Hot Film & Photography Lighting How-Tos
How To: Make a dramatic spotlight from a household lamp
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a guerilla spotlight using household items. Users will simply need a cardboard cylinder and a light source. Te materials used in this video were a toilet paper roll, piece of aluminum, gaff tape and a lamp. Begin by cutting a couple of 90 degrees slots in the middle of the foil, slide in the tube ad secure it with tape. It should be a bit longer than the tube. Now wrap it around the light source. This video will benefit those viewers who produ...
How To: Make cheap lighting & barn doors
Check out this instructional lighting video that explains how to make cheap barn doors for your lights. For this project, you will need a total of 4 hinges, 12 nuts and bults, a screwdriver, cardboard, scissors, and a lighting fixture. This is a simple guerrilla filmmaking tutorial on how to design your own barn doors. A great addition to any low-budget filmmaker's lighting kit.
How To: Use black wrap for film lighting equipment
Mike from the SubStream's "Film Lab" has some tips regarding lighting, gripping and gaffing. Mike's soul screams for Rosco's magic Cinefoil wrap (aka Black Wrap, aka shroud-of-death wrap). Made from black holes. Learn what it's used for and how to use it! It's really just thick black aluminum foil with heat protection. The easiest and cheapest lighting accessory.
How To: Improve outdoor interview imagery
Many people like to interview subjects outside because they enjoy the look of sunlight over tungsten lights. However, it can be difficult to work with such an uncooperative key light. In this Israel Hyman video are some ideas which can help you improve your outdoor interview imagery.
How To: Get the best lighting on your videos with a ring light
Lighting is everything when it comes to creating a good solid video/film. You will see a great example of a ringlight made of 12 lightbulbs arranged in a perfect circle with a cut-out to allow your camera to be in the middle to capture the best light. You will get an idea of just what materials you will need to create your own ring light.
How To: Use a sun gun when shooting a film
In this episode, The Shirtless Apprentice gives us some tips and information on how to use one of the most versatile and under appreciated tools in a videographer"s arsenal, the sungun! Matt compares two types of sunguns, incandescent and L.E.D., and weighs the benefits of each.
How To: Use lighting for video
Videomaker Associate Editor Tom Skowronski explains how four basic steps can be used to improve the lighting effects for a video and give it a more professional look.
How To: Set up three point lighting for shooting video
In this illuminating episode of the Shirtless Apprentice, Matt walks you step by shirtless step through the three point lighting technique as he explains the relationship between the key light, fill light, and how to give your subject some pop with an overhead backlight.
How To: Best light your webcam video
Anthony and Ian of Smosh, and Logitech, provide you with some simple tips on how to best light your webcam video shoot. Just don't get caught with your pants down...
How To: Get a great shot on black background with Canon EOS 7D
It is possible to get a beautiful shot on a simple black backdrop, and in this tutorial you will learn how to arrange your lighting to do just that. Using a Canon EOS 7D, you will be able to shoot a wonderfully poetic moment on black if you follow these simple techniques.
How To: Create better lighting for a webcam on a budget
This video focuses on improving your lighting in a small budget webcam setting.
How To: Use 3 point lighting
This lighting tutorial video explains the basics of lighting a scene using the 3 point lighting scheme with a Lowell light kit and various essential equipment. Using the back light, the fill and key light, three point lighting will produce a properly lit subject. This video is great for lighting designers and cinematographers alike.
How To: Light a green screen properly for podcasting
Matt, the Shirtless Apprentice, advises viewers on the proper procedure for lighting a green screen. The successfully implemented chroma key technique can significantly raise the production value of any video podcast. He gives specific advice on how to separate the light that falls on the subject from the light on the greenscreen, a traditionally tricky technique.
How To: Create an effective candle lit scene in your movie
If you're trying to film a romantic dinner, you'll want the setting to seem dim and candle lit - but you'll still want the lighting quality of the film to be good. Here's how you can shoot an effective dimly lit scene.
