Excellent review, conducted in a very professional, no-nonsense manner. The use of different
vaping sources and conditions are hallmarks of a well thought out presentation!
The only thing "killing" you here, was the lighting/back-lighting. Even a $2k digital camera would have had problems fighting the globe lights behind you.
Get rid of any light that will enter the len's aperature from behind you, use overhead only, and if you are still shadowed, a soft spot (from the camera?) pointed or reflected at you from just above/behind the camera lens.
I have seen a simple incandescent lamp bulb clamped behind an open white/opaque umbrella do wonderful things for portrait shots!
Looking forward to future
reviews