Lighting questions at DVinfo.net

Don Parrish · July 12th, 2002, 03:57 AM

I am certainly a lighting student and have questions. I didn't see umbrella's talked about. Do they cut down to much light for use in video? I like the white that they produce. Also, Lighting kits seem to be more expensive than what a light would cost to build, (stands, fixtures, dimmers, clamps, umbrella's). Can a bulb/flood be found that is acceptable or is some technical aspect of the light difficult to achieve making it unrealistic to build? I called the local photo shop to check the availability of bulbs/floods and the clerk told me that even with gels I could only reach about 5200 kelvin. I would think that would be because in the photo world the bright flash only has to be produced for an instant. Is this correct? Is trying to reach 5600 unecessary? Barn doors, dimmers, carrying cases, accessory clamps, is anything else factored in to make 2 flood style lights worth $600 or can I steal the neighbors security lights and shoot away? Last but not least, if I do use very bright lights to help me shoot in -3 gain, will the subjects need makeup? I haven't read any discussions on using make-up. Personally, unless it was absolutely necessary, I think it would overly complicate things, however, it appears that a lot of us here are trying to reach a film look, which I would think takes a lot more work than just using film.

Thanks

K. Forman · July 12th, 2002, 06:45 AM

There are sooooo many things to be considered. I use umbrellas, because I don't like the blinding white light coming from my lights, so I'm pretty sure the people in front wouldn't either. Umbrellas soften the light, and actually spread it.

As far as your neighbors security lights... NO! Bad neighbor! Leave his lights alone! However, I have heard that Sears offers a really nice halogen work lamp for $20. Of course, it will look like a work lamp, and not a Studio light. It will also be more durable for much less.

Will your subjects need makeup? You should use makeup to at least take the reflective glare off their face, from using those big honking lights. After shooting, the choice should be up to them.
Keith

July 12th, 2002, 03:57 AM	#1
Don Parrish Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Tavares Fla Posts: 541	Lighting questions I am certainly a lighting student and have questions. I didn't see umbrella's talked about. Do they cut down to much light for use in video? I like the white that they produce. Also, Lighting kits seem to be more expensive than what a light would cost to build, (stands, fixtures, dimmers, clamps, umbrella's). Can a bulb/flood be found that is acceptable or is some technical aspect of the light difficult to achieve making it unrealistic to build? I called the local photo shop to check the availability of bulbs/floods and the clerk told me that even with gels I could only reach about 5200 kelvin. I would think that would be because in the photo world the bright flash only has to be produced for an instant. Is this correct? Is trying to reach 5600 unecessary? Barn doors, dimmers, carrying cases, accessory clamps, is anything else factored in to make 2 flood style lights worth $600 or can I steal the neighbors security lights and shoot away? Last but not least, if I do use very bright lights to help me shoot in -3 gain, will the subjects need makeup? I haven't read any discussions on using make-up. Personally, unless it was absolutely necessary, I think it would overly complicate things, however, it appears that a lot of us here are trying to reach a film look, which I would think takes a lot more work than just using film. Thanks

July 12th, 2002, 06:45 AM	#2
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	There are sooooo many things to be considered. I use umbrellas, because I don't like the blinding white light coming from my lights, so I'm pretty sure the people in front wouldn't either. Umbrellas soften the light, and actually spread it. As far as your neighbors security lights... NO! Bad neighbor! Leave his lights alone! However, I have heard that Sears offers a really nice halogen work lamp for $20. Of course, it will look like a work lamp, and not a Studio light. It will also be more durable for much less. Will your subjects need makeup? You should use makeup to at least take the reflective glare off their face, from using those big honking lights. After shooting, the choice should be up to them. Keith