How to Use Your Screen as a Light Source for Photos and Videos?

Your screen is a large, diffused light source hiding in plain sight. Professional photographers pay hundreds for softboxes that do what your monitor does naturally—produce soft, even, flattering light. Here's how to use any screen as a photography and video light source.

Why Screens Make Great Lights

Large surface area - Bigger light sources create softer shadows. A 27" monitor is a substantial light source.

Even illumination - Screens produce uniform light across their surface, unlike bare bulbs.

Adjustable brightness - Easy to control intensity without additional equipment.

Color options - Display any color for creative effects or color matching.

Zero cost - Use equipment you already own.

Screen Lighting Setups

Setup 1: Key Light (Main Light)

Best for: Portraits, video calls, product photos in dark rooms

1. Position screen at 45° angle to subject
2. Set to White Screen at full brightness
3. Subject should be 2-4 feet from screen
4. Add reflector on opposite side if needed

Setup 2: Fill Light

Best for: Softening shadows from window or other main light

1. Position screen opposite your main light source
2. Reduce brightness to 50-70%
3. Creates subtle shadow fill without overpowering

Setup 3: Background Light

Best for: Product photography, creating clean backgrounds

1. Place screen behind subject
2. Subject positioned between camera and screen
3. Creates bright, even background
4. Adjust brightness to control background exposure

Setup 4: Rim/Hair Light

Best for: Separating subject from background, dramatic effect

1. Position screen behind and to side of subject
2. Angle toward back of subject's head/shoulders
3. Creates bright edge highlight

Step-by-Step: Product Photography with Screen Light

1. Set up your background - Use white paper or fabric
2. Position your product - Center in frame
3. Open White Screen - On your largest available display
4. Position the screen - To the side at 45° angle
5. Add fill if needed - Second screen or white reflector
6. Adjust brightness - Until shadows look pleasing
7. Shoot - Use manual exposure for consistency

Tips for Best Results

Distance matters:

• Closer = softer light, brighter exposure
• Further = harder light, dimmer exposure
• Start at arm's length and adjust

Brightness control:

• Don't always use maximum brightness
• Match to your camera's capabilities
• Lower brightness = more flattering for faces

Multiple screens:

• Two screens eliminate harsh shadows
• Use different brightness for key/fill ratio
• Tablets make great portable fill lights

Common Mistakes

Screen too far away - Light falls off quickly. Keep screen close to subject.

Maximum brightness always - Often too harsh. Reduce for softer results.

Ignoring reflections - Screens can reflect in glasses, shiny products. Adjust angle.

Wrong white balance - Set camera to match screen color temperature (~6500K).

Creative Uses

• Colored gels effect - Display colors for creative lighting
• Gradient backgrounds - Use gradient images for smooth color transitions
• Animated light - Video loops for dynamic lighting effects
• Eye catchlights - Small screens create attractive eye reflections

Try Screen Lighting Now

Open our White Screen Tool and experiment with using your display as a light source. It's free and works on any device.

→ Open White Screen

📖 Complete Guide: How to Use a White Screen