Shooting a nightclub scene.
- Thread starter jacotte
- Start date
Ryan Patrick O'Hara
Veteran
As in doing what? These are one of those scenes (as if they all aren't), where it's crucial to get in camera.
Nightclubs and theater or stage shows are the nightmares to keep you up at night. The lighting that looks good on stage is the worst for the camera.
1. Usually a strong spotlight is used to highlight the performer. A bright light with dark and sharp falloff makes the camera try to "average" the exposure. With the limited range of contrast in video, it will usually always look horrible.
2. Single color lights red, blue, etc. also freak out the camera and can make the footage look out of focus. The camera, as well as the human eye, must have full spectrum light.
That being said, if you've never shot in this type of environment, a challenge is an understatement.
1. Try to stay away from wide shots. Tight shots will keep the exposure somewhat even.
2. Be ready to play with the manual exposure and focus.
3. You can't white balance if there is no white or full spectrum light to balance.
All of this information is based on you trying to get a good quality rendition of your environment. If you want a very creative "no bars' video just let it fly.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I hate this type of shooting.
Oh by the way, wedding receptions are in the same category. Even though you are required to create the lighting, destroying the party image is a no no.
Gary
1. Usually a strong spotlight is used to highlight the performer. A bright light with dark and sharp falloff makes the camera try to "average" the exposure. With the limited range of contrast in video, it will usually always look horrible.
2. Single color lights red, blue, etc. also freak out the camera and can make the footage look out of focus. The camera, as well as the human eye, must have full spectrum light.
That being said, if you've never shot in this type of environment, a challenge is an understatement.
1. Try to stay away from wide shots. Tight shots will keep the exposure somewhat even.
2. Be ready to play with the manual exposure and focus.
3. You can't white balance if there is no white or full spectrum light to balance.
All of this information is based on you trying to get a good quality rendition of your environment. If you want a very creative "no bars' video just let it fly.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, I hate this type of shooting.
Oh by the way, wedding receptions are in the same category. Even though you are required to create the lighting, destroying the party image is a no no.
Gary