Lighting for backyard receptions at DVinfo.net

Dana Salsbury · December 5th, 2008, 11:00 AM

The camera lights on each of our cameras only goes so far, and no matter how much I warn them, couples never ever light their backyard ceremonies appropriately. When we turn away our cameras the dance floor becomes pitch dark, so we get blamed if we don't light the whole evening.

I'm considering bringing my soft boxes to the next one as a backup. If I can light the dance floor even a little bit, it will most likely save their evening. I've got to think the couples regret the fact that they cannot see three feet in front of them, let alone the video quality.

Ethan Cooper · December 5th, 2008, 01:10 PM

For aesthetic purposes, maybe try large china balls. They should give off nice soft light much as a softbox would, but they'd look a little more pleasing. I've never tried this myself, it's just a theory a this point, but it sounds like a good idea.

Don Bloom · December 5th, 2008, 01:42 PM

china balls would probably do the job except for a few things.
1) you need to hang them (generally) and enough of them to light the area-might be problematic from a logistical point.
2) cost-they ain't cheap and I would guess you would probably need a whole lot of them
3) don't forget striking after the job. They need to be taken down (carefully if you plan to use them again which I think you would ;-)) and then packed, again carefully, and transported. This can really add to strike time.

I would try the softboxes and maybe even gel them to give a more 'romantic look'-perhaps some 1/4 CTO gel.
Just some thoughts.

Don

December 5th, 2008, 11:00 AM	#1
Dana Salsbury Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 859	Lighting for backyard receptions The camera lights on each of our cameras only goes so far, and no matter how much I warn them, couples never ever light their backyard ceremonies appropriately. When we turn away our cameras the dance floor becomes pitch dark, so we get blamed if we don't light the whole evening. I'm considering bringing my soft boxes to the next one as a backup. If I can light the dance floor even a little bit, it will most likely save their evening. I've got to think the couples regret the fact that they cannot see three feet in front of them, let alone the video quality. __________________ www.LegacyHDV.com Weddings \| Corporate \| HMC150s \| FCPX \| Encore \| Lion

December 5th, 2008, 01:10 PM	#2
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	For aesthetic purposes, maybe try large china balls. They should give off nice soft light much as a softbox would, but they'd look a little more pleasing. I've never tried this myself, it's just a theory a this point, but it sounds like a good idea. __________________ ∅ -Ethan Cooper

December 5th, 2008, 01:42 PM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	china balls would probably do the job except for a few things. 1) you need to hang them (generally) and enough of them to light the area-might be problematic from a logistical point. 2) cost-they ain't cheap and I would guess you would probably need a whole lot of them 3) don't forget striking after the job. They need to be taken down (carefully if you plan to use them again which I think you would ;-)) and then packed, again carefully, and transported. This can really add to strike time. I would try the softboxes and maybe even gel them to give a more 'romantic look'-perhaps some 1/4 CTO gel. Just some thoughts. Don