EXPOSURE AND LIGHTING

Follow basic rules when video shooting to use exposure and lighting to your visual advantage

A video consists of a sequence of images, the speed of which is essential for successful work. The frames per second allow you to use different filming techniques and create individual atmospheres. In contrast to photography, other basic rules apply for setting up the optimal shutter speed.

To get a smooth and flowing video result, you should set a value of the shutter speed that is twice as high as your chosen FPS. If it is not set correctly, fast objects such as cars will be out of focus as the shutter speed influences the motion blur. Just like in photography, the brightness can now be controlled by the ISO value and aperture. If the shot turns out too bright, you can use tools like ND filters to control the overexposure. If the result is too dark, artificial light sources can be included in your video shoot. Artificial light allows you to create a specific atmosphere. LED lights are dominantly used on film sets and have many advantages – they are lightweight, can be controlled remotely and have a long life.

There are different methods to light your scene. One of the most essential methods is the three-point lighting system. To create a natural impression of threedimensionality, the light has to come from three different positions. Key light, fill light and backlight are positioned in a triangle around your character in the scene. The key light is placed sideways to the actor and elevated to the camera. The fill light is positioned left to correct the shadow. The backlight is installed behind the character and placed exactly opposite the key light. This lighting system creates spatial depth and contrasts within your scene and comes closest to the perception of our eyes.

“One key method is three-point

lighting”