How to Set Up Lights for a Video Interview
In making a video, setting up your lights incorrectly can ruin your project. For a video interview, the subject needs to be brightly lighted, without shadows or harsh lines. Check the lighting before your interviewee arrives, but bear in mind that you may need to make some adjustments depending on the subject's height and skin tone.
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Things You'll Need
- Screens
- Gaffer tape
- X3 lights (these can be professional lights or lamps as long as they are bright enough)
- Pole to fix light onto
Instructions
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1
Block windows with screens and gaffer tape, and close shutters to eliminate all natural light. Natural light changes continually and causes unwanted shadows to form.
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2
Set the lighting and camera balance to tungsten.
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3
Position the “key light” to camera left. This is the most important light; it highlights the outline of the interviewee.
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Place a light behind the interviewee and about 3 feet above, pointing at the subject. You will need a sturdy pole for this. This light acts as a diffuser.
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Place a light next to the interviewee, camera right, also pointing at the subject. This will make the overall image softer and reduce harsh lines.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the background very simple so as not to distract the viewer. Try to shoot somewhere where there is a plain background, as opposed to patterned wallpaper, or provide your own background.
References
- Photo Credit David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
