Is the lighting on your set not working out the way you want it to? Try using these 5 items to manipulate light to your specifications.
Lighting your shot can be a true hassle, especially when dealing with either a small, confined room or a large, open space. The light has to specifically cater to the room to get a natural look in your videos. When using professional lights, it’s hard to adjust powerful lights to get the look you want, so it’s best to use a few accessories to help you achieve expert-quality lighting.
Flags
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AGVD482rbo
Flags are quintessential tools for any gaffer’s arsenal. Their purpose is to block light and direct it into certain places. One of the main problems with using powerful lights is that the spill will create a theater-like look on camera. Flags can place the light exactly where you want it while creating a dramatic image by providing contrast on your subject. Flags can also help with creating shadows on your background that will help your subject stand out in the foreground — making it the perfect accessory to use in your next dramatic production. Check out the video above from Lights Film School to learn more about flagging lights.
Barn Doors
Barn doors are probably the most common type of light manipulation, as they usually come attached to the light on its swap ring. Barn doors are perfect for making hard linear shadows on your subject. If you are trying to make a geometric spotlight to frame a square object such as a painting, barn doors are probably the best tool to use. Take a look at this video where a pleasant gentleman will help you understand the mechanics of barn doors.
Reflectors
Reflectors are great companions to any exterior film set. They can reflect light from many different sources, but when it comes to shooting outside, harnessing the power of the sun works best. With the sun beaming onto your subject from one direction, you can use the reflector to insert fill light onto the other side of their body. For more info, check out Eskild Fors’s video on lighting with a reflector, or click the links below.
- How to Creatively Use a Reflector on Location
- 3 Ways to Use a Collapsable Reflector for Naturally Lit Shots
Bead Board
Just like reflectors, bead boards use reflected light to form a great fill light on a subject. The main difference between the two is that bead boards usually reflect light more evenly, and they are typically indoor tools attached to a C-stand. Another great use for bead boards is a bounce light: placing them at a high angle and point your light directly at it. The diffused light will create a softer, ambient light on your subject, compared to a harsher, head-on light.
Cookies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP7jvvQzKus
A “cookie,” originating from its technical name,”cuculoris,” is a board with shapes cut into it to cast certain shadows onto a subject or background. This handy little board is fantastic for adding more information and texture to your shot. It can also be used to mimic different types of cast light, such as moonlight peering through blinds or tree limb shadows from sunlight. When you’re trying to add that extra piece of production value to your film, the cookie will be sure to create convincing silhouettes, even when you’re shooting in a studio.
Cover image via Shutterstock.
Want more resources on using light in your films? Be sure to check out these resources below:
- 10 Cheap and Simple Light Setups for Filmmakers and Photographers
- LED Lights Under $500 Every Filmmaker Needs On Set
- Choosing the Right Lighting Setup for Your Vlog