A poke in the right direction at DVinfo.net

Phil Thornton · June 9th, 2005, 08:46 AM

I am new to DV and was looking for a newbie resource for the basics of lighting, shooting, set-up, terms, audio.... etc. Is there one single online resource that provides the fundamentals??? I am currently a Creative Services Manager that has been thrown into video at work (willingly thrown). We have been blessed (or cursed, give me opinions) with a new sony Z1 and a arri light kit (2x650 fresenels, and a 300w + soft light box thingy). I have been around video and actually produced some but have never been behind the camera so to speak. Are there and dvd's I can buy? Online videos? Tutorials? Websites? This site has already been a huge knowledge base and I appreciate any response. Thanks!

Mike Rinkunas · June 9th, 2005, 10:19 AM

Welcome aboard Phil,

i've got 2 suggestions for where to start, although neither of them are on-line...

first is a book by Ross Lowell - Matters of Light and Depth. This book really outlines all of the basic principles of lighting, and even includes a couple of sample 'projects' for you to do to get some hands on work. It is very detailed though, and does approach lighting from a photographers point of view, but then again what is video but 30 pictures a second?

If you're not a reading person, another great item is a DVD produced by DVCreators.net called DV Enlightenment. This disc goes through some basics of lighting, explainations of what equipment is, and even a nice 4-point lighting system for interviewing. check it out @ http://www.dvestore.com/products/dv_enlightenment.html
It is on sale for $75 at the moment.

Personally, i own a copy of both. I haven't had a chance to sit down and completely read Lowell's book; but for the sections i have read, i have have found it very useful, and often refer back to it as a reference guide. Recently, i showed the DV Enlightenment DVD to my g/f since i was dragging her along on a cross state video interview project. after one sitting, she picked up all of the basics and was able to help me setup and dial in lighting.

of course, there is always the option of reading all the posts in the photon management section :-)

Good Luck and once again welcome!
~Mike

Phil Thornton · June 9th, 2005, 01:21 PM

thanks, I will get both. This seems to be exactly the kind of thing I am looking for. Thanks!

June 9th, 2005, 08:46 AM	#1
Phil Thornton Tourist Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2	A poke in the right direction I am new to DV and was looking for a newbie resource for the basics of lighting, shooting, set-up, terms, audio.... etc. Is there one single online resource that provides the fundamentals??? I am currently a Creative Services Manager that has been thrown into video at work (willingly thrown). We have been blessed (or cursed, give me opinions) with a new sony Z1 and a arri light kit (2x650 fresenels, and a 300w + soft light box thingy). I have been around video and actually produced some but have never been behind the camera so to speak. Are there and dvd's I can buy? Online videos? Tutorials? Websites? This site has already been a huge knowledge base and I appreciate any response. Thanks!

June 9th, 2005, 01:21 PM	#3
Phil Thornton Tourist Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2	thanks mike! thanks, I will get both. This seems to be exactly the kind of thing I am looking for. Thanks!

June 9th, 2005, 10:19 AM	#2
Mike Rinkunas Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Allentown, PA Posts: 134	Welcome aboard Phil, i've got 2 suggestions for where to start, although neither of them are on-line... first is a book by Ross Lowell - Matters of Light and Depth. This book really outlines all of the basic principles of lighting, and even includes a couple of sample 'projects' for you to do to get some hands on work. It is very detailed though, and does approach lighting from a photographers point of view, but then again what is video but 30 pictures a second? If you're not a reading person, another great item is a DVD produced by DVCreators.net called DV Enlightenment. This disc goes through some basics of lighting, explainations of what equipment is, and even a nice 4-point lighting system for interviewing. check it out @ http://www.dvestore.com/products/dv_enlightenment.html It is on sale for $75 at the moment. Personally, i own a copy of both. I haven't had a chance to sit down and completely read Lowell's book; but for the sections i have read, i have have found it very useful, and often refer back to it as a reference guide. Recently, i showed the DV Enlightenment DVD to my g/f since i was dragging her along on a cross state video interview project. after one sitting, she picked up all of the basics and was able to help me setup and dial in lighting. of course, there is always the option of reading all the posts in the photon management section :-) Good Luck and once again welcome! ~Mike