Whats the best way to bounce light up for an interview segment? at DVinfo.net

Brent Marks · March 8th, 2005, 02:16 AM

Whats the best way to bounce light up for an interview segment?

If it was just me shooting camera and having someone talking...

Whats the best way to illuminate their face??

Richard Alvarez · March 8th, 2005, 08:07 AM

The "best" way is the way that gives you the look you want.

Sorry for the generic answer, but it was a generic sort of question.

ONE way, is to use a soft key light, and bounce with a nice big white foam core bounce board. For the key light, use a Chimera style softbox or Kino Flo. Set the Foamcore up on a c-stand opposite and up-close, and you will get a nice, soft bounce with a little wrap. That's usually how I light my interviews in a small intimate setting.

Plenty of other ways to get similar effects using different light sources... others might chip in here.

Wayne Orr · March 8th, 2005, 12:45 PM

There is no one way to light using a bounce source. I once used a white truck as the bounce source. Another time, it was the side of a white house. And it does not always have to be a white source. But here are a couple of thoughts:

You need to use your eye to position your subject. Try to keep the sun behind, or to the side of your subject. This will give you the sun for a source to bounce off of, and will give your subject a nice back or side light.

Walk your bounce material into, or away from your subject depending on how much light intensity you need. This takes practice. If you learn to squint while looking at the scene, it will give you a good idea of what the subject will look like to the camera. (This is similar to what DPs do when they hold up a viewing glass to their eye. That's the little thing that hangs around their neck on a lanyard.)

Pay close attention to your background. If the sun is hitting it directly, it may be too hot for the scene.

Bounce light is very forgiving, so the exact position of the bounce card is not usually important. It is possible to move to one side or the other and get a "modeled" look to the scene. Move the card if you see it reflected in your subject's eyeglasses. However, a bounce card reflected in sunglasses is often used to create a hip "look."

Remember that bounce cards (or Flex Fills) on a stand are like a sail and any wind will knock them over. A sand bag is good protection for your subject.

Bounce is difficult to do with the sun directly overhead.

There is a real "art" to bounce lighting, but it can be most beautiful when executed properly. Experiment.

Wayne Orr, SOC

March 8th, 2005, 02:16 AM	#1
Brent Marks Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Houston TX and New Orleans LA Posts: 300	Whats the best way to bounce light up for an interview segment? Whats the best way to bounce light up for an interview segment? If it was just me shooting camera and having someone talking... Whats the best way to illuminate their face??

March 8th, 2005, 08:07 AM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	The "best" way is the way that gives you the look you want. Sorry for the generic answer, but it was a generic sort of question. ONE way, is to use a soft key light, and bounce with a nice big white foam core bounce board. For the key light, use a Chimera style softbox or Kino Flo. Set the Foamcore up on a c-stand opposite and up-close, and you will get a nice, soft bounce with a little wrap. That's usually how I light my interviews in a small intimate setting. Plenty of other ways to get similar effects using different light sources... others might chip in here.

March 8th, 2005, 12:45 PM	#3
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	There is no one way to light using a bounce source. I once used a white truck as the bounce source. Another time, it was the side of a white house. And it does not always have to be a white source. But here are a couple of thoughts: You need to use your eye to position your subject. Try to keep the sun behind, or to the side of your subject. This will give you the sun for a source to bounce off of, and will give your subject a nice back or side light. Walk your bounce material into, or away from your subject depending on how much light intensity you need. This takes practice. If you learn to squint while looking at the scene, it will give you a good idea of what the subject will look like to the camera. (This is similar to what DPs do when they hold up a viewing glass to their eye. That's the little thing that hangs around their neck on a lanyard.) Pay close attention to your background. If the sun is hitting it directly, it may be too hot for the scene. Bounce light is very forgiving, so the exact position of the bounce card is not usually important. It is possible to move to one side or the other and get a "modeled" look to the scene. Move the card if you see it reflected in your subject's eyeglasses. However, a bounce card reflected in sunglasses is often used to create a hip "look." Remember that bounce cards (or Flex Fills) on a stand are like a sail and any wind will knock them over. A sand bag is good protection for your subject. Bounce is difficult to do with the sun directly overhead. There is a real "art" to bounce lighting, but it can be most beautiful when executed properly. Experiment. Wayne Orr, SOC