DIGITAL VIDEO E.S. 225 Lesson 4

LESSON: WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN LIGHTING A SUBJECT TO BE RECORDED

*** Using Available Lighting to the Fullest, to get the Best Results

*** Supplemental Lighting the Subject for the Best results

*** Supplemental Lighting that does not use electricity

Using the Available Lighting to the Fullest

1. Choosing the best spot for recording the Subject

2. Have the zoom set for as wide as possible (move the camera to frame shot)

3. Have the camcorder/camera set up in the middle of the movement

4. Check Focus by having a the Subject positioned in the middle of frame

5. Check to see if the subject has any shadows on body

6. Make sure that the area’s light is over the subject (is on the subject line)

7. Have no windows, bright light, or bright spots in the background

8. Be sure that the subject is the BRIGHTEST thing in the shot (if not move)

9. If possible, do the recording on a SHINEY, BRIGHTLY PAINTED FLOOR

10. Have the subject dress in SOLID, (no graphic) BRIGHT COLORED clothing

Supplemental Lighting that uses Electricity

1.  Lights with Tripod Stands and Extension Cords

2.  SAFETY IS MOST IMPORTANT THING:

a.  Be sure that the equipment works before taking it

b.  Tape down all extension cords so they will not be Trip Hazards

c.  Lights get HOT after a short time (handle with gloves after hot)

d.  Be sure tripods are locked and legs are fully extended

e.  Let lights COOL DOWN after use and before moving

f.  Do not lean up against or hold on to lighting stands

g.  Be sure the lights don’t fall on any people

3.  The Three Supplemental Lighting Positions (where to place lights)

a. Front Lighting (FLAT LIGHTING)

*one light set between or behind camera/camcorder and subject

*two lights between camera/camcorder and subject (45 deg. Angle)

b. Back Lighting behind and high, shining down from behind the subject

c. Above Lighting out of the frame and above the subject

4. Devices used on Supplemental Lighting to Control the Light area

a. Barn Doors (metal wings used to block out areas of lighting)

b. Scrim Screens (used to reduce the intensity of the light *soften*)

c. Defusing Lever (if light has one it is a lever on the back)

Supplemental Lighting Non Electrical

a.  Reflecting materials (aluminum foil, gold/silver reflecting material)

b.  White Material (foam board, white paper, white painted material)