best way to learn lighting

M

Mishkyn

Member
Hey, I'm completely new to video production and want to learn a little bit more than merely the basic 3 point lighting set up. What is the best way to learn this (and economics are a huge facter - i'm broke and so can't afford the time to go to film school).
 
www.2nd-unit.tv

Watch this, it gives some basic tips on lighting and stuff. Also, it'd be good to pick up a couple of cinematography books, or try attaching yourself to an actual production or somefink. I'm equally new to video, but I've learnt alot on this forum, and there ain't no easy way - when you see even established professionals asking for tips, you kinda get the idea that you can't just learn lighting.

You need practice, practice, practice. Sigh...If only Singapore was kinder to short films - not many short films shot here have especially high production values, most of it is run and gun...
 
best way to learn lighting is to do it, so go make the standard "im new to lighting" home depot run (between $50-$300), and shoot some stuff.
 
Yeah, I set up lights all the time at home and just shoot. it doesn't matter what. Now, when I have to light something for a job or short, I am much more confident in my abilities.
 
Cheesesailor77 said:
best way to learn lighting is to do it, so go make the standard "im new to lighting" home depot run (between $50-$300), and shoot some stuff.
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What would you say would be your essentials to buy at said home depot run? :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
2 or 3 500w "work lights" with stands, preferably the ones that can switch to 250w

2 or 3 24" flo ballasts and bulbs

plus anything cool you see and would like to play with. you'll probably want to go to a real photo shop and pick up a gel pack with the regular CTO, CTB, Diffusion, etc. That will probably be the most expensive part at around $40-$50.
 
I just bought two acme 600w tungsten lights with stands from a guy on DVXuser.com, would you still reccomend me pick up the aforementioned lights?
 
yeah, if it were me I'd still put up those lights, it's what i learned with and still use, they'll fit well in your kit. Besides, you only have 2 lights, you'll really need at least a couple more
 
Yardsale said:
I just bought two acme 600w tungsten lights with stands from a guy on DVXuser.com, would you still recommend me pick up the aforementioned lights?
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I use those kind of lights anytime i need to fill a large background w/o much control. Especially exterior night shots.
 
Learning lighting takes much more then buying a few lights and going out and shooting something. First get the base knowledge, I'd recommend John Alton "Painting with Light" This will cover lighting the entire scene. Then once you have that knowledge you need some technical knowledge about not only lights but how your camera reacts to light. There is a wealth of that information here on this forum, so do yourself a favor and do some book work first, then your efforts with your lights will be much more rewarding. By the way I never light just three points, not even for an interview.
 
Study the great italian painters. Learn the meanings of words such as chiaroscuro and learn to apply those techniques to your photography lighting.
 
Mishkyn said:
Hey, I'm completely new to video production and want to learn a little bit more than merely the basic 3 point lighting set up. What is the best way to learn this (and economics are a huge facter - i'm broke and so can't afford the time to go to film school).
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Depending on what City your from, you can call all of the production companies in your area, and tell them that you will work for free..yes FREE,see if you can be a production assistant of a few of their next commercials. After a couple of gigs, if you don't F%&K up, they might pay you for additional gigs.
This will put you closer to grips and gaffers, and you will learn very quickly, set protocol, equipment terms and uses, examples of lighting and why that particular light was used. You will also learn the name of the cute script supervisor, and where everybody gets their coffee from...Valuable lessons indeed.
If you decide to follow this path, and work for pros, you have to pay your dues....Ever hear of corporate giants that started in the "Mailroom".. Same thing. Use the internet or phone book to lookup production companies near you.
 
Alex DePew said:
I once went to one of those all you could eat Brazilian BBQ places. Man, the chiaroscuro was great!
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Oh yeah, the bacon wrapped chiaroscuro ka bob on a stick is great! I like mine with a touch of lemon and monkey brain. And a couple of those overpriced 8 oz. Coke's. I will never forget the $54.00 lunch I had at a Brazilian Steakhouse in Dallas, TX. Sheesh! Sadly, because of the smuck that I am, I would probably go back, if only for the valet parking! The food was great, but the $$, man alive that was an expensive lunch. At least I had adequate per diem to cover it at that time...
 
thisiswells said:
Oh yeah, the bacon wrapped chiaroscuro ka bob on a stick is great! I like mine with a touch of lemon and monkey brain. And a couple of those overpriced 8 oz. Coke's. I will never forget the $54.00 lunch I had at a Brazilian Steakhouse in Dallas, TX. Sheesh! Sadly, because of the smuck that I am, I would probably go back, if only for the valet parking! The food was great, but the $$, man alive that was an expensive lunch. At least I had adequate per diem to cover it at that time...
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I'm trying to imagine a guy trying to light a set, and going - alright guys, this looks like a classic chairoscuro...I'm gonna need a couple of kinos and some lemon...hit it with some monkey brain too, yeah thats the spot.
 
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