Introduction to Video Lighting
Setting the light is a crucial step in creating a video recording. Proper lighting can mask flaws, highlight necessary details, evoke a range of emotions in the audience, and enhance the overall character of the scene. While many bloggers focus on choosing high-quality cameras, they often overlook the importance of lighting. Without effective lighting, even the highest-quality video camera can produce flat and uninspiring footage. Before diving into how to organize lighting for video recording, it’s important to understand the basic concepts and terms professionals use.
Natural vs. Artificial Light
Daylight: Natural Light Daylight, the most natural form of light, is a primary source for many videographers. However, its variability based on time and weather can present challenges.
Artificial Light Artificial light sources are crucial in video production. They either complement natural light or replace it during indoor shoots or in low-light conditions like evenings and nights.
Lighting Accessories: Curtains and Reflectors
Curtains for Lighting Devices Curtains are essential accessories for lighting devices. Installed on the outer surface of the reflector, curtains help distribute and control the light, allowing you to direct rays or create shadows effectively.
Types of Lighting
Highlights Light A rear sliding light is crucial for outlining or clarifying the contours of an object against a general background. It enhances and highlights the environment.
Reflecting Light As the name implies, reflecting light bounces off a white surface to produce a soft, warm glow that brightens the space.
Hard Light Hard light creates deep, sharp shadows with a minimal area of tonal transition, offering a dramatic and deeper image with very dark shadows.
Highlights Highlights are a type of lighting that helps accentuate specific parts of a video, defining the structure and shape of the subject.
Soft Light Primarily used for lighting faces, soft light gently envelops the subject, casting shadows with soft contours.
Understanding Color Temperature
Color Temperature Color temperature is crucial for assessing the objective impression of the lighting sources’ color, as well as objects reflecting this light. Measured in Kelvins (K), this characteristic is vital for balancing the image in video production.
This structured approach not only makes your text more engaging but also ensures each section is concise and focused, enhancing the overall readability.
There are various lighting techniques when shooting videos. Consider a technique called 3 points of light illumination. This technique involves the use of three lighting sources, which will be presented in more detail below.
Drawing or key light
Drawing or contour light
The main light is a beam of light directed at the subject of the video. Sources are placed simultaneously on both sides of the camera to designate all objects on the set.
Filling light
Filling light
This type of light is softer than the main one. Its source is located opposite the main one (it is important to observe the ratio of 3 to 1). It is necessary in order to remove the shadows created by the main light.
Contour light or contour
Contour light
The light source is installed behind the object in order to place accents. The outline highlights the object against the general background, giving it volume. It is important to be able to handle it for shooting in a contour light.
