lighting challenge at DVinfo.net

Philip Fass · March 29th, 2012, 11:29 AM

I know how to set up standard 3-point lighting for an interview (showing only the subject, not me), but I've never faced this set of challenges before.

Small office, about 10 ft deep and 8 ft wide.
No windows.
One ceiling fixture, about 5ft x 2 ft, casting a dim yellow (to casual observation) light. I would turn this off.
Only way to shoot is for him to be sitting at one end of the long dimension and camera to be opposite.

I have two Kino Flo 200 lights with daylight fluo, and 2 reflectors with daylight CFL bulbs.

The subject is an African man with very dark skin.

So basically, a small, pitch-black room and a very short time to shoot.

Question is, do I need to modify the usual setup to accommodate all these conditions?

Oren Arieli · March 29th, 2012, 01:00 PM

Try to shoot into the corner, vs. facing a wall flat on. Bring your key/fill lights close to subject (not that you have much choice). This will give you a soft/flattering light. The rest depends on what 'look' you're going for. If you want some drama, use grids to keep the spill off the back walls. If you have a cookie and spotlight, you can add some interest to the back corner.
Shooting large sensor with fast lens will help keep the background out of focus.

March 29th, 2012, 11:29 AM	#1
Philip Fass Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, VT Posts: 397	lighting challenge I know how to set up standard 3-point lighting for an interview (showing only the subject, not me), but I've never faced this set of challenges before. Small office, about 10 ft deep and 8 ft wide. No windows. One ceiling fixture, about 5ft x 2 ft, casting a dim yellow (to casual observation) light. I would turn this off. Only way to shoot is for him to be sitting at one end of the long dimension and camera to be opposite. I have two Kino Flo 200 lights with daylight fluo, and 2 reflectors with daylight CFL bulbs. The subject is an African man with very dark skin. So basically, a small, pitch-black room and a very short time to shoot. Question is, do I need to modify the usual setup to accommodate all these conditions?

March 29th, 2012, 01:00 PM	#2
Oren Arieli Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 919	Re: lighting challenge Try to shoot into the corner, vs. facing a wall flat on. Bring your key/fill lights close to subject (not that you have much choice). This will give you a soft/flattering light. The rest depends on what 'look' you're going for. If you want some drama, use grids to keep the spill off the back walls. If you have a cookie and spotlight, you can add some interest to the back corner. Shooting large sensor with fast lens will help keep the background out of focus.