Could you tell me the wattage of the fill light you used? You said the key light was 100 watts and that the fill was weaker. Thank you very much for putting up this instructional video. Very helpful to me--"a beginner."
Great tutorial. I definitely subscribed. Question. What are the heights of the lights...I get the placement of them. I'm sure there are variable about how high to set it but I was wondering if there is a basic rule of the thumb? Like does the backlight need to be placed higher than the other lights?HELP thanks
@EGOSWORLD1 I don't know if there is a rule, but I try to go for a 30-45 degree angle, but I would say experiment to see what works best for you. The backlight IS higher in my setup, but I don't know if it has to be. Again, experiment.
@djmorange I think you're right, that is the general rule. I've adapted based on what I think ends up looking the best. Some people hate backlight, so it's all about what you want the end result to be.
I gotta ask.. Key and Fill - Why do it? Why not make both light sources on the subject especially on the face area uniform so they are an even tone and brightness? I know it's subjective but technically, what's the reason behind this technique?
My setup will be slightly different because I will be using a greenscreen but your tips are most appreciated - I'm sure there will be times I don't the screen. You have a beautiful daughter, you lucky guy.
@TheElectricRider I believe the idea of key and fill is to give your subject a more three-dimensional look (also known as "modeling"). Flat lighting is easier, but it doesn't have the dimension that is more aesthetically pleasing. As you say, it's all subjective. I like 3-point, others are fine with flat, to each his own. Thanks for the comment on my kid, I like her too.
this is a brilliant - am also new to lighting for video. A strange thing though - these lights seem very low wattage compared to other videos Ive seen - one makeshift softbox seemed to suggest "worklight" with diffusers - 500w for one light source as a key light - yet here has 70 watt bulbs - is there something Im missing, or is it personal choice? Either way it looks great!
@misterwillguitar if you were going to do a "infinite white" background would you still need a backlight? I assume you could do this effect with a sheet over your bookcase (kept as flat as possible) and the 250w light moved nearer to over-expose it in the camera? Again am new to all this, am just going off what I picked up on other tutorials.......
Thanks so much for your videos I just came to film and have been looking for inexpensive ways to shot my documentary . I see you have a canon or I think that's is a canon in the video... what kind is it ? maybe a video about the stand the camera is on. and ps you daughter is to cute.. good luck and keep it up I face book like 10 of your videos hope you get some more subscribers
@thefrugalfilmmaker thanks I got a vixia hfs10 its a step down but i love it so far after i make a couple videos I will up grade!!! thanks again for your awesome videos please don't stop. will post my 1 video so you can see how i am doing should be up in about 2 weeks !!!
I'm having trouble with keylighting. I'm intending to use it at a desk, meaning I only have about 1 Metre space infront of me to place a light. I found a light at officeworks which has a led light on it. It's similar to your Clamp lighting video!
Anyway, the problem for me is the source light is too powerful, and has no dimmer (2W led/35w equivlant). Can you reccomend a method to soften, diffuse and in general make it more tolerable?
@thefrugalfilmmaker I was all set and ready to go with my new 3 point lighting setup (for a music instruction video) and as soon as we powered up the audio equipment, there was a horrible power hum coming from the guitar. We determined that it's the dimmer switch on the backlight. Has anyone brought this to your attention before? If so, is there a frugal fix?
@mike702dax It's common knowledge in the video world that you should avoid plugging in your audio recorder (or camera if you are recording sound to that) and run off of batteries to avoid AC line noise. I've never had your scenario before, but it may be the same thing. You could try putting the dimmer on a different circuit than the amp to see if that fixes things. If not you may need to purchase or construct an AC line filter.
so what if you are filming something like a makeup tutorial where the subjects face should be lit evenly.Do you ever put one light straight in front aimed at the subjects face with fill lights on the side?
@WigManPhil For that setup I'd recommend hanging a paper lantern with a 200 watt bulb in front and above the subject. This would create "butterfly" lighting (Google it), which is very flattering on women. Watch the "PVC Light Stand" episode to see one way of suspending these inexpensive soft light sources.
Great job! I was just wondering if you would use this same setup for shots in a short film, such as action shots or just regular daytime conversations. Also, what bulbs do you use?
@JordanBlaze3 Lighting is a huge topic, but this setup will work for interviews or conversations or closeups or whatever you want. Experiment! Key light, fill light and back light is a very basic technique. I use two 100 watt incandescent soft white bulbs (key/fill) and one halogen spot on a dimmer (back light).
