendly, perfect for those just getting started.

• Ready to Use: Comes with a tripod stand, making it usable straight out of the box.

• Flexible Power Options: Works with both an AC adapter and batteries, great for studio or on-the-go use.

• Affordable Option: Budget-friendly compared to other LED lights with similar features.​

Cons:

• Additional Cost for Batteries: Batteries not included, so you'll need to buy them separately.

• Bulky for Small Setups: Slightly large for very tight or ultra-mobile shooting environments.

• Lacks Built-In Diffusion: Doesn’t include a built-in diffuser, may require a softbox for softer, more flattering lighting.​

Additional Lighting Attachments & Modifiers:

• NEEWER Softbox Diffuser: Softens harsh light
  Price: £40 – £70 / $45 - $85
  View the NEEWER Softbox on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZhnFjT

• NEEWER 5-in-1 Reflector Disc: Helps bounce and diffuse light
  Price: £30 – £50 / $30 - $40
  View the NEEWER 5-in-1 Reflector on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43wcZjO

• NEEWER Colour Gel Kit: Adds creative lighting effects
  Price: £13 – £20 / $15 - $20
  View the NEEWER Colour Gel Kit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S1iDEn

Additional Light Stands & Mounts Options:

• NEEWER Tripod Light Stand: Included in Kit
  Price: £32 – £48 / $32 - $48
  View the NEEWER Tripod on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44F4R1K

• NEEWER Clamp Mount Light Stand: For desk mounting
  Price: £45 – £50 / $30 - $35
  View the NEEWER Clamp on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42VymuP

Joe P’s Personal Review: The NEEWER 2 Pack Bi-color 660 LED Video Light Kit is perfect for creators starting their lighting journey. Whether you’re streaming tabletop adventures, showcasing your TCG collection, or doing quick cosplay setups, this affordable and versatile kit helps you achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a beginner lighting setup with the NEEWER 2 Pack Bi-color 660 LED video light kit, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Neewer

2. Intermediate Lighting Setup: Godox SL60II-Bi LED Video Light Kit (2 Pack)

Main Lights: Godox SL60II-Bi LED Video Light Kit – 2 Pack
Kit Includes: 2800K–6500K Bi-Color Continuous Lights, Square Softboxes with Honeycomb Grids, Light Stands, and Remote Controls
Price: £420 – £450 / $339 – $450
View the Godox SL60II-Bi 2-Pack Kit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZeZouO

Pros:

• Bi-Color Flexibility: Adjustable colour temperature from 2800K to 6500K enables seamless transitions between warm and cool lighting to match ambient conditions or desired mood.

• High Color Accuracy: CRI 96+ and TLCI 97+ for precise and natural colour reproduction, ideal for interviews, product videos, or skin tones.

• Quiet Operation: Enhanced fan system ensures minimal noise, perfect for podcasting, voiceovers, or other audio-sensitive shoots.

• Wireless Control: Includes remote controls and supports 2.4G wireless operation for convenient on-the-fly adjustments.

• Bowens Mount Compatibility: Works with a wide variety of modifiers (including reflectors, softboxes, and snoots) to customise lighting to your style.

Cons:

• AC Power Only: Requires outlet power, no battery support, which limits mobility for outdoor shoots.

• Bulky for Travel: The inclusion of two lights, stands, and modifiers adds weight, travel cases may need to be purchased separately.

Additional Lighting Attachments & Modifiers:

• Godox PS60 Round Softbox with Honeycomb Grid: Provides soft, even lighting with controlled spill.
  Price: £120 – £150 / $88 - $155
  View the Godox PS60 Softbox on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ddvEEq

• NEEWER 5-in-1 Reflector Disc: Helps bounce and diffuse light
  Price: £30 – £50 / $30 - $40
  View the NEEWER 5-in-1 Reflector on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43wcZjO

Additional Light Stands & Mounts Options:

• Neewer Tripod Light Stand: Sturdy aluminium stand compatible with the SL60II-Bi.
  Price: £33 – £70 / $35 - $110
  View the Neewer Light Stand on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GVAytG

• NEEWER Heavy Duty C Stand: 100% Stainless Steel with Boom Arm
  Price: £150 – £225 / $110 - $225
  View the Amaran Light Stand on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dk3kAf

