help needed - lighting
 

hi all

i was thinking of conducting an interview and needed some advice on the lighting options. i have a limited budget (doesnt everyone), but i came across this and needed some input.

would this be suitable for lighting a single person interview?

i was also thinking of reflecting the light to get the 3 point lighting formula

regards

Re: help needed - lighting
 

You don't always need 3 points, it's often a convention for interviews, but it's not a rule and I know camera people who don't use a back light for interviews.

I don't know what "this" is, but a reflector can be very effective fill source.

Re: help needed - lighting
 

Just shot a one person interview - used small LED lights - Key, Fill and Backlight - very simple setup and good results. Shot on a 7D.

Re: help needed - lighting
 

Forgot to include a link, so we can't tell what you're referring to. If you're going to make a habit of shooting interviews, then a good lighting kit will be the best investment you can make. I've had some lights for over 10 years, so even if they cost $2000 (total), that means I only spent $200 per year for them. What a bargain!

My recommendation, get one softbox with an eggcrate grill (the largest you can afford), a prolight and snoot (for hair or rim light), and a 5-in-1 reflector (again, larger is better). Add in a few stands, cords, bulbs, and sandbags, and you can probably do it under $800.

Add gear as your skills improve, take a lighting workshop, read a bunch of books, practice, practice, and then practice some more. I've started posting lighting diagrams from my interviews on my site, you can see one here: Steal this setup – awesomeshot.net

I also recommend getting Jay Holben's book "A Shot in the Dark", as he demonstrates some cheap do-it-yourself lighting kits to get you started on a shoestring budget.