Video Lighting (page 2)

Setting up lighting for multiple cameras is simple if you remember one basic rule: position your lights based on the placement of each camera (see Figure 1). It may sound as though you would need to a lot of lighting equipment, but not really. You can light a three-camera shoot using just five lamps.

In any setup where you have three cameras focusing on two or more individuals, you will probably place the cameras to the right, left and center of the talent. Starting with the right camera set up your three-point lighting so that the key or main light is just to the left of the camera and about forty-five degrees above the talent. Focus on the talent that is facing the camera in the conversation or interview you are videotaping.

Set up the back light so that it is opposite the camera. Make sure the back light is hitting not only the talent facing the right camera, but is also hitting the side of the face of the person talking to the talent. The fill for the right camera will be provided by the lighting setup for the left camera.

The left camera's lights are set up to focus on the person looking towards it in the conversation. Set up the key light just to the left of the camera and forty-five degrees above the talent. Focus this light on the talent facing the camera, yet make sure the rest of its light provides a fill for the right camera.

The right camera's key light will provide a fill light for the left camera. Place the left camera's back light directly across from the camera making sure you flag the light from the lens of the camera (see the Foiling Flare sidebar).

So far, you have set up four lights for two cameras. A fifth light, usually a soft light, can be added just to the right or left of the center camera or above the camera. This light will provide an overall wash for the scene and soften the shadows a bit. This light must be less intense than the key lights so that the cameras will see some differentiation between the light and dark areas.

Once you are done setting up the lights, look through each of the cameras and watch the scene. Slightly move the lights around a bit until you get the feel you are looking for.

Each camera should read the lighting equally. If done well, you will be able to cut between cameras with very little change in light density.

Remember, the key to multiple camera lighting is to light for each camera individually. Use your imagination and always light the scene to match the mood and action.

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