lighting for this situation?

P

powerdog

Veteran
I'm just getting started, and I'd appreciate any thoughts on lighting requirements with these parameters:

1. Primarily shooting interviews in people's homes. Expect some natural light through windows, table lamps, etc.

2. Only one person (me), so can't carry tons of equipment.

3. Don't need anything beyond a nice, natural look.

4. Would use a tripod for camera (planning on DVX100a)

What should I bring for lighting, at a minimum? Thanks!!
 
Re: lighting for this situation?

First thing that sticks out in my mind is the color temperature clash you're going to get. Natural light and table lamps are going to be two ends of the extreme for a tungsten color balance. The window spill will be cool blue, the table lamps will be a warm orange, leaving little in the room to actually be white.

For my eyes, blue spill from windows is acceptable if your interior light shows up as white on camera. Practicals aren't going to do that unless you get balanced bulbs.

Photofloods aren't cheap, and they're quite hot for most DV situations, so you might have to see if you can find some good household bulbs that aren't as warm. Table lamps are going to measure somewhere in the neighborhood of 2600k to 3000k, but 3200+ should be your target.

If you can get your hands on a few totas, you'll be set. A couple of ctbs to balance the colors, a couple dimmers to reduce the output, and maybe a bounce card or two and you should be able to get an acceptable lighting set up with minimal weight and bulk.
 
Re: lighting for this situation?

If you're doing interviews, get a CaseLite or a Diva 200 for your key. Fluorescent, cool, low power draw (so no blowing circuit breakers in your subject's house!) A little pricey at around $750 or so, but you'll thank yourself over and over every time you use it, and your subject will love you for it because they won't be squinting and melting under a hot light.

Then fill out the kit with a couple of Britek 250's for hairlight & background light, and a couple of dimmers...
 
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