L I G H T I N G

One of the most basic approaches to lighting is FOAM CORE - a stiff sheet of Styrofoam laminated with white paper on both sides. Foam core is used to reflect light directly onto an object. A REFLECTOR is an inexpensive, yet more professional option. This tool redirects light to bounce onto a subject, as well as fill shadows. Reflectors come in various sizes and colors - silver, gold, black or white. A diffuser softens light.

If you want flexibility, opt for a portable hand-held light.

* T H R E E - P O I N T * L I G H T I N G *

A KEY LIGHT is the primary lighting source, usually positioned off-center and angled to produce a shadow. It establishes the direction from which your light is coming. If the light is too harsh, use a diffuser.
With the key light, you may still have shadows and contrast; this is where the FILL LIGHT comes into play. This is supplementary lighting that is positioned midway between the camera and the subject to lighten or eliminate shadows and reduce contrast.
The third light - BACK LIGHT - is lighting that comes from behind the subject. It creates a sense of depth by separating the subject from the background area and adds highlights. The only task you have left before you begin recording is to set your white balance.

D A Y T I M E
A soft gold REFLECTOR is a great solution to daytime challenges. It bounces sunlight into a subject's face and acts as a fill. If you move the reflector too much, however, the light will glimmer. If your subject is in direct sunlight, there will be quite a bit of contrast between the subject and the background.
Add a diffuser to reduce the sunlight and a reflector to put the softer light back onto the subject.

N I G H T T I M E
One option is to find a place with available light, such as a storefront. The light from the camcorder will act as fill light, while the light from the storefront will act as the key light.

I N D O O R
You can take advantage of natural light (from windows) and artificial light. The most basic way to use natural light is to reflect it. For example, if you have natural light coming in from behind the subject, the face will be dark. You can take that light and use it to your advantage. Use foam core to reflect the light onto the subject's face as if it were fill light. This is great for close-ups, but if you are shooting a wider range, you will need three-point lighting.
Fortunately, you do not have to run out and buy an expensive professional kit. The light from your camera will serve as your key light. You can establish fill light by replacing a table lamp bulb with a brighter bulb (75 watts ?). The natural light from the window serves as back light. Don't forget to use a reflector as you did with the natural lighting.

A S S I G N M E N T
Use different lighting setups to the same face (video each setup) and use music to exacerbate the mood created by that lighting in post- production(EDITING).

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