shooting with florescent lights

K

kookooframe

Well-known member
Though I've worked in TV production a long time as director and filmmaker, suddenly I'm the default DP for a student short to be shot under florescent lights in a boardroom. I've used my XH-A1 for a year so I know my way around it, but by no means am I an experienced DP. The director wants an "Office" style handheld look. (though I would rather lock down the camera)

My question is -- how best to shoot under florescent lights? What should I white balance for? Can I mix tungsten lights in there? Tricks to keep faces and people from looking like consumptives?
 
Some fluorescents are 5500k and some are 4700k and some are a bit warmer still. Set your white balance to Kelvin, and dial around until it looks right, then stick with that WB for the remainder of the shoot in that location. There will probably be a green spike in the picture, but it will be very subtle and can be easily corrected in post. If you're going to mix tungsten, make sure you put some CTB over it, at least 1/2 CTB (if the Flo's are 4700k), and full CTB if they are 5500k.

One way to help mold and shape a location lit in ceiling flo's is to grab some CFL's that have the same WB as the ones in your location. Toss those in Home Depot clamp lights, and you can accentuate the top light quite well.

Anyone, everyone will have a slight green spike, and it may be almost imperceptible at first, but when you get in post, take out a little green and suddenly the picture will pop with life. Good luck!
 
Thanks, cowpunk, for the detailed suggestions. Good to know that about the green spike. We'll probably be testing out the room Tuesday and shooting this coming holiday weekend, so I can try your advice and see how it works.
 
I know this is old already but it's funny you mention you want the " Office" look.
The lamps used in the series inside of the actual office are specially made for the show and are rated at 7000k. They are very very white, almost blueish. It gives a clean look.
 
DO NOT change the shutter speed any faster than 1/60th. Faster shutter speeds under fluorescents can cause a pulsing white-balance shift throughout the video (on CCD cameras) or rolling/scrolling bands through the video (on CMOS cameras). 1/60th will prevent both issues.
 
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