How To: Use a Light Meter for Correct Film and Video Lighting
Know a little bit about film lighting, but can't quite grasp the concept of using light meters to measure light for proper exposure? You can't rely on your video camera to accurately capture what you see, so you need light meters to properly and accurately capture what you have created on set.
How To: Use 3 point lighting to light your videos like pros
Three point lighting is the key to MAKING videos look professional. Tom Skowronski, the associate editor of Videomaker, guides us through the process of three point lighting. Three point lighting involves the use of three types of light to create a professional appearance when video taping. First, a key light is used to provide bright illumination of the subject. Then, a fill light cleans up the dark areas on the face. Lastly, a backlight fills serves to separate the subject from the background.
How To: Use bright set lights without hurting anybody's eyes
Mike and Rajo from the SubStream's "Film Lab" have some tips regarding production. Set Safety: 'Striking!' Don't burn a dude or dudette's eyes out of their head, man. Say 'striking!' or 'sparking!' when you turn on a lamp! Workplace safety is important because you could get killed or injure somebody else of a film set. Use bright set lights without hurting anybody's eyes.
How To: Film in low light situations using the Canon HV20
The so-called 'photo button trick' can help you get the exposure right, when you film in low light situations / total darkness. The tutorial was made for the Canon HV20 but works for the HG10 as well (they share menu / software).
How To: Light a two-person interview
Learn how to frame and block an over-the-shoulder shot as Matt, the Shirtless Apprentice, demonstrates the use of cutters to block lens flair.
How To: Make and use your own ring lights for music videos
This tutorial shows you one important lighting fixture for filming music videos - the ring light. Make your own ring light, and then learn how you can use it to greatest effect when you're filming your next music vidoe or indie project.
How To: Set up a low budget lighting system for filming a documentary or interview
Low budger project? NO budget project? Lighting is a key part of any film, so you don't want to skimp on it. This tutorial shows you how to set up some inexpensive lighting systems when you're filming a documentary or interview.
How To: Properly light for an interview using the Canon EOS 7D
In a smaller interview setting, the lighting will be much different than a bigger scene. You will need to have a good focus on your subject's face and body as well as a clear background so your viewers don't get tired. In this tutorial, learn exactly how to set up your lighting for a smaller setting such as an interview while using a Canon EOS 7D camcorder. This clip will take you through a total step by step lesson so you can get started making great films at home.
How To: Assemble a DayFlo-FX 3204 Softbox
This video is a tutorial on how to assemble a DayFlo-FX 3204 Softbox. The instructor begins the video by showing what the DayFlo case looks like before assembly. The first part installed are the diffuser panels, it is also noted that you must remove the protective film from the front panel. The instructor notes that there are holes drilled into each side of the fixture. The next step is to insert the fat tipped ends of the rod into the corner holes and install the rods into the top two corner...
How To: Light an interior space while filming on a budget
In this video from FiveSprockets we learn how to light an interior space while filming on a budget. For this you need two Chinese lanterns which he found for $2.95 each. You need 2 light bulbs which he found for $3.95 each. Make sure you get extra ones. Then get a couple of pan lights. They are day light and mood light. They were $7 and $5. You also need a multi colored gel pack which is $6.00. He uses C-stands to hold the lights up but he suggests coming up with other ways if you don't have ...
How To: Set up video interview lighting for multiple cameras
Interviewing lighting basic training tutorial provides easy to follow instruction in this step by step video. Set up the interview area to allow the best camera angles. Place your lights in key, fill, and backlight positions. Use back lighting spillover to fill subject area without camera spillover. Check your setup with the subjects and make any necessary adjustments to your camera or lighting angles. Place your crew and your ready for your interview. This scenario using key, fill, and back-...
How To: Use Kino Flo lighting systems on a film set
Mike from the SubStream's "Film Lab" has some tips regarding film lighting. See how to use these super cool (literally and figuratively) lights called Kino lights. These fluorescent Kino Flos are perfect for when you want soft, even light that doesn't draw much power. Get the details on how to set them up!
