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PD 150 shooting guide
the contributor's eyes. If the dark side of the face is too dark you need to reduce the contrast. This is the function of the fill
light, and it could be a simple reflector like a white card or Lastolite collapsible reflector. The final light, the back light, can
further enhance your shot. It should be placed behind your contributor and could be a battery light. It is the least important
of the lights if you have limited resources, but if used will create depth to the shot and help separate your contributor from
the background.
Once you are happy with the lighting, don't forget to white balance manually if you are in mixed lighting conditions like those
we have described.
Lighting with overhead lights only is far from ideal, particularly if they are fluorescent. They throw light directly down onto
the contributor and do not provide modelling or catchlights for the eyes. You could try bouncing light back into the eyes
using a lastolite reflector or large piece of white card. If there are other lamps available try using them with or instead of the
overhead light. It's OK to ask for available lights to be switched on and off, but don't move or touch them as it could be a
safety issue.
If you have unwanted shadows in your shot, remember that you will never eliminate them by switching on more lights. You
will need to reposition your contributor instead.
When filming outside, your light source is likely to be the sun, even when it is overcast. Position your contributor so that the
light is thrown onto their face, providing modelling and catch-light. If there is too much contrast between the sides of the
face, use a reflector.
44. USING A BASIC LIGHTING KIT
The principles for setting lights are outlined in the 'lighting principles' section of this guide, and you should also refer to the
previous section on making the most of available light. Using a lighting kit instantly raises a set of safety issues that you
must consider - lights are potentially very dangerous.
Safety is of paramount importance when using lights, there are many potential hazards to avoid; firstly the danger of
electrical shock.
Test any suspect mains supply by plugging a 'mains' socket tester into the socket. Lights should then be plugged into the
mains via a residual current device or RCD, to avoid shock.
Position lamps carefully, away from entrances and exits and passageways. They become hot with use so make sure they
are not positioned so that heat could cause danger or start a fire. Cables should be carefully laid, avoiding traffic areas and
if necessary taped down. Excess cable should be coiled up and out of the way.
Light stands are not particularly stable, particularly if they are fully extended, so be careful where you erect them and don't
leave your lamps unattended. If you're in a domestic situation consider the unpredictability of children and pets, who like
nothing more than going where they shouldn't.
Lamps take a while to cool down after they've been switched off. Should a light be knocked over, turn it off, wait for it to cool
down and don't use it again before it's checked.
Bear in mind that using mains lights will increase the amount of time you need to spend at the location, both to set up and
take down after a reasonable cooling period. It also means extra equipment to carry, make sure you can carry everything
safely between you, or get help.
For anything more than a basic lighting set up for an interview you really should get an experienced lighting person to help.
Lighting is easier to get wrong than right if you don't have the necessary experience, and someone who knows what they're
doing could cut down the time you have to spend dramatically and improve your chances of success no end.
45. BATTERY LIGHTS
There are a number of battery lights on the market, which you may find useful on a DV shoot. They can offer the
opportunity to enhance your pictures without the potential problems of a lighting kit. The most useful is perhaps the one
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