Starting a light set up for interviews

[Konstantin Vilenchitz]

Hello,

Not to clutter the board, but I wanted to refocus my questions about my potential light set up.

I've recently upgraded my camera to a PDX 10, and have a nice AT lav mic for audio. I'm shooting one-on-one interviews, fairly tight shots.

I am shooting an interview Monday night and would love to pick up something on Sunday to boost the current set up light-wise.

My lighting right now consists of a lone Lowel Pro Light. I'd like to create a set up organically, adding as I find the need, and am ready to add another piece.

I was originally considering just getting a mini light bank for the pro light, but when I check out B&H, I realize for the same price I could buy an additional light, which might be a smarter choice value-wise for me.

Can anyone recommend a good light that would work well with the Lowel Pro for interviews? I'm looking at spending $150-$250 (light & stand).

Thank you!

[Bill Rankin]

As the gentleperson above, I too, am looking for lights for interviews and for shooting small auditorium lectures. I beleive 500/1000 switchable soft boxes with one or two direct lighting would meet my needs.

Any suggestions...offers? I've listed a WTB in the classified. I am seeking advice here as well.

Thanks

billrankin@aol.com

[Konstantin Vilenchitz]

I guess these beginner questions get tiresome for more experienced A/V people.

Bill, how close are you shooting from? Do you already have a light set up that you're looking to expand on or are you starting from scratch?

[Stephanie Wilson]

Originally Posted by Bill Rankin

As the gentleperson above, I too, am looking for lights for interviews and for shooting small auditorium lectures. I beleive 500/1000 switchable soft boxes with one or two direct lighting would meet my needs.

Any suggestions...offers? I've listed a WTB in the classified. I am seeking advice here as well.

Thanks

billrankin@aol.com

Hey Bill,

500w-1000w softboxes should suit your auditorium shooting very well. I would also suggest a Lowel Rifa softbox for a key and a Lowel mini Pro as a back-light for your interviews. Buy dimmers and a good C-stand..

[Konstantin Vilenchitz]

Thanks for the advice, Stephanie. There are so many options it's hard to know where to confidently spend the money.

Would a Rifa 44 / 250 Watt be a sufficient key? I think for the moment I'll pick up a diffused glass filter for the pro light, and save a little for the proper Rifa set up.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

[Stephanie Wilson]

Originally Posted by Konstantin Vilenchitz

Thanks for the advice, Stephanie. There are so many options it's hard to know where to confidently spend the money.

Would a Rifa 44 / 250 Watt be a sufficient key? I think for the moment I'll pick up a diffused glass filter for the pro light, and save a little for the proper Rifa set up.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

Hello Konstantin,


Yes, the Rifa 44/250 watt would be a more than an adequate key light. The Pro-Light is alittle too focused for a key, in my opinion......even with the glass filter.

I have been shot down to my knees many times due to the superior knowledge that others have shared on this site. Please take this advice knowing that I am simply sharing what little I know..

You should expect a more intelligent reponse in the future,

All the best,

Steph

[Konstantin Vilenchitz]

Originally Posted by Stephanie Wilson

Yes, the Rifa 44/250 watt would be a more than an adequate key light. The Pro-Light is alittle too focused for a key, in my opinion......even with the glass filter.

Good to know about the Rifa. Sounds like it has a very easy set up too, which is great. Look forward to eventually picking that up.

My first inclination was to to go with a softbox for my prolight but I feel like if I spend that money towards the Rifa, it would be a wiser investment.

I can only budget so much towards my vid equipment until it starts paying more bills! :) Thankfully the necessary supplies for graphic design are not as numerous, heh heh.

[Glenn Chan]

You could also check out a florescent light you build yourself.

http://www.film-and-video.com/broadc...s-30bucks.html

Soft light quality, low wattage:light output ratio (so no blowing fuses or melting/burning things).

[Wayne Orr]

Here's another option you might consider, Konstantin. For $219.00, you can get a 500 watt softbox from JTL Everlight. To be perfectly honest, the JTL softlight will take about 5 minutes to set-up, and the Rifa will take about 5 seconds. But if you are on a tight budget, it might be worth investigating. here is a link to JTL, and here is a link to a retailer. But that's not all. Pony up another hundred bucks, and you can get a golf club case from SKB (standard model) that will provide the space for your lights, stands, stingers and the other gear you want to buy. With a carry handle and wheels, it should be subway friendly, if you don't make it too heavy to carry up and down those stairs. The JTL softbox light and the SKB golf case will cost you less than the Rifa alone. Just a thought.

Wayne Orr, SOC

[Anthony Marotti]

Originally Posted by Glenn Chan

You could also check out a florescent light you build yourself.

http://www.film-and-video.com/broadc...s-30bucks.html

Soft light quality, low wattage:light output ratio (so no blowing fuses or melting/burning things).

Hello,

I read through the article quickly but didn't see any reference to where to get the lights.

Am I missing something?

Do you have a source?

Thanks !!

[Glenn Chan]

Anthony, try this article:
http://www.dv.com/news/news_item.jht...2004/graff0404
registration required.

It has more information on those do-it-yourself lights.

You'll have to go to a hardware yourself and find some appropriate florescents.

[Bill Rankin]

For the information and opinions. I am shooting in a small auditorium around christmas or shortly thereafter, so I think the soft boxes are all I'll need and perhaps one broad background light. The subject will be walking short distances on the stage.

I'll be shooting from approximately 50-70 feet away...there will be amply lighting from outdoors and recessed ceiling light...

Again, thanks everyone....

[Anthony Marotti]

Originally Posted by Glenn Chan

Anthony, try this article:
http://www.dv.com/news/news_item.jht...2004/graff0404
registration required.

It has more information on those do-it-yourself lights.

You'll have to go to a hardware yourself and find some appropriate florescents.

Thanks Glenn

[Bill Porter]

That film-and-video.com article on the DIY fluorescents mentions "A perfect example was a recent shoot for A&E's investigative documentary series titled American Justice with host Bill Curtis. "

My DVX100A was used on that shoot. I bought it used, from Bill Kurtis' production company, LOL. It's got pedigree. :P

Great people there, by the way.

[Konstantin Vilenchitz]

I picked up light stands and the neon but I've had a hard time finding those silly pinch clips! I've hit 5 hardware stores in the City so far and they either don't carry them or are sold out. I guess a lot of Grafflights are being put together! :)

I saw them online though, so I'll have to just do that to finish the kit.

I'm really impressed by the pics that were in the article(s). I hope my strips turn out similar results.

Thanks for your tip as well, Wayne! That does seem like a good option. I'm even more enthusiastic about the case you suggested. That sounds ideal for me.