Self-Tape Equipment

These are somethings I suggest you purchase to get your self-tape set up to a professional level. There are several price points. Start with what fits your budget now. You can always upgrade later. The top priority is getting a tripod. Then lights. Then a background. Then a microphone.

I also suggest if it is possible, paint a wall in your home/apartment and use that for your background. Carefully select a color that works really well for your skin tone and eyes. Blue, grey, even certain shades of deeper greens, maroons, browns (think jewel colors) could work. I picked the color Cosmic Dust from Home Depot for my wall—you can see what it looks like in the picture above. Use flat or matte paint or you will get a reflection from your lights.

It is ideal if you can have a dedicated space for your self-taping where your equipment can just live. Or equipment you can quickly store and get out. I do not suggest using a ring light (even though I have included one here) unless it is pretty high-end, and you can also get fill lights to go with it (also included here). But I would start with the three soft box set up suggested below or something similar to it. Make sure the set you get can be dialed to warm or cool light.