Lighting Multimedia Broadcast

Lighting terms Ambient light Back light Color temperature Contrast The light that is already in a room or space Back light A light placed behind the subject being lit by the key and fill light to separate the subject from the background Color temperature Measured in Kelvins, it will show the general color of the light in the room or space Contrast Determining the change from the brightest white and the darkest black in the room or space

Lighting terms Fill light Flood light Incidental light Key light The light that fills in the harsh shadows created by the key light Flood light A light intended to fill in light gaps and shadows Incidental light Light that comes from something in the surrounding area. This could be light from windows, lamps, glow from screens, etc. Key light The key or main light lluminating the subject

Lighting terms Light meter Light stand Reflector Spotlight An instrument that allows you to measure light to set your camera to the correct exposure Light stand A stand that opens like the bottom of a tripod but allows you to mount lights to the top Reflector A purchased or made board that bounces light from one source to the desired subject Spotlight A very intense and focused beam of light

Lighting a green screen Chroma Green is used because it is not a natural skin-tone or eye color and is assumed most people will not be wearing the color in their clothes. Odds are, the software that you are using to edit makes “keying” or Chroma Keying very simple. See the video at the end* The basic idea is to have a nice, evenly lit green surface to ease the pain of removing the green and a well lit subject.

Lighting a green screen Lighting the background With two soft fill lights, you should be able to evenly fill the wall with light. You do not need to light more than you intend to key out. Try not to use lights that will create a harsh beam or streak on the wall. If you are using a fabric green screen, make sure it is pulled tight to avoid wrinkles and shadows.

Lighting a green screen Lighting the subject Consider which background you are going to be putting your subject in front of. If they are going to be in a dark room, use less lighting If they are going to be in a scene that looks like it is outside, light your subject that way Also, consider if your subject needs to move at all or wave their arms. Make sure you have secured enough room for them to do so. Lastly, keep your subject as far from the wall as your room allows to make sure they don’t leave shadows on the green.

Green screen practice Draw a diagram that shows how you would place a subject in front of a green screen in your studio. Note complications you might see concerning lack of lights, electrical outlets, etc. If you do have the lights and the green screen, actually film a 20-30 standup in front of the green screen. You will present your final lit scene to the class.

Outdoor lighting If you have the opportunity to film outdoors, then you have the best lighting source ever invented. Yet, sometimes the light can “over expose” your camera lens. Usually this is evident by a person appearing to have a white halo around them and most other parts of the scene appearing to be in a harsh shadow.

Outdoor lighting If your subject is overexposed, try having him/her walk close to the shade or even entering it. You can use a reflector or white board to bounce the light back onto your subject.

Outdoor lighting Be aware Outdoor lighting is great in many ways, but it does come with its own set of problems. The earth is rotating around the sun, which means the suns location is always changing. Clouds can change the amount of light on your subject very quickly. Be aware of the ever changing sky.

Outdoor lighting In small groups of 3-4, use a digital camera to take pictures of group members outside and in different lighting situations. Try using a reflector or white poster board to reflect light and change the way that light impacts your subject. You can also try wrapping a large piece of cardboard with tin foil to create another type of light reflection. Create a digital presentation to share with the class and discuss your findings.

Three-point lighting Key light This is the strongest of your lights. If your lights are equal in the light they put out, then this light should be slightly closer and slightly higher than the fill light. It will brighten the one side of the subject’s face.

Three-point lighting Fill light This light is the second strongest of your lights. If your lights are equal in the light they put out, then this light should be slightly farther away and slightly lower than the key light. It will fill in the shadows created by the key light.

Three-point lighting Back light This soft light is used to help separate the subject from the background. This light is usually low and on the same side of the fill light to help define the subject from the background.

Three-point lighting practice Create a digital storyline using a digital camera to show how lighting changes as each light is set up and turned on. one picture with just a key light one picture with just a fill light one picture with just a back light one picture with a key light and fill light one picture with a fill light and back light one picture with a key and back light one picture with all three lights Take a picture with the three-point lighting setup one with no other lights on in the room one with all other lights on in the room

Lighting safety One of the most dangerous situations in the multimedia broadcast field is a lack of focus and attention when you are around lighting. Lights get hot — wear heat protecting gloves when handling lights that have been recently used. Tie down cables with straps or gaffer tape to prevent tripping. You could also use small carpets or rugs to lie on top of the large sections.

Lighting safety Place sandbags on top of the bottom of light stands so they can not become top heavy and fall. Watch for frayed cables and plugs. If the plug does not look to be in good shape, immediately stop use and notify your instructor.

Lighting safety plan Create a safety guide document for using the lighting in your lab. Things to consider: Trip hazards Burns Electric shock Lights tipping over Equipment wear and tear Fire plan

Keying Example

Fixing Bad Lighting with Color Correction