Choosing the Best Video Lighting Kit (page 2)

You can use reflectors to change the direction of the light coming from a light source. This comes in handy when you want to use the sun as a light source for both your back light (the actual sun,) and your key light (provided by the reflector). Diffusers spread and soften hard light as it passes through.

When buying reflectors and diffusers you need to look at their size, shape, color and portability. Both reflectors and diffusers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are all considerations to take into account when you shop.

• Size - Large, stand-mounted reflectors or diffusers are often more expensive than our pocketbooks will allow. Smaller reflectors and diffusers need to be positioned closer to the talent than larger ones. But larger reflectors and diffusers are more difficult to manage. If you are using them outdoors, large reflectors and diffusers make great kites, so be very aware of the wind.
• Shape - The shape of the diffuser or reflector is important in terms of the ability to manipulate the light. While both types do their jobs, round reflectors typically collapse for easy storage and transport. Square ones are typically rigid. Rectangular reflectors or diffusers may offer a wider spread of light than their round cousins.
• Surface - The surface of the reflector is very important. A reflector has one of two surface types: smooth or pebbled. Smooth reflectors reflect the light source without decreasing its intensity. This is important when using the sun as your light source. When using smooth reflectors, you are bouncing the sun in a new direction but with the same intensity. Pebbled reflectors soften and diffuse light as they reflect it.
• Color - Reflectors typically come in three colors: white, silver and gold. The white reflector reflects a diffused white light that is easy on your talent's eyes. It is ideal for providing a soft diffused fill light. You would use the silver reflector to create a sharper, more sparkling light on the subject. Silver lights are well suited to reflecting light from a lamp. A gold reflector is ideal for warming up the skin tones to your talent. Gold reflectors work well when reflecting sunlight. You might use a gold reflector to simulate the warm colored light of the early morning or late afternoon.
• Rigidity - Portability is another concern when looking at reflectors and diffusers. A number of models fold down into small, easily carried units. If you are driving a compact car, a 4X6 solid frame diffuser is probably not a good idea.

There are many lighting tools available. Which ones you'll buy will depend on your needs. When shopping for a light kit, consider bulb type, features, optional accessories and portability. Looking for a reflector? Shop based on size, shape and color.

Whatever you do, start lighting your productions. Once you start lighting your productions, you'll see a big difference in the quality of your videos.

Whether the lights come individually or as a kit might also be an important consideration. If you want to use three-point lighting, you will want to look for a kit that provides at least three lights that are very adaptable for use in the three positions. But you don't need three lights to get started. You can create fantastic-looking setups with a single light and a reflector.

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