Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

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DVX100Shooter

Veteran
I work at night shooting news and even though on occasion I may use a 1k light to use if I am shooting in a black hole so to speak, are there any particular lights that are best to use in these situations? I am not talking about lighting the talent, but lighting a building or field, etc. behind the talent. I may just need to shoot something at night that is in dark location. I am sure a few 1k's would work right? If I had the money, I would use a high wattage HMI.
 
Re: Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

DVX100Shooter,
PAR 64 globes are perfect for this. Don't know if fixtures for them are still made, but you should be able to find a used one easily. I've used them for years to "paint in" buildings or trees in the distant BG of a shot. They come in Med flood, spot and narrow spot as well. You'll be amazed at what these relatively inexpensive lights can do. They are 1ks.
Hope this helps.
Ken
 
Re: Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

Thanks! Is Par 64 the name of the company that makes them or it that the model number?
 
Re: Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

PAR is short for parabolic reflector -- it's a light type. I believe the 64 refers to the diameter, probably 64 millimeters.

Parabolic lights put out much more lumens than normal lights, they have a reflector that's designed to harness all the spill light and throw it forward in a strong beam.
 
Re: Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

Yeah, sorry about that loose definition. Par 64s are globes..about 8 or 9 inches across. As Barry said, they have built in reflectors and the pattern of the front 'lens" portion is what determines their spread. They fit into simple housings that are relatively indestructible. Check out the Mole-Richardson web site...they're probably listed there.
Ken
 
Re: Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

okay and just so I know "Globes" refers to the glass in front of the bulb similiar to a headlight correct?
 
Re: Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

Yea I noticed that when I saw them listed in my BIG B&H lighting book! Now since they are mainly used for theater and concerts, etc. Can they be mounted on a stand if I needed to use them to brighten up a dark area? I am also going to look into something called the Broadlight that is supposed to be just what I want according to that book. Just a few weeks ago, I had to shoot a reporter on a empty High school football field with the stadium lights off. I had a 250watt Key light which was diffused on her then another 250watt to light up the grass behind her. Now if I had a higher wattage light or even a 1k or HMI, I am sure I could have seen the bleachers and other stuff!
 
Re: Lighting a Pitch black location outside...

Funny you should mention that light! There was a film crew here in Philly shooting a Cameron Diaz movie back in April they were shooting at night but during the day they would have all the lighting equipment right there on the side walk (guarded I might add). Anyway I took a picture of one of those Mole lights like the on you posted. It was definitely bright when they turned it on at night!
 
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