Joe P’s Personal Review: The Godox SL60II-Bi LED Video Light Kit is a significant upgrade for creators looking to enhance their video production quality. Its bi-colour capability and high colour accuracy make it suitable for various shooting scenarios, from cosplay tutorials to product showcases. The quiet operation and wireless control features add to its appeal, making it a reliable choice for intermediate creators seeking professional results.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a intermediate lighting setup with the Godox SL60II-Bi LED video light kit, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Godox

3. Pro Lighting Setup: Aputure 300D Mark II LED Continuous Fresnel Light

Main Light: Aputure 300D Mark II LED Video Light
Price: £950 – £1000 / $950 – $1000
View the Aputure 300D Mark II on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dhA8dj

Pros:

• Powerful Output: Bright 350W LED delivers professional-grade lighting for high-end video production.

• Exceptional Colour Accuracy: CRI of 96+ ensures vibrant and true-to-life visuals.

• Built to Last: High-quality, durable design ideal for long-term professional use.

• Quiet Fan Operation: Minimal noise makes it great for sound-sensitive recordings.

• Highly Compatible: Works with a wide range of modifiers like softboxes and light domes.​

Cons:

• Pricey Investment: Higher cost may be too steep for beginners or casual creators.

• Extra Gear Needed: Requires modifiers like softboxes or domes for optimal results.

• Bulky Design: Larger and heavier than previous models, less ideal for small studios or portable setups.​

Additional Lighting Attachments & Modifiers:

• Aputure Lantern: For soft, even lighting
  Price: £75 – £110 / $70 – $100
  View the Aputure Lantern on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44BXacD

• Aputure Light Dome II: For focused, cinematic lighting
  Price: £110 – £150 / $220 - $240
  View the Aputure Light Dome on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S0u0fL

Additional Light Stands & Mounts Options:

• Amaran Aluminum Light Stand: Lightweight aluminium design
  Price: £100 – £150 / $100 - $120
  View the Amaran Light Stand on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3H7427S

• NEEWER Heavy Duty C Stand: 100% Stainless Steel with Boom Arm
  Price: £150 – £225 / $110 - $225
  View the Amaran Light Stand on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dk3kAf

Joe P’s Personal Review: The Aputure 300D Mark II is a professional lighting powerhouse for serious creators. Perfect for cinematic cosplay short films, high-quality product showcases, or detailed tabletop battles, this studio-grade lighting solution provides top-tier results. If you're aiming for truly professional fandom content, this is the light for you.

Joe Piddington talks about his top pick for a professional lighting setup with the Aputure 300D mark II LED continuous fresnel light, for fandom and geek culture brands and content creators. Image design: ©Ocean View Studios Ltd / Photography: ©Aputure

choosing the perfect lighting

for your fandom content

Now that you understand lighting essentials, it’s time to bring your fandom content to life! Whether filming epic cosplay reveals, showcasing your gaming setup, or streaming your next tabletop campaign, these lighting setups will elevate your content to the next level.

Ready to start? Grab your lighting gear today using the links above. If you found this guide helpful, using these links helps support me in creating more great content like this, at no extra cost to you.

On a tight budget? Don’t worry, you can always start with natural sunlight, which is totally free and incredibly versatile. Try filming next to a window during the day for soft, flattering lighting, or take your content outside to use natural shadows creatively.

Want more control? Grab an inexpensive reflector or even a white poster board to bounce and shape sunlight exactly how you like it. Remember, the best lighting setup is the one you have access to, especially while you’re learning the ropes.

Did you grab lighting gear through this guide, already using one, or just enjoyed the read? I'd love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment below, share your lighting adventures, and spread the fandom love by sharing this guide with your fellow creators!

Meet Joe Piddington a creative director, producer, and lifelong fandom nerd. Helping geek and pop culture brands with video production and social media marketing. ©Ocean View Studios Ltd

Make sure to keep checking back for updated lighting reviews and video marketing tips. This blog is regularly updated with the latest gear and techniques to keep you at the top of your fandom content game!

Catch you in the next one. Happy lighting! - Joe Piddington