Anyone else end up notarizing by iPhone flashlight at 8:47 p.m; because the porch light refuses to notice humans? I swear the stamp was straight, but my shadow looked like Bigfoot holding a journal.
I keep a tiny clip-on headlamp in my notary bag; it frees a hand and avoids the ‘Bigfoot’ shadow — just tilt it down to cut glare on glossy IDs, and you’ll look like a coal miner of affidavits. What’s your backup when the ‘porch light refuses to notice humans’?
At 8:47 p.m., I bounce the iPhone flashlight off a white folder and use the reflected glow on the signature line; it kills the Bigfoot shadow and the ID glare. Headlamps are solid, @miwe817, but the folder trick is zero-cost and keeps both hands free. A small warm-mode work light is my backup if the porch refuses to “notice humans”.
@OP I carry a flat, rechargeable LED panel and set it on warm, low power beside the journal; it gives soft, even light so no ‘Bigfoot’ shadow or ID glare, and it keeps both hands free. Only caveat: charge it weekly or toss a tiny power bank in the bag; it feels like lighting a mini film set for the acknowledgment. Want the model I use?