Phantom lights at DVinfo.net

John Walton · March 2nd, 2009, 07:19 AM

I have recently been shooting some footage in quite dark settings, but with one single light source which was shown on screen. I notice each scene has 2 light spots, almost like fire flys moving around the light. One moves horizontally and one vertcally.
Does anyone know what causes these and what can be done to prevent it happening?

Colin McDonald · March 2nd, 2009, 01:26 PM

Could be lens flare caused by reflections in and between the elements of your lens. To avoid it, try to keep the lamp out of shot and use a lens hood or barn doors on the camera to avoid the light from the lamp falling directly on the front element of the lens. Polarising filters can help but sometimes make it worse by adding another surface to reflect.

Belated welcome to dvinfo by the way. I am keeping a note of the Brits posting here (found 334 so far!)

John Walton · March 4th, 2009, 07:16 AM

Thanks. Yes, i think they must be internal relections of some sort. I am using a Matte box and flag. The light source in question is actually an "electric" candle, which has to be in shot to light the subject.
I am not sure if I have the lens on AF or MF during these shots. It could be the AF hunting i guess. I will set the shot up again and try it on MF.

March 2nd, 2009, 07:19 AM	#1
John Walton New Boot Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Berkshire Posts: 10	Phantom lights I have recently been shooting some footage in quite dark settings, but with one single light source which was shown on screen. I notice each scene has 2 light spots, almost like fire flys moving around the light. One moves horizontally and one vertcally. Does anyone know what causes these and what can be done to prevent it happening?

March 2nd, 2009, 01:26 PM	#2
Colin McDonald Trustee Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,546	Could be lens flare caused by reflections in and between the elements of your lens. To avoid it, try to keep the lamp out of shot and use a lens hood or barn doors on the camera to avoid the light from the lamp falling directly on the front element of the lens. Polarising filters can help but sometimes make it worse by adding another surface to reflect. Belated welcome to dvinfo by the way. I am keeping a note of the Brits posting here (found 334 so far!) Last edited by Colin McDonald; March 2nd, 2009 at 01:33 PM. Reason: dvinfo Brits

March 4th, 2009, 07:16 AM	#3
John Walton New Boot Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Berkshire Posts: 10	Thanks. Yes, i think they must be internal relections of some sort. I am using a Matte box and flag. The light source in question is actually an "electric" candle, which has to be in shot to light the subject. I am not sure if I have the lens on AF or MF during these shots. It could be the AF hunting i guess. I will set the shot up again and try it on MF.