ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

8 years, 5 months ago - Mark Wiggins

Perhaps get a DOP involved? The lighting depends on the action. Once, the DOP knows what the action is, he/she can light it. As to what equipment to get, that is decided as a result of doing a recce (what the Americans call a tech scout). Then the DOP can tell you what equipment will be needed.

8 years, 5 months ago - Simon Mercer

If DOP too much for your small budget I recommend checking out the relatively new Rotolight Neo LED Lights. (assuming 'the woods' means you won't have mains to plug into!) They're pretty incredible lights that can be run off of AA batteries. Lots of reviews/youtube videos showing what they can do. Ice Lights are also great for this (and their battery runs way longer)

8 years, 5 months ago - Andrew Ionides

Thanks Simon. That's a good suggestion. From the videos I watched, it looks like the Rotolight is the better option as it throws more light (about 25 feet according to one video!). The Ice Lights are good too but probably more for portrait shots / shoots. Thanks both

8 years, 5 months ago - Rakesh Malik

IceLights make excellent fill lights, especially if you use them with bounce cards. You can also power them with something like a Power Practical Pronto battery; the larger size (56 watt-hours) can in theory power one for something like two hours, though I haven't tested that yet.

Still, getting a DP out there to help you is your best bet.

I'd recommend some battery operated LED panels + blue gels and some IceLights. You'll probably want to use a soft and relatively neutral fill light combined with a hard and somewhat blue rim/kicker.

8 years, 5 months ago - Mark Wiggins

That's good advice. I'd use barn doors with the ice light otherwise it will go everywhere. Use it as a basher (what the Americans call hollywooding) that is someone handholds it close th the camera. Also a small LED for catchlight (eyesight to bring life to the eyes).

8 years, 5 months ago - Andrew Ionides

Excellent. Thank you both.