An artificial light can be used to enhance your interview or piece to camera.
Natural light is the most flattering and easy to use source of light for video, but what happens when you're stuck in a dark room or can’t get close enough to the window?
Here are a few tips for using an artificial light, such as a key light or the Shootsta Kit light, in different scenarios.
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If you have a window but can’t get your talent directly in front of it
Make sure you position your artificial light in the same direction as the natural light. Usually this means it's between the camera and the window. Angle your talent towards the light if possible.
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If you have a window but there is not much light coming from it
Double check which is giving off more light, your artificial light or the window? If it’s the window, follow the direction from the point above. If your artificial light is brighter than the window, you can create a 2-point lighting set up! Position your talent to face the artificial light and use the window as a fill or hair light.
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If you don’t have a window
Find the brightest part of the room and position your talent so that there are no overhead lights directly above them. Sometimes this means they are in between the overhead lights. Position your artificial light as close as possible and in front of your subject.
BONUS TIPS
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Match the colour temperature of the ambient light
Most video lights will have a button to change the colour temperature of the light. Your artificial light colour should always match the ambient light colour in the room.
Daylight is a cool blue and the temperature is around 5500 – 6500 kelvin.
Tungsten lights are warm with a temperature of around 2700-3200K.
Change the colour temperature on your artificial light to match!
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Use a '5 in 1 Reflector'
A 5 in 1 Reflector is an excellent addition to your lighting setup. White, silver and gold reflects light back onto the subject to fill in any shadows, while black absorbs light for when you need a more dramatic shadow.
They also include a translucent material that can be used to diffuse harsh artificial light and expand the light source. A key item if you are relying heavily on your artificial light!
