Lighting techniques which are flattering to the actor

Rich Poche

Rich Poche

Member
I'm curious as to what type of lighting set-up some folks use here to really enhance the attractiveness of their actors? I want to avoid unflattering lighting and giving actors the "turkey neck"/bloated appearance.

Rich
 
One thing you can do to minimize turkey neck is to light from a higher angle so that the neck area falls into shadow. If you're dealing with an older actor and you're trying to minimize wrinkles, fluorescents or other soft lights are your friend.
 
If you are shooting older actors, the old theory is high camera, low key. The high camera angle keeps you above their chin, the low (angle) key light (soft) keeps the neck area flat and even, without any nasty shadows. You also want to keep the key more frontal. Make sure the light is never glancing across any wrinkles. Horsefilms technique, while counter to tradition, is also highly effective. Using a high key that throws *heavy*, solid, unbroked shadows on the problem areas.

Either technique is valid, depending on what your needs are. Either way you want to cut it, you definately need strong frontal lighting, and usually you want to play with strong back/hair lighting. Draw all attention away from problem areas. Experiment with different soft sources.

Keep on truckin,
 
Although if you cast beautiful robots in your movie, the unsitely look of wrinkles and chin fat would be a thing of the past.

I would try both techniques out and see what works best for you- experimenting is good. Play with it until it loks right in your monitor. Good luck.
 
Eric Elliott said:
Chocolate gels on the key light make darn near any skin tone look healthier and smoother.
Click to expand...

Mmmm. Chocolate. My favorite. I've actually never known anyone other than myself to use it. But I love it. I've used it in theater, rock & roll and video.
 
If some candy manufacturer made a product called Chocolate Gel, I'd probably eat it... or at least put it in my hair...
 
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