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iStockphoto - Stock Video Training Manual
6.2 - Digital Video Requirements: Video Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of video footage creation. However, the rise of affordable digital video cameras with the ability to shoot in any kind of light source may have taken away from the craft of getting good lighting. The disadvantage of relying on the built-in abilities of your camera is that you may not achieve a proper exposure, or the hardware may overcompensate for low light situations having a negative effect on the final footage. It’s easy to get an adequate exposure without a lot of effort, but we want our lighting to be effective and memorable.
Harsh Shadows & Direct Light:
Possible Solution: Bounce a diffuse light source from ceilings, walls and floors.
Underexposed:
Possible Solution: Decrease shutter speed or increase aperture size to let in more light.
Overexposed:
Intentionally overexposing a clip (or reaching that level with post processing) can produce superb results. However, making the distinction between “high key” and “overexposure” is indeed important. As with anything in the videographic process, it is the intention of the artist and the strength of the finished clip that are considered and evaluated.
High key videography is essentially about contrasts. Dark, intense areas in the frame are a good start. It is white, agreed... but it is also contrasted and a very broad range of tones is present. The high key aspect of this clip serves the subject beautifully... and adds to overall mood of the clip.
Possible Solution: Decrease aperture size to let in less light, add a neutral density filter, or increase shutter speed.
Lens Flares:
Shooting against a bright source of light is a difficult game... not for the faint at heart. But the result can be quite nice indeed if done artistically. Moderation is key.
Cause: Recorded light refractions from direct light sources in the camera lens.
Possible Solution: Avoid pointing the camera directly at light sources (to reduce reflections within the lens). Sometimes a lens hood can reduce flare.