Lighting a candlelit diner scene....

[MattC]

Hello all,

The main scene for my next short takes place at a dining room table over a romantic candle lit diner. I'm trying to figure out how to light this scene in a dramatic, romantic way (there may be a bit of foul play coming up). I'm waiting for a production monitor to arrive so some of my problems may reside there. But I'd like for you to take a look at some grabs from some early test footage that I've been experimenting with and tear them apart telling me what you would do differently. For the record I shot this with an XL2 and lit with lowel lights.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Re: Lighting a candlelit diner scene....

I'm enjoying chatting with MAtt today as my edit is pissing me off (Length issues; too long and trimming the shite out of it).

Based on these grabs alone I would offer (2) choices:

1. Use a backlight to edge enhance the mans hairline and shoulders and then use a bounce or kicker to achieve more exposure on his face.

or

2. Get a China Ball (lamp) and hang it directly over the center of the table (or action).

Perhaps even using both these techniques together? I'd alos consider the use of more practicals if possible. The choice of location is wonderful and there seems to be alot to look at but the areas of black and shadow are'nt doing this set justice. Just some splash and glow here and there in the background. The green of the palms (plants) would add some nice pop to this color palette. I see you specifically are going for a warm cast (obviously with the candles) and it looks great.

 

[MattC]

Re: Lighting a candlelit diner scene....

The feeling is mutual John.

You know I thought about going with the china ball thing but then I thought it would be too much for what I was shooting for (remember those payback grabs you posted a while ago), but maybe not! I actually did have a hair light on me but since I was alone again - actor coming over tomorrow - It was hard to position it on myself.

I had orginaly lit the plant from above, and it looked real good, but then I thought "there's no reason for a light to be there" so I removed it...

I'm thinking of doing a cookie on that wall to hit the wall and the plant. Too much?

As always, thanks.

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Re: Lighting a candlelit diner scene....

A cookie is a great idea. And a simple solution at that. I wouldn't stress to hard the "...where would that light be coming from..." angle as the audience probally isn't seeing the big picture. I do think there are lots of interesting things going on and would definatley use them. Remember, you can never not light enough (generally speaking) as you can bring levels down in post but you can never get those levels back if you didn't have enough light to begin with.