Camera Lighting at DVinfo.net

Mike Phan · April 22nd, 2006, 11:54 PM

Hey guys, I just done my first paid event (Surprise Bday) and it was all great until the lights went dim. Oh mygosh only then when I realize that my light didn't last as long as I expected. Using a 100w dimmable NRG light with its battery pack. My question is...is it better to get a 100w light that's dimmable or should i just get a straight 50w or so for the low light areas (during first dance or cake cutting, etc). What kind of lights do you guys recommend that can do maybe 2-3hrs or directly into power adapter? Please help, I have another wedding coming up at the first week of may. Thank you all in advance.

Don Bloom · April 23rd, 2006, 07:21 AM

The only reason I see to use a 100W light at an event is if 1) you want to blind some people 2) you wish to call far more attention to yourself than you will with any other light or 3) you are shooting in a bat cave.

100W is nice to have available but far to much for 99% of events-even when I use an on-camera light to shoot news stuff its generally no more than a 50W with a daylight filter or a peice of tough spun to soften it up. At weddings or banquets (parties of one sort or another) I use either a 20W OR a 50W that is knocked down to 20W-of course if you're using an old camera that doesn't have good low light capabilities you need more but I'm guessing you have a camera that can handle low light pretty well so in answer to your question-I would go for a 35 or 50W dimmable and keep it down to about 20W OR just get a 20W light (Sony 10/20W) and get an couple of extra batteries (960 or 970s) that'll keep you going all night.
Don

Patrick Moreau · April 23rd, 2006, 09:15 AM

I've mentioned this in other threads without getting much support from others, but I'll say it one more time. We use studio light(s) at the reception, usually one 300W with softbox or translucent umbrella and it works great for speeches, dances, cake cutting etc. The advantage to it, is that couples seem to not notice it as much as it is very immobile and can stay on between speeches, as an example. As it also doesn't follow the camera, it is not a constant reminder to people that they are being recorded. The results I have gotten from it are really quite good, and I also follow up with couple after the wedding on any issues that may have arisen, and the use of the studio light has never been a problem, they usually did not even notice it consciously, and they are glad it was used. Ity solves your battery problem and in the end, would works great for other things such as love story interviews or guest comments and there are many that are quite affordable (read: sub-$300).

Mike Cook · April 23rd, 2006, 09:39 AM

Do a search of lights at weddings and you will get more opinions than you want. It is a rather contentious subject and really does not need to be hammered out again.

PS: I hate lights at weddings. (sorry Patrick)

Mike Phan · April 23rd, 2006, 10:01 AM

Thanks guys, I know this subject has been well discussed. But appreciate your responses.

Michael Liebergot · April 24th, 2006, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Moreau

I've mentioned this in other threads without getting much support from others, but I'll say it one more time. We use studio light(s) at the reception, usually one 300W with softbox or translucent umbrella and it works great for speeches, dances, cake cutting etc. The advantage to it, is that couples seem to not notice it as much as it is very immobile and can stay on between speeches, as an example. As it also doesn't follow the camera, it is not a constant reminder to people that they are being recorded. The results I have gotten from it are really quite good, and I also follow up with couple after the wedding on any issues that may have arisen, and the use of the studio light has never been a problem, they usually did not even notice it consciously, and they are glad it was used. Ity solves your battery problem and in the end, would works great for other things such as love story interviews or guest comments and there are many that are quite affordable (read: sub-$300).

Patrick, where do you place your lights?
How many do you use 1 or 2?
In the corner and bounce off of ceiling?

April 22nd, 2006, 11:54 PM	#1
Mike Phan Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 93	Camera Lighting Hey guys, I just done my first paid event (Surprise Bday) and it was all great until the lights went dim. Oh mygosh only then when I realize that my light didn't last as long as I expected. Using a 100w dimmable NRG light with its battery pack. My question is...is it better to get a 100w light that's dimmable or should i just get a straight 50w or so for the low light areas (during first dance or cake cutting, etc). What kind of lights do you guys recommend that can do maybe 2-3hrs or directly into power adapter? Please help, I have another wedding coming up at the first week of may. Thank you all in advance. __________________ PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 2.5GB RAM/500GB/9800 256 Radeon/DeckLink Pro FCP HD/AE 6.5/DVD Studio Pro/Motion Canon XL2/Glidecam 4000/SteadyStick Sony PVM-1350 Monitor

April 23rd, 2006, 09:39 AM	#4
Mike Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland OR Posts: 190	Do a search of lights at weddings and you will get more opinions than you want. It is a rather contentious subject and really does not need to be hammered out again. PS: I hate lights at weddings. (sorry Patrick) __________________ Mike

April 23rd, 2006, 10:01 AM	#5
Mike Phan Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 93	Thanks guys, I know this subject has been well discussed. But appreciate your responses. __________________ PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 2.5GB RAM/500GB/9800 256 Radeon/DeckLink Pro FCP HD/AE 6.5/DVD Studio Pro/Motion Canon XL2/Glidecam 4000/SteadyStick Sony PVM-1350 Monitor

April 23rd, 2006, 07:21 AM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	The only reason I see to use a 100W light at an event is if 1) you want to blind some people 2) you wish to call far more attention to yourself than you will with any other light or 3) you are shooting in a bat cave. 100W is nice to have available but far to much for 99% of events-even when I use an on-camera light to shoot news stuff its generally no more than a 50W with a daylight filter or a peice of tough spun to soften it up. At weddings or banquets (parties of one sort or another) I use either a 20W OR a 50W that is knocked down to 20W-of course if you're using an old camera that doesn't have good low light capabilities you need more but I'm guessing you have a camera that can handle low light pretty well so in answer to your question-I would go for a 35 or 50W dimmable and keep it down to about 20W OR just get a 20W light (Sony 10/20W) and get an couple of extra batteries (960 or 970s) that'll keep you going all night. Don

April 23rd, 2006, 09:15 AM	#3
Patrick Moreau Still Motion Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,186	I've mentioned this in other threads without getting much support from others, but I'll say it one more time. We use studio light(s) at the reception, usually one 300W with softbox or translucent umbrella and it works great for speeches, dances, cake cutting etc. The advantage to it, is that couples seem to not notice it as much as it is very immobile and can stay on between speeches, as an example. As it also doesn't follow the camera, it is not a constant reminder to people that they are being recorded. The results I have gotten from it are really quite good, and I also follow up with couple after the wedding on any issues that may have arisen, and the use of the studio light has never been a problem, they usually did not even notice it consciously, and they are glad it was used. Ity solves your battery problem and in the end, would works great for other things such as love story interviews or guest comments and there are many that are quite affordable (read: sub-$300).