Not your average glidecam test. Need a question answer as well

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dtjohns1

Well-known member
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5NmaaoJzNs
Most people post one shot of their steadicam test but I decided to do a short music video with it. Didnt get the hang of focusing until later in the shoot so thats why some shots are out of focus. I was wondering what I could do as far as lighting the face during the shots where the sun is going down? Any advice would be great!
 
Either have another person walk by you with a reflector or get one of those high output portable lights.

The reflector is cheaper and often more natural. Use a white one if you can get in close, and go metallic if you need the extra throw on a wide shot.

If you have a lot of cash go with a ring light. Generally good for indoors or when the sun is low. (they don't do much when the sun is bright, unless you're real close in. )
 
Thats what I was thinking. What if there is no sunlight to reflect. i.e. a really cloudy flat day or a building is blocking it and im in the shadows?
 
^Looks like a nice pickup. Will it look natural tho if its hitting the talent directly in the face? i.e. a deer in headlights? or can someone hold it off to the side to give the face some shadow and definition? Thanks!
 
It's surprising bright if you're close. (within 8 feet?) I've only used it in darker situations, but I think if you're using it in daylight I'm inclinded to think it would look softer because it's being "mixed" with ambient sunlight so I don't think you'de get that deer in the headlights look like you would if you're using it in the darker shots. It also gives you the option to select only one light if you think it's too bright.
(makes it a LITTLE more adjustable based on distance and how bright the surrounding sunlight is)

As for as holding it off to the side, your call. I think it would look better straight on.
 
Generally, even sunlight on a cloudy day is brighter than many of those little on camera lights.

If it's cloudy, use the silver reflector if you need more punch. Make sure the reflector has a large flat surface for maximum effect.

Also, those little on camera lights will work well close in if the ambient light is not too bright. Within 4 ft they should be plenty strong for almost any light level, and you may be good up to 10 ft or more for low ambient light (ie down in subway, or outdoors just after sunset)

Little lights do come in handy, just don't get anything too weak. And if you want to be a one man show, you may need an on camera light instead of a reflector.
 
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