Getting started in lighting
- Thread starter STiVo
- Start date
Walter_Graff
Carbonite Member
Re: Getting started in lighting
It's a great way to go because it starts you out with options. get as much info as you can from as many sources.
Very shortly I am introducing the first in a series of DVD called "Lighting Vignettes". The first is called "Three Ways To Shoot a Head". I will show three common lighting fixtures and what they can do to light someone and the end result of the three through split screens. It's is less of a how to video and more like a This Old House where we see what I do to get the effect but hear what's going on in my mind as I do it talking about the nuances, etc, not simply instruction about what should and shouldn't be. Comparative teaching is very effective and no one offers such a thing in the production world, so I am hoping to change the way we teach with this series.
It's a great way to go because it starts you out with options. get as much info as you can from as many sources.
Very shortly I am introducing the first in a series of DVD called "Lighting Vignettes". The first is called "Three Ways To Shoot a Head". I will show three common lighting fixtures and what they can do to light someone and the end result of the three through split screens. It's is less of a how to video and more like a This Old House where we see what I do to get the effect but hear what's going on in my mind as I do it talking about the nuances, etc, not simply instruction about what should and shouldn't be. Comparative teaching is very effective and no one offers such a thing in the production world, so I am hoping to change the way we teach with this series.
thartley
Veteran
Re: Getting started in lighting
I dont know sh*t about lighting and the Lowel DV Creator kits range from $1500+ to $2000...is that a good price for what you get in these kits? There is the Lowel 44 kit and the 55 that I would even be able to consider and sleep at night.
The 44 kit:
http://www.lowel.com/kits/DVcreator44.html
and the 55 kit:
http://www.lowel.com/kits/DVcreator55.html
Can someone give me the different example situations where I would want to use one over the other? I dont mind spending the money to get quality equipment to properly learn how to light, and I would rather have my own gear than rent. I just dont know how to choose between these two kits.
Any help is most appreciated.
I dont know sh*t about lighting and the Lowel DV Creator kits range from $1500+ to $2000...is that a good price for what you get in these kits? There is the Lowel 44 kit and the 55 that I would even be able to consider and sleep at night.
The 44 kit:
http://www.lowel.com/kits/DVcreator44.html
and the 55 kit:
http://www.lowel.com/kits/DVcreator55.html
Can someone give me the different example situations where I would want to use one over the other? I dont mind spending the money to get quality equipment to properly learn how to light, and I would rather have my own gear than rent. I just dont know how to choose between these two kits.
Any help is most appreciated.
MattC
Veteran
Re: Getting started in lighting
I looked at both and went with the 55 kit. Bigger Rifa light which I liked (still do). The nice thing about this kit is, like Walter said, you get a lot of options for you money. These lights do get hot so planning on going to the hardware store and buying a pair of leather work gloves. Also, the more I play with lights the more I realize that the lights themselves are only about 50% of the equation (remember this is from a newbie, so take it for what it's worth). The other half of the equation comes from putting together other stuff to shape the light. So, regardless of what light kit you get remember to pick up some of the following:
Black and white foam-core boards from staples to cut and reflect light
Some stands to hold said boards - more than you'll think you need
Blackwrap - you can't imagine how many ways you'll use this stuff
Wooden clothespins
Mesh fabric - I bought some for redoing screens at a hardware store, great little scrims
A nice collapsable reflector (photoflex?) with four sides (reversible cover)
Color correction gels (you'll get some in the kit)
ND Gels (again, you'll get a few in the kit)
Maybe some colored gels, if you're into that sort of thing.
A couple of heavy duty extension cords, I like the ones with the surge protector at the end.
Swiss army knife or multitool
Have fun. Messing around with lighting has quickly become one of my favorite pastimes.
Best,
Matt
I looked at both and went with the 55 kit. Bigger Rifa light which I liked (still do). The nice thing about this kit is, like Walter said, you get a lot of options for you money. These lights do get hot so planning on going to the hardware store and buying a pair of leather work gloves. Also, the more I play with lights the more I realize that the lights themselves are only about 50% of the equation (remember this is from a newbie, so take it for what it's worth). The other half of the equation comes from putting together other stuff to shape the light. So, regardless of what light kit you get remember to pick up some of the following:
Black and white foam-core boards from staples to cut and reflect light
Some stands to hold said boards - more than you'll think you need
Blackwrap - you can't imagine how many ways you'll use this stuff
Wooden clothespins
Mesh fabric - I bought some for redoing screens at a hardware store, great little scrims
A nice collapsable reflector (photoflex?) with four sides (reversible cover)
Color correction gels (you'll get some in the kit)
ND Gels (again, you'll get a few in the kit)
Maybe some colored gels, if you're into that sort of thing.
A couple of heavy duty extension cords, I like the ones with the surge protector at the end.
Swiss army knife or multitool
Have fun. Messing around with lighting has quickly become one of my favorite pastimes.
Best,
Matt
thartley
Veteran
Re: Getting started in lighting
I'm not doing too bad, then...cuz I got everything else you mentioned with the exception of leather gloves, photoflex, and stands to hold the foamcore. Heck, I wont have much left after getting the kit. I am a debt-free person, though... so far. heh!! I've been pricing my wish list all weekend.
I'm waiting impatiently now, for these lighting dvd's people have in the works.
(why couldnt I have gotten bitten by the macrame bug? Would have been MUCH less expensive!)
I'm not doing too bad, then...cuz I got everything else you mentioned with the exception of leather gloves, photoflex, and stands to hold the foamcore. Heck, I wont have much left after getting the kit. I am a debt-free person, though... so far. heh!! I've been pricing my wish list all weekend.
I'm waiting impatiently now, for these lighting dvd's people have in the works.
(why couldnt I have gotten bitten by the macrame bug? Would have been MUCH less expensive!)