Ever wonder why it can sometimes take hours for a video crew to get set-up and ready to shoot? Most of the time, it isn’t because they’re unprepared or lazy. In fact, it is often quite the opposite. Properly prepping a set is crucial to the quality of the final product. Today, we’re sharing a few secrets from one of the masters in the art of lighting and a critical member of the 515 team, Mr. Robb Moore of Truthpoint Media.
Why is good lighting so critical to good video?
I think lighting is just as important as the camera image and sound in production. Together, they’re like a 3-legged stool. Lighting makes or breaks the image. Lighting motivates a mood when communicating…it tells a story in itself. The color, direction and shape, etc. And when I say lighting, I mean both added light, and control existing light–it’s a big ecosystem of rays that when done well, work together to form a “whole”. Lighting is the fuel the camera uses to expose properly.
What are some common mistakes people make when it comes to lighting?
Not using light properly to motivate emotion and composition is a common mistake…meaning, throw a light up, wrong color, turn it on and shoot. Light in a scene has to come from something, from somewhere. This is why people look orange sometimes, or blue, or their glasses have a huge light reflection, etc. Light has “color” or “temperature” to it, scientifically, and understanding that leads to desired effects, or undesired effects. So, motivation and proper light sources are 2 mistakes we see often.
How do you fix those mistakes?
I enjoy shaping light and painting with light…simple as that. I approach it organically, naturally. What’s the scene supposed to “feel” like? We all love in a world of light, and if you pay attention, you can start seeing patterns and you start seeing where light comes from in your own light. So, when approaching a scene…you need to feel it out. Lighting is very technical as well…knowing light temperatures, knowing how to shape light and where light should come from. Sometimes it’s not about light. It’s about taking away light….controlling light.
What are a few basic tips for good lighting?
Know where your light source is supposed to be coming from. A lamp? the sun? a hallway light? a TV? a fire? You need to match the color, shape, softness, size and other attributes about the source when using artificial sources. Just remember, lighting instruments are maybe 30% or 40% of the equation, most times…light control and available light are the rest of the equation.
Final thoughts?
Lighting is subjective…so get out and try some things. Lighting technology, camera, media, type of project and even personnel change things immediately and over time. There’s really no right or wrong way….look at it–if it’s bad, work on it. If it’s good, continue to practice. If you’ve reached perfection..move onto another career! 🙂