Lighting technique for HD10 at DVinfo.net

Brandt Wilson · November 6th, 2003, 01:12 PM

Hi all,

Next month during my company's winter shutdown, I will be getting the opportunity to perform a weekend test of the HD10.

I'm not a cinematographer/videographer. I setup shadows, say "looks good" and shoot, and more often than not, it doesn't quite pay off.

So, in trying to expand my knowledge of lighting technique and equipment, what kind of setup is recommended for dramatic projects (I know this leaves the door to interpretation wide open) to obtain a cinematic look with this particular camera?

My idea is to light for chiaroscura first, then use a master dimmer to kill the blown out areas.

John Jackman · November 6th, 2003, 10:01 PM

Wow. That's like asking what brand of brush you should buy to paint a masterpiece.

I don't mean to be glib, but dramatic lighting is not one type of setup or another. I can't send you a "dramatic setup" diagram, each scene is lit individually to creatye mood, etc.

Your idea is not far off, except you need to control the highlights independently. DImming everything will throw your shadows too dark.

I'll humbly suggest you get a copy of my book Lighting for Digital Video and Television from Amazon or directly from CMP Books. This will give you a better idea of the issues and techniques.

Chris Hurd · November 6th, 2003, 11:28 PM

John, we need to get a full-blown review of your book for our DV Info Net website. I'll try to make that happen before I see you again at DV Expo in L.A. in December (coming up fast).

John Jackman · November 7th, 2003, 09:19 PM

I'm missing LA this year due to a conflict -- but the review is a great idea!

Mike Butler · November 8th, 2003, 09:56 PM

Hey John, getting that book sounds like a great idea--I haven't read it.

What I have read that talks strictly about lighting is "Matters of Light and Depth" by Ross Lowel (as in Lowel brand lights).

I'll have to try yours too--Amazon One-Click here I come. (can never know too much about lighting)

John Jackman · November 9th, 2003, 08:55 PM

When you get my book, you'll get to "meet" Ross Lowell, I profiled a bunch of the folks like Ross and Hochheim & Swink, the Kino Flo guys.

Chris Hurd · November 9th, 2003, 09:01 PM

Meeting Ross Lowell in John's book may be the next-best thing to meeting him in person, as I did earlier this year at a trade show in New York. John Jackman's book holds a specific value all on its own; adding folks like Ross into that mix only makes it an even better deal than it already is. Congrats John,

November 6th, 2003, 01:12 PM	#1
Brandt Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 220	Lighting technique for HD10 Hi all, Next month during my company's winter shutdown, I will be getting the opportunity to perform a weekend test of the HD10. I'm not a cinematographer/videographer. I setup shadows, say "looks good" and shoot, and more often than not, it doesn't quite pay off. So, in trying to expand my knowledge of lighting technique and equipment, what kind of setup is recommended for dramatic projects (I know this leaves the door to interpretation wide open) to obtain a cinematic look with this particular camera? My idea is to light for chiaroscura first, then use a master dimmer to kill the blown out areas.

November 6th, 2003, 10:01 PM	#2
John Jackman Great DV dot com Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 78	Wow. That's like asking what brand of brush you should buy to paint a masterpiece. I don't mean to be glib, but dramatic lighting is not one type of setup or another. I can't send you a "dramatic setup" diagram, each scene is lit individually to creatye mood, etc. Your idea is not far off, except you need to control the highlights independently. DImming everything will throw your shadows too dark. I'll humbly suggest you get a copy of my book Lighting for Digital Video and Television from Amazon or directly from CMP Books. This will give you a better idea of the issues and techniques. __________________ John Jackman www.johnjackman.com

November 6th, 2003, 11:28 PM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	John, we need to get a full-blown review of your book for our DV Info Net website. I'll try to make that happen before I see you again at DV Expo in L.A. in December (coming up fast). __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

November 7th, 2003, 09:19 PM	#4
John Jackman Great DV dot com Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 78	I'm missing LA this year due to a conflict -- but the review is a great idea! __________________ John Jackman www.johnjackman.com

November 8th, 2003, 09:56 PM	#5
Mike Butler Machinist Mate Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Connecticut Posts: 644	Hey John, getting that book sounds like a great idea--I haven't read it. What I have read that talks strictly about lighting is "Matters of Light and Depth" by Ross Lowel (as in Lowel brand lights). I'll have to try yours too--Amazon One-Click here I come. (can never know too much about lighting) __________________ I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer. Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mc. My only words of wisdom are just, "Radio Edit."

November 9th, 2003, 08:55 PM	#6
John Jackman Great DV dot com Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 78	When you get my book, you'll get to "meet" Ross Lowell, I profiled a bunch of the folks like Ross and Hochheim & Swink, the Kino Flo guys. __________________ John Jackman www.johnjackman.com

November 9th, 2003, 09:01 PM	#7
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Meeting Ross Lowell in John's book may be the next-best thing to meeting him in person, as I did earlier this year at a trade show in New York. John Jackman's book holds a specific value all on its own; adding folks like Ross into that mix only makes it an even better deal than it already is. Congrats John, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!