DP using Laser and Crystals

[lxjordanxl]

Hey guys,
I was on a video shoot recently and the DP was using what seemed like pieces of glasses and crystals and was waving them in front of the camera to give a really cool diffraction effect. He was also flashing a blue LED flash light at the lens to give a flare look as well... Has anyone heard of DP's doing that? If so, does anyone know if this is a special kind of LED flash light that he is flashing at the lens and if there is a special kit of these peice of glass I could get somewhere? Attaching photos for reference!


Thanks in advance!!

 

[Shane]

There's really no special kit, just go to thrift stores and find pieces of glass that interest you. Pieces of chandelier work well. I have a collection of glass that I use that I have picked up over the years. Split diopters work well for a different effect, see Bruno Aveillan's work http://www.quad.fr/directors/bruno-aveillan/

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Hey guys,
I was on a video shoot recently and the DP was using what seemed like pieces of glasses and crystals and was waving them in front of the camera to give a really cool diffraction effect. He was also flashing a blue LED flash light at the lens to give a flare look as well... Has anyone heard of DP's doing that? If so, does anyone know if this is a special kind of LED flash light that he is flashing at the lens and if there is a special kit of these peice of glass I could get somewhere? Attaching photos for reference!

Thanks in advance!!

Yes, this is very common. DP's will collect odd/broken peices of glass from all places for this effect and various strengths, etc. They will also flare the lens with small light sources....

But please, anyone who reads this... DON'T shine a laser into your camera's sensor. This is not how those effects are achieved. Small flashlights, LED's, etc are ok. A laser can very likely hurt your sensor permanently. No laser pointers in the lens, por favor.

 

[lxjordanxl]

Wow, very interesting! So I should go to a thrift store to find these pieces then?

 

[sonofaresiii]

Go to wherever. Thrift store, home depot, your mom's garage... best if you just kind of keep an eye out for them, instead of actively hunting them down, but if you really need some soon just check anywhere that might have decorative glass.