Lighting for digital

[blaise_7]

hello,

i will be using lights for a few various shots in a short movie, mostly just interview like shots. i want to get a cheaper 3 point lighting kit. does any one know a good lighting kit that i can use for that and maybe other things down the road?

also do i need a light meter

 

[CWhit]

The Lowell Light kits are probably one of the best to use. You can often times find used kits. Check them out.

Light meters come in handy whenyou want to measure various lighting/exposure areas around the set or when taking an overall reading for exposure. I would say they are important to have.

 

[Agenda Productions]

Hi,

I would suggest renting some lights to see what suits you best for your situation. You may want a couple of open faced of maybe a few fresnels, a 1k or a 650. Try to avoid a classic "3 point lighting" just remember you dont have to follow these guidelines. You may not want a backlight, you may not want fill, you might light your interview with a 3/4 front and put a slash on the wall in the BG. First: learn the rules, Second: learn how to break them.

In terms of a light meter if your shooting video (which it sounds like you are) you wont be using a light meter. It's great to start learning what something looks like when corresponding with numbers (f/t stops) and lighting ratio's, overexposed backlights ect but you will almost never use a light meter with video.

They are expensive but if you intend on shooting film in the future they are imperative.

Regards, James.