Lighting a tiny space

[Brooksy]

Everything I've read sounds complicated. In lighting the best advice I've heard is "follow the source." In other words- on a wide establishing shot you show where the dominate light is coming from, e.g. expanse of windows, etc. then compose your shots, (mediums/ CU's )whether it be bounced/softbox,whatever brand/mode-- BUT your shot should reference the dominate light 'source.' I hope I made sense. If not-ignore and bounce.

That sometimes can work. However if that is all you are going to use for light it is probably going to turn out flat and boring. That's what makes lighting so much fun is trying out different things and lighting to the camera which means not necessarily only lighting to source.

 

[avp]

China balls?

 

[FiddlerMD]

well i'm gonna have a go at it on monday - i have a bunch of lights (including china balls) in my kit.. although wont have too much time, nor does the client care in this case for this particular shoot. still, i'd like to get the best possible result

 

[filmat11]

Rent HMI's, shoot them thru the window. ND the window in your shot. Put kino or Kino Diva, or shop light with daylight bulbs, above and wrap black fabric around the light so the light stays of the walls.
This is called "Skirting ". The black fabric simply is clamped around the outside perimeter of the fixture, and should hang straight down. The fabric length depends on your shot, but a good starting point would be around 5-7 inches and you may find that 6- 10 inches might be better, but it also depends on the height of your actors and the height of the ceiling.
You may use the existing light and add -minus green gel (kinda magenta colored), this will bring the overhead light closer to daylight.

 

[FiddlerMD]

can't shoot through windows - this is on the 5th floor of an office building overlooking a river