Hi all,

Next month during my company's winter shutdown, I will be getting the opportunity to perform a weekend test of the HD10.

I'm not a cinematographer/videographer. I setup shadows, say "looks good" and shoot, and more often than not, it doesn't quite pay off.

So, in trying to expand my knowledge of lighting technique and equipment, what kind of setup is recommended for dramatic projects (I know this leaves the door to interpretation wide open) to obtain a cinematic look with this particular camera?

My idea is to light for chiaroscura first, then use a master dimmer to kill the blown out areas.

Wow. That's like asking what brand of brush you should buy to paint a masterpiece.

I don't mean to be glib, but dramatic lighting is not one type of setup or another. I can't send you a "dramatic setup" diagram, each scene is lit individually to creatye mood, etc.

Your idea is not far off, except you need to control the highlights independently. DImming everything will throw your shadows too dark.

I'll humbly suggest you get a copy of my book Lighting for Digital Video and Television from Amazon or directly from CMP Books. This will give you a better idea of the issues and techniques.

John, we need to get a full-blown review of your book for our DV Info Net website. I'll try to make that happen before I see you again at DV Expo in L.A. in December (coming up fast).

I'm missing LA this year due to a conflict -- but the review is a great idea!

Hey John, getting that book sounds like a great idea--I haven't read it.

What I have read that talks strictly about lighting is "Matters of Light and Depth" by Ross Lowel (as in Lowel brand lights).

I'll have to try yours too--Amazon One-Click here I come. (can never know too much about lighting)

When you get my book, you'll get to "meet" Ross Lowell, I profiled a bunch of the folks like Ross and Hochheim & Swink, the Kino Flo guys.

Meeting Ross Lowell in John's book may be the next-best thing to meeting him in person, as I did earlier this year at a trade show in New York. John Jackman's book holds a specific value all on its own; adding folks like Ross into that mix only makes it an even better deal than it already is. Congrats John,