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DIY: Video & Studio Lighting

Video and studio lighting aims at recreating natural lighting effects found outdoors, inside a small space. Used to illuminate a person or object, the "Three Point Lighting Method" helps achieve such a natural lighting atmosphere, using three lights. Filmmakers interested in lighting a small studio set themselves, for a video shoot, can incorporate the "Three Point Lighting Method" to create an even lighting environment on set. An additional "Background Light" will also lend to the tone of the set and give the subject more dimension.

Things You'll Need

  • Masking tape
  • 3 Garage lamps
  • 3 150 watt lightbulbs
  • 1 100 watt lightbulb
  • 2 metal light stands
  • 73 inch adjustable floor lamp
  • 18 inch table lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark the ground with masking tape where the subject will be seated or placed. This method of identifying the subject's position is known as "Blocking." Use the tape on the ground as a guide when lighting the set and positioning the cameras to capture a medium "Chest" or "Shoulder" shot of the subject.

    • 2

      Set one 150 watt tungsten garage lamp light onto a metal light stand at a 5 o'clock angle on the right side of the subject, 3 feet away. This first light is the "Key Light," or main light, that is cast on the subject.

    • 3

      Position a second 150 watt tungsten garage lamp light onto a metal light stand to the left of the subject at a 7 o'clock angle, also 3 feet away. Known as the "Fill Light," this light fills in the shadows the "Key Light" has created on the subject.

    • 4

      Place the third 150 watt tungsten garage lamp light onto the adjustable floor lamp, and position the light at a 11 o'clock angle 3 feet behind the subject. Raise the lamp 2 to 3 feet above the subject's head as well. This light in known as the "Back Light" or "Hair Light," which separates the subject from the background.

    • 5

      Illuminate the background with a 100 watt tungsten "Background Light" pointing toward the background. Place a 18 inch table lamp on the ground, without the shade, 3 inches away from the background at a 6 o'clock angle. This second back light adds additional dimension to the subject, further separating them background.

Film Production

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