@myhatbroke The blue gels are to give my bulbs the same cast as daylight. When daylight is coming in my window, I have to gel the lights to match. If I don't, when I white balance to the incandescent bulbs, the daylight will look blue. You can see this effect (or mistake) in some of my videos. I try to shoot my show at night, but when I have to do it in the daytime, I gel the lights.
@thefrugalfilmmaker Cool! Hey, I have a frugal way of making difusers. Those same clamp lights covered with white tissue paper instead of gels do the trick. Do a video on diffusing light please!
@myhatbroke I don't know if I would trust tissue paper over incandescent bulbs--they could easily burst into flame (this is also an issue with things like paper lanterns)! I would use wax paper over tissue paper. Still, you have a good idea for a show! I'll add it to the list...
The key and fill lights are both 100w soft white incandescent bulbs. The back light is a 75w spot light cranked to about 40% using a homemade dimmer from episode 1. The background light is a 250w worklight.
@thereelmovieshow Sure. I'd have a clampie (with at least a 100w bulb) per person, one backlight per person and and a second light on the background. Experiment and see what works best. Hmmm, maybe a video on this is in order?
That would be great, the only problem I have the people who need to be lit are on a couch up against a wall, so there is no place to put a backlight. thanks for your help though, im determined to get a good set up without costing the earth
@thereelmovieshow Backlights can also work if off to the side. You're just looking for a little on the shoulder / side of the head that give you a little separation from the background.
What did you mean by "I white balanced on the talent's face"? How do you do that? That is, their face isn't white. Did you hold a white card in front of their face and white balance on that?
@popper666 That's exactly what I meant, sorry I wasn't more clear. Since the background is under a different color light, it's important to make sure you get good skin tones by WB on the lights that are hitting the talent's face.
@thefrugalfilmmaker Oh darn.. And woa!! I didn't know someone not from Louisiana would like the food. Most people say it's too spicy. What did you have? Gumbo? Crawfish?
@thefrugalfilmmaker Very nice!! I will be subscribing. I wish you had more subs. Anyway keep making videos cuz I am filming a short film to go into sundance and I need some more diy cheap stuff haha
which font did you used :)?
CasamiaStudios 1 week ago
@CasamiaStudios It's the Belizarius font.
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 day ago
Comment removed
QCSamG 2 weeks ago
You know I was trying to find lighting techniques a while back ago and nothing helped. You helped more than what I was expecting. Thank you!
blva888 2 weeks ago
Good job and to the point!!
wreckdiver001 3 weeks ago
you are so relaxed hahahaha
AcuraWay 3 weeks ago
Really helpful :) where do you buy your clamp lights?
jackdelamare 3 weeks ago
@jackdelamare Home Depot.
thefrugalfilmmaker 3 weeks ago
Is it me, or does this seem to go out of sync?
bovinicide 3 weeks ago
How do you get that cute little one to be so quiet when filming? LOL!
digrist1 1 month ago
Could you tell me the wattage of the fill light you used? You said the key light was 100 watts and that the fill was weaker. Thank you very much for putting up this instructional video. Very helpful to me--"a beginner."
JesusLives888 1 month ago
@JesusLives888 My fill light is typically 60 watts or 100 watts moved farther away from the subject.
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 month ago
@thefrugalfilmmaker Thank you!
JesusLives888 1 month ago
@JesusLives888 What are you working on?
christakylovesyou 1 week ago
lol did anyone else notice the child. your kid is so well behaved!
suburbiaKID 2 months ago 7
Great tutorial. I definitely subscribed. Question. What are the heights of the lights...I get the placement of them. I'm sure there are variable about how high to set it but I was wondering if there is a basic rule of the thumb? Like does the backlight need to be placed higher than the other lights?HELP thanks
EGOSWORLD1 3 months ago
@EGOSWORLD1 I don't know if there is a rule, but I try to go for a 30-45 degree angle, but I would say experiment to see what works best for you. The backlight IS higher in my setup, but I don't know if it has to be. Again, experiment.
thefrugalfilmmaker 3 months ago
? is not the backlight supposed to be on the other side (opposite to the key)?
djmorange 3 months ago
@djmorange I think you're right, that is the general rule. I've adapted based on what I think ends up looking the best. Some people hate backlight, so it's all about what you want the end result to be.
thefrugalfilmmaker 3 months ago
how many clamp light do you have?
