How to Use Poster Board Light Diffusion in Video Production

Diffused light is a key element of any kind of photography or video production. While direct light can sometimes be too blinding or cast unflattering shadows on the subject, diffused light has a tendency to cast more of a soft, warming glow that is more flattering to the person appearing on film. There are a number of methods for creating diffused light, ranging from simple and inexpensive, to complicated and costly. One of the most basic methods is to use plain poster board to cast diffused light onto the subject of your video.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Poster Board
• Light Source
• Video Camera

How to Use Poster Board Light Diffusion in Video Production

1. Prepare your poster board. For creating diffused light, all you need is plain white poster board, just like the kind you used for class projects when you were in grade school. The main thing is that it should be white, as colored poster board will absorb more light instead of refracting it. To prepare your poster board, you simply have to consider what kind of shot you will be filming. If it is a close-up, someone can stand just off camera and hold a single sheet. If it is a wider shot, you may wish to use several pieces taped together, and hang them somewhere off camera. All you need to do is tape them on the back side with regular masking tape or duct tape, so that they form one giant sheet, consisting of 4-6 sheets of poster board.

2. Position your equipment. The is the hardest part of creating diffused light with poster board. There are basically four items involved: the subject being filmed, the camera, the poster board and the light source. The camera needs to be positioned so that it can clearly film the subject.

3. Hang the poster board just to the side of the shot, without being in view of the camera. The light source also needs to remain out of view of the camera, and be capable of being shined at the poster board without crossing the path of the subject being filmed. The general idea is that instead of lighting the subject directly, you want to bounce the light off of the poster board and onto the subject.

4. Begin filming. It is really as simple as that. Using poster board to create diffused light is a relatively low tech solution that is cheap and easy to do.

Tips & Warnings

• For an added glow, try to use a softer light bulb, and use the poster board/light source combination on each side of the subject, rather than from one side.