Do the Light Thing (page 2)

You know your lighting options. Now you need to know how to leverage them like a true visual artist. Lighting accessories are your tools of the trade.

Barn doors, adjustable flaps that can be fastened to a light's rim, are used to control light rays and block unwanted spill. Scrims, also used for light control, are circular wire mesh screens that are placed in front of the light. They effectively cut down a light's intensity while retaining its color temperature.

A softbox is a white-faced box which fits over the front of your lights. You use a softbox to both diffuse and soften the light striking your subject. This "soft light" produces gentle shadows and smooths out wrinkles or textures. You can also use an umbrella to get that soft light look. The light shines into the umbrella, and the umbrella's white or silver interior reflects and diffuses the light rays back onto the subject you are shooting.

Gels are an indispensable part of any videographer's light kit. These dyed plastic sheets mount in front of a light or clip on to barn doors. You can change a light's intensity and/or color by the type of gel you use. Some of the most common gels include neutral density, which cut down a light's output; CT Blue, which balances your lights to daylight or HMIs; and CT Orange, which balances your light to tungsten.

Are you ready to make some light purchases? For those that like to pick, choose and customize, buying your lights, stands and accessories independently is the way to go. Lowel, Smith-Victor, Arri and LTM are a few of the various light manufacturers to check out.

If you know you need several lights, and want matching accessories, look at light kit options. Many lighting companies have prepared ready-made light kits, spanning from the simple to the complex. Altman's Swing Pac Tungsten kit is one such package. It includes 3 lights (including a fresnel), some great accessories (such as a Soft-Lite Jr., barndoors and scrims), light stands and a wheeled carrying case to haul it all around.

Another option is Lowel's DP Super Remote kit. This package is even more loaded (and more pricey)! It includes four lights and a ton of useful accessories, including a soft-box, umbrellas, gels, gel frames, clamps, reflectors and shafts, plus the ever-needed light stands and carrying case.

By reading this article, you are taking the first step toward harnessing the power of lighting and moving your production from average to artistic. You can read more about professional lighting by checking out the Videomaker Web site. Remember, learning the art of lighting is an investment you'll never regret.

Julia Camenisch is a freelance video producer and writer.

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