1mrmproductions 3 months ago in playlist More videos from thefrugalfilmmaker
@1mrmproductions I believe I own four. The crummy Big Lots version has been stripped of its clamp duties and is now used for paper lanterns only.
thefrugalfilmmaker 3 months ago
@thefrugalfilmmaker go to home depot and get the 99 cent green clamps. bolt, tape, and rig it to the lamp.
PDMokry 3 months ago
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! I think my videos are going to start looking much batter! And i'm not paying much either!
bros4life98 3 months ago
I gotta ask.. Key and Fill - Why do it? Why not make both light sources on the subject especially on the face area uniform so they are an even tone and brightness? I know it's subjective but technically, what's the reason behind this technique?
My setup will be slightly different because I will be using a greenscreen but your tips are most appreciated - I'm sure there will be times I don't the screen. You have a beautiful daughter, you lucky guy.
TheElectricRider 4 months ago
@TheElectricRider I believe the idea of key and fill is to give your subject a more three-dimensional look (also known as "modeling"). Flat lighting is easier, but it doesn't have the dimension that is more aesthetically pleasing. As you say, it's all subjective. I like 3-point, others are fine with flat, to each his own. Thanks for the comment on my kid, I like her too.
thefrugalfilmmaker 4 months ago
can you please make a DIY backdrop video for photography shots
jcwisna 4 months ago
this is a brilliant - am also new to lighting for video. A strange thing though - these lights seem very low wattage compared to other videos Ive seen - one makeshift softbox seemed to suggest "worklight" with diffusers - 500w for one light source as a key light - yet here has 70 watt bulbs - is there something Im missing, or is it personal choice? Either way it looks great!
misterwillguitar 4 months ago
@misterwillguitar if you were going to do a "infinite white" background would you still need a backlight? I assume you could do this effect with a sheet over your bookcase (kept as flat as possible) and the 250w light moved nearer to over-expose it in the camera? Again am new to all this, am just going off what I picked up on other tutorials.......
misterwillguitar 4 months ago
Is lighting always a pain in the ass?
CJFilmz 4 months ago
@CJFilmz It sure is, but even one light in the right place goes a long way.
thefrugalfilmmaker 4 months ago
Thanks so much for your videos I just came to film and have been looking for inexpensive ways to shot my documentary . I see you have a canon or I think that's is a canon in the video... what kind is it ? maybe a video about the stand the camera is on. and ps you daughter is to cute.. good luck and keep it up I face book like 10 of your videos hope you get some more subscribers
callmeleelee 6 months ago
@callmeleelee Hey thanks! The camera is the Canon VIXIA HFS100, which has been discontinued.
thefrugalfilmmaker 6 months ago
@thefrugalfilmmaker thanks I got a vixia hfs10 its a step down but i love it so far after i make a couple videos I will up grade!!! thanks again for your awesome videos please don't stop. will post my 1 video so you can see how i am doing should be up in about 2 weeks !!!
callmeleelee 6 months ago
@callmeleelee If you've got the HFS10, then you've got the same camera I have, only yours has more internal memory.
thefrugalfilmmaker 6 months ago
I somehow missed this video until now, good stuff! Love the behind the scenes shot of the lighting setups
Knoptop 6 months ago
I'm having trouble with keylighting. I'm intending to use it at a desk, meaning I only have about 1 Metre space infront of me to place a light. I found a light at officeworks which has a led light on it. It's similar to your Clamp lighting video!
Anyway, the problem for me is the source light is too powerful, and has no dimmer (2W led/35w equivlant). Can you reccomend a method to soften, diffuse and in general make it more tolerable?
supercockroach 7 months ago
@supercockroach Have you tried wax paper? It should work great with LED lights, as there is no hot bulb to contend with.
thefrugalfilmmaker 7 months ago
1:00 your child is showing
Infenro 9 months ago
@Infenro She's in the whole video!
thatsamthomson 7 months ago
I've had problems lighting people with glasses. Can you address this issue? Thanks.
ottoelperro 10 months ago
@thefrugalfilmmaker I was all set and ready to go with my new 3 point lighting setup (for a music instruction video) and as soon as we powered up the audio equipment, there was a horrible power hum coming from the guitar. We determined that it's the dimmer switch on the backlight. Has anyone brought this to your attention before? If so, is there a frugal fix?
mike702dax 1 year ago
@mike702dax It's common knowledge in the video world that you should avoid plugging in your audio recorder (or camera if you are recording sound to that) and run off of batteries to avoid AC line noise. I've never had your scenario before, but it may be the same thing. You could try putting the dimmer on a different circuit than the amp to see if that fixes things. If not you may need to purchase or construct an AC line filter.