How To: Setup Rembrandt lighting for a film shoot
This is The Substream's "The Film Lab" series on lighting basics. This episode covers Rembrandt Lighting.
How To: Make an adjustable light stand
Learn how to make an adjustable light stand. This adjustable telescoping light stand is cheap if you have all of the materials already, like a painter's pole, a metal table leg, scrap wood and some screws. This light stand is a good choice for film shoots on a low-budget. Who needs expensive light stands anyways?
How To: Make a folding reflector from cardboard and foil
Learn how to make a folding reflector from cardboard and foil. This is essentially free if you have all of the materials already, like cardboard, golden aluminum foil, tape and scissors. This foldable light reflector is a good choice for outdoor film shoots on a low-budget. When you can't bring lights to your film shoot outdoors, let the light come to you!
How To: Use a light meter to properly light a digital film
A light meter can prove to be an invaluable tool on any film set, allowing you to quickly and efficiently set lights and know the correct exposure values of those lights. Light meters were initially designed for still photographers and cinematographers can easily calibrate them to a given film stock speed for shooting film. But what about today’s digital cinematographer? I’m glad you asked. In this video tutorial you'll see how you can use a light meter to quickly and efficiently light a scen...
How To: Apply three point lighting to your amateur film making
Three point lighting is the standard used to illuminate a subject for amateur film, video, and even theater application.
How To: Create good 3 point lighting for amateur film making
Lighting techniques for your feature or short film. This video covers three point lighting techniques.
How To: Build your own light kit for $25
No light no movie. Indy Mogul teaches you how to create your own basic lighting kit for $25. Also covered are lighting basics, including three-point lighting.
How To: Create a one light set up for fashion and beauty shots
This set up will show you how to use just one light to create a setting that's ideal for cosmetic, fashion and beauty shots. Great for a photographer who only has so much money to spend on studio equipment and accessories.
How To: Use Apple Color's secondary color correction to adjust skin tones
Secondary color correction is used mostly to adjust the skin tones of people in your film. This tutorial show you how Apple Color lets you quickly and easily adjust the skin tones of the actors and actresses in your film project.
How To: Create your own ring light for lighting and more
Ring Lights can create a specific lighting that brings out warmer hues from your actors/models, as well as giving you a cool effect for the eyes. If you're not looking to spend a fortune on buying an already made one, you can make one with items from around the house on the cheap, if you have to buy everything you need, you're looking to spend around $100 which is much cheaper than buying one brand new! Check out this video for a full tutorial on how to build your very own Ring Light!
How To: Create professional movie your are shooting with only two shop lights
Lighting a movie can be dramatically expensive and complex, but for the DIY filmmaker on a budget this can be a major handicap. In this video you'll learn how to create a serviceable lighting setup for your filming using only $25 worth of shop lights and 200w bulbs.
How To: Use colorful, textured plastic cups to create a cool film lighting effect
This is a creative idea for a great light effect for any video project. If you're a cinematographer and are open to knew and creative ideas (and cheap!), then this colorful, moving lighting effect is perfect for your film. You'll need three plastic cups, a 5/16-inch metal rod about 2-feet long, gaffers tape, packaging tape, drill and a light. You can get the plastic cups from the dollar store, which won't cost you more than three bucks! They need to be translucent and have the colors you want...
How To: Light digital home videos like a professional
Shooting home video is fun, and is a great way to get started on the path to a film career. But one thing that can kill your video is poor lighting. Not everyone is rich enough to a professional light kit, so what do you do to compensate? In this video you will get some great low budget, and even some free, tips on how to create proper lighting both in-doors and outdoors and tips on what to avoid in your scenes.
How To: Use 3 point lighting for professional studio lighting
Three point lighting can be used to achieve professional studio results. For this, you will need: a key light, a fill light, and a backlight.
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