[FAQ]

I’m new to streaming and I’m trying to make my camera feed look more professional and less like a standard video call from my laptop.

What are some of the best practices in 2025 for setting up my camera or webcam for a live stream? I’m looking for tips on camera placement, what manual settings I should be using, and how to get that nice blurry background effect that a lot of streamers have.

[Jeff Bullas]

That is a smart topic to focus on. Improving your camera setup is one of the fastest ways to increase the production quality of your stream and make it look more professional.

The most important thing to understand is that your lighting is actually more critical than your camera. A basic webcam in a well-lit environment will look far better than an expensive camera in a poorly lit room.

With that in mind, here are the key best practices. First, let us talk about camera placement and angle. For the most flattering look, your camera should be positioned at your eye level or slightly above it, never looking up at you from below. You should frame the shot so that you are visible from the chest up, and consider using the “rule of thirds” to position yourself slightly off-centre rather than directly in the middle. Also, ensure there is some distance between you and your background to create a sense of depth.

Second, for your lighting, the professional standard is a “three-point lighting” setup. This uses a main “key light” to one side of your face, a softer “fill light” on the other side to reduce shadows, and a “back light” behind you to separate you from the background. Even if you only have one good light source, use it as your key light and try to bounce some light with a white reflector to act as your fill.

Third, you should adjust your camera’s manual settings. It is best to lock your focus manually on your face so that the camera does not “hunt” for focus if you move slightly. You should also set a custom white balance to ensure your skin tones look natural and consistent under your specific lighting conditions.

And fourth, regarding the blurry background effect, which is called “bokeh,” this is achieved by using a lens with a wide aperture, meaning a low f-stop number like f/1.8. This is a feature of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, not most standard webcams. While some software can simulate a background blur, the natural effect from a proper camera and lens will always look superior.

In summary, focus on good lighting first and foremost. Position your camera at eye level, and take the time to set your focus and white balance manually. This combination will make a much bigger difference than simply buying a more expensive camera.

Cheers,

Jeff

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