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
Very cool tips!
Thanks for sharing.
Johnny
johnnybrazil01 1 year ago
so what if you are filming something like a makeup tutorial where the subjects face should be lit evenly.Do you ever put one light straight in front aimed at the subjects face with fill lights on the side?
WigManPhil 1 year ago
@WigManPhil For that setup I'd recommend hanging a paper lantern with a 200 watt bulb in front and above the subject. This would create "butterfly" lighting (Google it), which is very flattering on women. Watch the "PVC Light Stand" episode to see one way of suspending these inexpensive soft light sources.
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
Great job! I was just wondering if you would use this same setup for shots in a short film, such as action shots or just regular daytime conversations. Also, what bulbs do you use?
JordanBlaze3 1 year ago
@JordanBlaze3 Lighting is a huge topic, but this setup will work for interviews or conversations or closeups or whatever you want. Experiment! Key light, fill light and back light is a very basic technique. I use two 100 watt incandescent soft white bulbs (key/fill) and one halogen spot on a dimmer (back light).
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
Thanks for this! I noticed you had some blue gels on your lights. What was the purpose? How do you decide when to use gels as opposed to diffusers?
myhatbroke 1 year ago
@myhatbroke The blue gels are to give my bulbs the same cast as daylight. When daylight is coming in my window, I have to gel the lights to match. If I don't, when I white balance to the incandescent bulbs, the daylight will look blue. You can see this effect (or mistake) in some of my videos. I try to shoot my show at night, but when I have to do it in the daytime, I gel the lights.
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago 2
@thefrugalfilmmaker Cool! Hey, I have a frugal way of making difusers. Those same clamp lights covered with white tissue paper instead of gels do the trick. Do a video on diffusing light please!
myhatbroke 1 year ago
@myhatbroke I don't know if I would trust tissue paper over incandescent bulbs--they could easily burst into flame (this is also an issue with things like paper lanterns)! I would use wax paper over tissue paper. Still, you have a good idea for a show! I'll add it to the list...
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
The key and fill lights are both 100w soft white incandescent bulbs. The back light is a 75w spot light cranked to about 40% using a homemade dimmer from episode 1. The background light is a 250w worklight.
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
@thefrugalfilmmaker would those lights be suitable to light 3 people on a couch in a medium sized room?
thereelmovieshow 11 months ago
@thereelmovieshow Sure. I'd have a clampie (with at least a 100w bulb) per person, one backlight per person and and a second light on the background. Experiment and see what works best. Hmmm, maybe a video on this is in order?
thefrugalfilmmaker 11 months ago
Comment removed
thereelmovieshow 11 months ago
That would be great, the only problem I have the people who need to be lit are on a couch up against a wall, so there is no place to put a backlight. thanks for your help though, im determined to get a good set up without costing the earth
thereelmovieshow 11 months ago
@thereelmovieshow Backlights can also work if off to the side. You're just looking for a little on the shoulder / side of the head that give you a little separation from the background.
thefrugalfilmmaker 11 months ago
What' Bulb did you use?
RnRProductions77 1 year ago
Good job and thanks for the videos.
What did you mean by "I white balanced on the talent's face"? How do you do that? That is, their face isn't white. Did you hold a white card in front of their face and white balance on that?
popper666 1 year ago
@popper666 That's exactly what I meant, sorry I wasn't more clear. Since the background is under a different color light, it's important to make sure you get good skin tones by WB on the lights that are hitting the talent's face.
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
Hey Louisiana!! I live in Louisiana. Are you from here too?
mogulkey 1 year ago
@mogulkey Nope. I just went there to visit friends and shoot a mini-doc. Love the food!
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
@thefrugalfilmmaker Oh darn.. And woa!! I didn't know someone not from Louisiana would like the food. Most people say it's too spicy. What did you have? Gumbo? Crawfish?
mogulkey 1 year ago
@mogulkey Crawfish Etouffe and Po Boys sandwiches. Yummy!
thefrugalfilmmaker 1 year ago
@thefrugalfilmmaker Very nice!! I will be subscribing. I wish you had more subs. Anyway keep making videos cuz I am filming a short film to go into sundance and I need some more diy cheap stuff haha
mogulkey 1 year ago
Good stuff. Thanks!
KarynTV 1 year ago
Awesome Job man! You do so much with so little!
dylan3246 1 year ago
Great job!
mgruichjr 1 year ago
I saw a cute lil baby!
Sho cute !!!!!
arjunkaul 1 year ago
Awesome thx
dcondax 1 year ago