White balance to truck headlights?!

[Norm Sanders]

This could be in the lighting section, but is actually aimed more at the DVX. I've got a scene tomorrow night that we're shooting in an alley, and thought it would actually be cool to just light it with the highbeams & foglights from the Ford Expedition.

It'll provide a cool harsh light for the look, as well as a great natural background to get a nice sillouette (sp?) of our main character.

Problem is, how the heck do I white balance the part when I'm FACING the truck lights, and the character is between the lights & the camera. Normally I'll put the white card up to the character, but in this instance I won't have any light to show their face, card, etc.

Anyone know the color temp for Ford Expedition headlights? :cheesy: Just color correct in post & not worry about it? Ideas?

 

[Dyrseve989]

just face the camera in the direction the headlights are facing, and then hold up a white card that is catching the light from the headlights, and white balance off that. Then turn your camera around and set up your shot. And you will be shooting the correct color temp, and there will be no worries.

-Matt-

 

[Norm Sanders]

Duh, makes sense, thanks Matt. I forgot that I'd still be using the same light source, which is what matters ... I had it in my head that if I change angles/directions, etc. then I need to white balance each time ... don't ask me why that got stuck in my head.

Thanks again!

 

[Dyrseve989]

its all right man, its late, if for anyone this is a question I would normally be asking, its nice to know im not alone.