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Is it possible to create sunset and sunrise with lighting?

11 years, 9 months ago - Jane Hamer

Hi,
I've been researching my question but not come up with anything that sounds right or genuine.

Can anyone tell me who's qualified in lighting/or who knows if it's possible to create a sunset/sunrise and a moving golden glow internally with lighting instead of using our natural sun? I don't mean literally seeing a physical sunset - what I'm after is just the hint or trace of it on walls and on the actor's face as we look at him and the room behind him looking at the sunset.

If so, is it best to hire a professional lighting technician or can I achieve this myself with lights?

Of course I hope to use the sun naturally, but we all know how tricky that might be, time, weather etc. So whilst I'm prepping I'd like to know in advance so I know what my options are before filming.

I'd really appreciate anyone's advice please.

Thanks,
Jane

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11 years, 9 months ago - Eric Lau

Your DP can simply add an Orange gel (CTO) on the key light or where the windows are, and create the impression of the warm setting sun. If you are ambitious, add a window cookie in front of the light too to add more texture. This will do and your DP should know how to handle it. If you have more questions, just shoot me an email.
Good luck.
Eric

Response from 11 years, 9 months ago - Eric Lau SHOW

11 years, 9 months ago - Jane Hamer

Thanks so much Eric. That's really helpful information. I thought it was going to be very complicated - and yes, I might just take you up on that more questions offer at a later date.
Really appreciated,
Jane

Response from 11 years, 9 months ago - Jane Hamer SHOW

11 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

I'm no expert, but the tricky bit is going to be matching natural and artificial light. Relatively simple job if you control all the light as opposed to fighting the movement of the sun at the same time. This is what your DoP will know and understand, and your/his gaffer be able to implement for you.

Response from 11 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW

11 years, 9 months ago - Jendra Jarnagin

Hi, Do you mean MORNING golden glow and not MOVING golden glow? Do you mean for the light to move in the shot like a fake time lapse effect? Assuming you mean MORNING, I agree with Eric, but I would advise to not try to get the real sun. You won't have the level of control as you would with your own light, and it very probably wouldn't even look like you are envisioning. Of course there is always room for happy accidents, but I wouldn't think it would come into the room just right, bright enough, orange enough, for a long enough time, etc.

If it is the only scene you are lighting through the windows, instead of HMIs, (which are daylight balanced and way more expensive) with added CTO, you could actually get away with using Tungsten lights with no gel, since they are way cheaper to rent. However, you need pretty strong ones to overpower the ambient daylight, so I'd recommend 2Ks if you go that route.

Also, you want to position the lights pretty low on their stands in order to penetrate the room. A low angle of light is normal for that time of day and will help sell the effect.

Jendra Jarnagin
Director of Photography
www.floatingcamera.com

Response from 11 years, 9 months ago - Jendra Jarnagin SHOW

11 years, 9 months ago - Jane Hamer

Hi Jendra,
What I was after was an evening sunset that's fading slowly in the room just as the sun would when it goes down and out of view.
Thanks so much for all the detailed information. Yes I think you are right too about avoiding using natural sun as it will disappear too quickly and I'd definitely prefer to fake it.
Thank you for all your help, it's much appreciated. I'll look into all you've said.
all the best,
Jane

Response from 11 years, 9 months ago - Jane Hamer SHOW

11 years, 9 months ago - Jane Hamer

Thanks Paddy, that's reassuring and much appreciated,
cheers,
Jane

Response from 11 years, 9 months ago - Jane Hamer SHOW