Practical arrangements.
WHAT A SINGLE-LIGHT SETUP LOOKS LIKE
One diffused source, above and to one side of the subject, with a reflector opposite.
WHY IT WORKS
It produces shape, and the reflector controls how deep the shadows fall.
WHAT TO ADJUST
The angle, for how dramatic it looks The distance, for how soft it is The reflector, for shadow depth
WHAT A TWO-LIGHT SETUP ADDS
A second source behind the subject, separating them from the background.
WHERE TO PLACE IT
Behind and above, out of frame, pointed at the head and shoulders.
WHAT A THIRD LIGHT DOES
Lights the background, adding depth.
WHAT TO AVOID
Lighting the background and subject equally Light visible in frame Reflections in glasses
WHAT TO DO ABOUT GLASSES
Raise the light and angle it, or tilt the arms slightly.
WHAT PRACTICAL LIGHTS ARE
Lamps visible in the shot, used as part of the scene.
WHAT THEY PROVIDE
A natural reason for light to exist.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE RECORDING
That no light flickers on camera That colour temperature matches across sources That nothing is casting a shadow on the background unintentionally
WHY FLICKER HAPPENS
Some lights pulse with mains frequency, which interacts with shutter speed.
WHAT FIXES IT
Changing shutter speed, or using lights designed for filming.
