lighting-on-budget-zero

name	lighting-on-budget-zero
description	Use when no money for lighting equipment. Free lighting with windows + practicals + smart positioning.

Lighting on Budget Zero

Zero-budget lighting: use what you have. Windows for key. Lamps for accents. White walls for bounce.

Free lighting sources

1. North-facing window — consistent daylight
2. South-facing window — variable but warm
3. Open shade outside — natural softbox
4. Overcast day — even soft light everywhere
5. Practical lamps — character lights
6. White walls/ceilings — bounce surfaces
7. Reflective umbrellas/foil — DIY reflectors

Smart positioning

1. Subject near window (key light)
2. White wall behind = natural fill bounce
3. Camera positioned to capture window light
4. Practical lamps in background = depth
5. Time of day matches mood (morning vs afternoon)

DIY reflectors + diffusers

1. Foam board (white) — bounce light into shadows ($3 each at Dollar Tree)
2. Aluminum foil on cardboard — strong reflector
3. Sheer curtain — diffuser for direct sun
4. White sheet — large diffuser
5. Black trash bag — negative fill (deepen shadow)

Total cost: $5-15. Surprisingly effective.

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Zero-budget lighting for early-stage CardPrepAI shoots.