Video Diary #5: Shedding Light On The Matter

We solved our lighting issues with a trip to B&Q & Argos and surpisingly few pounds! The 150 watt halogen lamp cost about £12 and the tripod (which we already had) cost about £15. To light a set, you generally need 3 lights, two at the front and one at the back. More on that later. First though, here's a little video diary that shows the difference a single light can make!



So, back to the lighting set-up. You should generally set up a main light - a 'Key', to onme side of the camera, providing your main illumination and setting the 'feel' for the image you want. A second, not so bright 'fill' light, on the other side of the camera highlights the 'dark side' of your subject so it's not in complete shadow and provides more detail. Front lights generally make the image look flat and kind've blend into the background, so a light from the back, a 'back key' makes it feel more 3 dimensional!


These guys explain it far better than I can!