Marc_L
Member
I'm back again with another noob request for advice, on what I think is an interesting challenge.
I promise it will be more fun than arguing about any recent hardware announcements. You know, the new Mercedes, or the latest Hadron collider news. ;-)
How to light a subject who is sitting at their desk in front of a webcam, using the following parameters:
- Subject will be sitting at a desk, in front of a computer screen. Think of the setup as a video photo booth.
- Any added light fixtures must be small, inexpensive (even cheap), and cool enough to keep the subject from breaking a sweat. Being on camera will be hard enough for some of them. My camera presence is much more effective when I'm behind the lens!
- the setup should be mostly foolproof, as the users are experts in -their- fields of expertise, not lighting.
- lighting gear should be easily shipped, (small, and not fragile), and readily to those who wish to purchase their own. (We may create a kit for them, with a layout template, etc.)
I'm thinking LED panels, which are not necessarily meant for shooting video (Coleman has an interesting lantern with 4 removable panels); even though I know that there may be color issues, etc. This is for web or iPad delivery, cuts only, no grading on the final product.)
I've seen quite a few DIY lights that use compact fluorescant lamps. I'm a little dubious about these, are there any issues with flickering or color balance? I'm assuming that if they are to be used at all, that the "daylight" lamps would be better for lighting head shots.
- In our experiments so far, some sort of scrim/silk is probably a good idea. Does anyone make mini-silks, about 6"x8", or will we have to make our own?
- One of the biggest issues we've had so far has been keeping the light fixtures reflections off of the subject's glasses. Since the lights are in close, and the subject is likely to be moving their head while talking, it's tough to keep the shape of the lights out of their glasses.
- My client has done most of the experimenting, and I'm trying to get him to avoid re-inventing the wheel. If you have some arguments in favor of sticking with 3 point lighting, please let me know. I'm determined that a single, head-on light source is -not- the way to go!
That's probably enough for now. As ever, thanks for helping a rookie learn the ropes.
Marc
I promise it will be more fun than arguing about any recent hardware announcements. You know, the new Mercedes, or the latest Hadron collider news. ;-)
How to light a subject who is sitting at their desk in front of a webcam, using the following parameters:
- Subject will be sitting at a desk, in front of a computer screen. Think of the setup as a video photo booth.
- Any added light fixtures must be small, inexpensive (even cheap), and cool enough to keep the subject from breaking a sweat. Being on camera will be hard enough for some of them. My camera presence is much more effective when I'm behind the lens!
- the setup should be mostly foolproof, as the users are experts in -their- fields of expertise, not lighting.
- lighting gear should be easily shipped, (small, and not fragile), and readily to those who wish to purchase their own. (We may create a kit for them, with a layout template, etc.)
I'm thinking LED panels, which are not necessarily meant for shooting video (Coleman has an interesting lantern with 4 removable panels); even though I know that there may be color issues, etc. This is for web or iPad delivery, cuts only, no grading on the final product.)
I've seen quite a few DIY lights that use compact fluorescant lamps. I'm a little dubious about these, are there any issues with flickering or color balance? I'm assuming that if they are to be used at all, that the "daylight" lamps would be better for lighting head shots.
- In our experiments so far, some sort of scrim/silk is probably a good idea. Does anyone make mini-silks, about 6"x8", or will we have to make our own?
- One of the biggest issues we've had so far has been keeping the light fixtures reflections off of the subject's glasses. Since the lights are in close, and the subject is likely to be moving their head while talking, it's tough to keep the shape of the lights out of their glasses.
- My client has done most of the experimenting, and I'm trying to get him to avoid re-inventing the wheel. If you have some arguments in favor of sticking with 3 point lighting, please let me know. I'm determined that a single, head-on light source is -not- the way to go!
That's probably enough for now. As ever, thanks for helping a rookie learn the ropes.
Marc