2.5: Lighting

A lot of image quality problems can be solved by employing some simple lighting techniques.

• Make the best of the natural or available lighting situations that you face.
• Whenever possible, shoot in a well-lit area.
• Try to videotape outdoors during the "golden hour" or an overcast day.
• Make sure there is not bright light (like the sun) behind a subject.
• If your subject is standing in a bad lighting situation, have them move into better light if possible.
• Farmers often wear baseball caps, and when standing in the sun, the cap completely shades their face. Avoid this.
• Be sure to plan for appropriate lighting when you make your Production Plan. How will afternoon or morning light affect your video piece?

Outdoor Lighting Tips