lighting kit

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I was going to hire a director to shoot my script but I've decided to do it myself. I bought "The Comple Guide to Digital Video" and I'm now familiar with shooting digital. I don't have much but I'm hoping to use decent lighting. I've been hearing about the 4 light portable kit. Is this kit enought to light interiors and night shoots? Is there a thread that covers the basics of lighting so you won't have to repeat the same advice.

thanks
 
Re: lighting kit

Hey Vic...
Lighting is tricky. I suggest lighting by eye. I might get shot for saying so here...You can go ahead and buy a kit, but when you light, make sure that you're pleased with the look of the scene...We've all seen films that have been "properly lit" and still look like crapola. Don't be afraid of dark spots.
The reason you light a scene is *usually* to boost the general light level enough to capture the most detail with the camera. Other times, you light for dramatic effect, or to represent the time of day, mood, etc.
I'm not bashing traditional techniques...but if you follow some book to the last detail, yet you think the scene looks fake, light it by eye, and don't forget to check the light levels of your camera.
Also, much of lighting is actually damage control. You get your "key" light to give most of the light, and then the other lights are there to make your subject more distinctive, and to get rid of the shadows caused by the key!
But there's no set recipe...
Chances are that in a 4 light kit, you get a key light, a fill light, a light for your "background" and then another light to put at a diff angle onto your subject...basically another fill. Really take the time to play with your lights, and with each setup you create, study EVERYTHING about the image it lets you capture (how distinct is my subject? Does this image look 3D or more flat? What about tones and highlights? Are there color gradations, or is the light so bright that the scene has no depth?). Time and practice.
Blessings!
 
Re: lighting kit

You also might want to peruse this sight for some less expensive tips on lighting. If you have the cash for a kit fine, but you can often get by with practicals in your source lighting, brooder lamps, work lights and other tricks. One of the advantages (IMHO) of going that route is that you force yourself to understand more about lighting and how it works. At least that's what happened to me.
 
Re: lighting kit

Dont forget china lanters as cheap sources for light.
 
Re: lighting kit

Vic,

I started out recently and was definitely a novice when it came to lighting.

I bought this dvd: http://www.dvcreators.net/products/dv_enlightenment.html

and found it to be a TREMENDOUS help for me. I know a lot of people look down on it because it is so basic, but if you are starting out that is just what you need.

They have samples you can watch online, and you can see how easy they made it to understand the basics of good lighting.

Chris
 
Re: lighting kit

The DVD is about an hour long.

The price is definitely steep for what you get (over-priced actually), but I can't deny it did help me a lot with my lighting questions.

Chris
 
Re: lighting kit

Thanks much Chris. I'll sure check it out. I'd rather pay the ninety bucks to avoid future mishaps.

vic
 
Re: lighting kit

I just used the link in the above post and ordered mine for $75.00. Some kind of special running until Oct 31.
 
Re: lighting kit

Yep, I've gotta back up thartly on this one. It may be over-priced at $99, but at $75, it's probably worth it. Get yours before the end of the month ladies and gents!

I just watched the samples on the site, and I must say they are very intuitive. For those who can't just read a book and need the visuals, or dont have access to a lighting kit you can play with, it looks very good.
 
Re: lighting kit

I'd also suggest you buy the book "Lighting for Digital Video and Telvision" by John Jackman. It goes more in depth than the DV Enlightenment DVD. Both of them together will give you a strong working knowledge of lighting.
 
Re: lighting kit

Good idea Deniz, Jackman's book is awesome for in depth knowledge, and the DVD is great to visualize everything.
 
Re: lighting kit

[quote author=CMessineo link=board=lighting;num=1097527238;start=0#5 date=10/14/04 at 08:47:32]Vic,

I started out recently and was definitely a novice when it came to lighting.

I bought this dvd: http://www.dvcreators.net/products/dv_enlightenment.html

and found it to be a TREMENDOUS help for me.  I know a lot of people look down on it because it is so basic, but if you are starting out that is just what you need.

They have samples you can watch online, and you can see how easy they made it to understand the basics of good lighting.

Chris[/quote]

i've got this DVD for sale if anyone is interested.
 
Re: lighting kit

Hey Dan, want to do a trade? I'll send you a copy of my DVX book/DVD combo in exchange for that DV Enlightenment DVD... our next product will most likely be a comprehensive lighting tutorial, and I'd like to see what other people are doing... just PM me if you want to do a trade...
 
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