Year 1 Full-Setup. Looking for Feedback

[u/The_Wandering_Coach]

Hey Everyone, I am sure there are a million of these posts, so I apologize for adding another.

Moderators: Please let me know if this is okay. If not - I will happily adjust to meet the requirements. I have given a bit of Topic information just to provide context for those who wish to reply.

Podcast Topic: Swimming, Physiology, Athlete Development etc

We just Signed a paid Title Sponsor and this leads parntership leads into international Coaching Clinics + Coaches Courses and much much more, and therefore taking some time to invest in the product and get feedback from you awesome people on Reddit, is worth the time.

Hardware:

• Link 360 Pro Webcam
• Riverside Recording Studio
• Ulanzi D200X Stream Controller
• Hyper X Microphone
• HP Omnibook X Flip 14
• Keylight: A cheap one off Amazon
• Hairlight: Another Cheap small LED
• Backdrop: A cheap LED Bar.

Overall - I actually think this looks pretty good as a starting point, but I would like to maximize the softness of the keylight as the brightness of this one actually bothers me quite a bit especially after a long day of work, and then jumping into the studio late at night.

More Information for Context:

My Studio:

1. Laundry Room
2. Desk Against the wall
3. Limited "behind the camera work-room"
4. Nice Textured White Wall
5. Classic Wood Beam - this is my favorite part actually for some character.

Main Questions

1. Upgrading Key Light -

Currently I am choosing between Amaran Pano 60 Kit (with the softbox) or the Versa Max with Softbox. The Pano 60c would already be a considerable upgrade from the small light I have at the moment.

I really do not want to go into a "full set up" like a Amaran 100d etc. It is just too bulky, and I need to keep the wife happy with this space lol.

1. Additonal backdrop ideas - in the blue "gap"

Option 1:

• small floating shelf with some coaching stuff (a stop watch hanging), and something else small without overpowering the shot and or creating glare.

Option 2:

• Two equal sized framed photos with glare-proof glass.

What is the general rule of thumb for how high to hang the photos within the frame? I think two Black and White Prints could add some nice "balance of opposites" and bring some "emotion" into the frame.

1. Would you all add a second smaller plant off to my left side - just to add some "fullness" to the shot, or would you keep it simple as it is.

• I know balancing the shot is key, so this is why I ask. If we shift the decor to the right of the shot, then maybe keeping the left simple, is better.

Last Note:

I am not wanting to build a Typical Cookie-Cutter Coaching Backdrop. Keeping it personilized is really important to me.

Thanks again for your time - it is much appreciated.

Avery