Summer Task Two

Camera and Lighting Techniques:

How and Why Lighting effects Camera Techniques for moving image:

Two main types of light:

• Hard Light which also known as direct light. This light is normally used to create more dramatic shots as it creates defined shadows. This technique is normally constructed by using one main light source {direct sunlight without clouds blocking it, film light positioned directly in front of a subject}. 
• Soft Light which is also known as diffused light. This gives a more gentle feel to your subjects with either softer shadows or no shadows at all, depending on the positioning of the light. This technique can be constructed by: bouncing the light source off a large white reflector which would diffuse the light source, placing material over the light source, filming in the shade or when the clouds are covering the sun.

{website reference: https://movingimageeducation.org/createfilms/production/camera/lighting}

Basic Lighting Techniques:

Small Documentary where probability is paramount:

For this scenario I have decided to do a small documentary on street fashion documenting the various stylistic young teenagers display.

Equipment:

• Canon DSLR
• Spare Battery 
• 18-55mm lens 
• Macro Lens {extreme close-up, close-up - detailing of the clothing}
• Tripod {to create steady shots}
• Barn Door Portable Light {incase the natural lighting isn't great, will help me to highlight my subjects face more and potentially highlight the subjects clothing}
• Reflector {preferably this reflector would be silver as it would give brighter light, creating more highlights on my subjects face}

Set Up:

The set up for this shoot would be constructed throughout my day, I would travel to various locations and scout for teenagers that display various stylistics preferably teenagers that don't conform to societies beliefs of how children should present themselves. I would also like to see the diverse range in cultures and how it reflects what some people wear. 

I would change my lenses throughout the day so that I would get a diverse range of shots and set up a tripod somewhere busy so that I would be guaranteed attention. When shooting I would use a silver reflector as the silver reflector would give me brighter light, creating more highlights on my subjects face. I would only use the barn door portable light incase the natural lighting isn't great, will help me to highlight my subjects face more and potentially highlight the subjects clothing.

Advantages:

• There is much equipment for an individual to carry around and depending on the weather it could be less equipment.
• The concept is very easy to follow and wouldn't result in no footage due to most teenagers displaying various fashion statements and coming from various racial backgrounds.
• Due to it being shot in the streets and documenting teenagers it would attract a wide audience as most teenagers watch television and are interested in fame so if they saw a camera on the streets they would be intrigued by it.

Disadvantages:

• Some people may be open to the idea and some people may say no. This type of documentary would have confrontation with the people you are filming unless it was shot candidly which could also alarm your surroundings.
• The weather, due to it being shot outside and involving the public. Depending on the weather could lack interest and alter footage.

'Talking Head' Style Interviews:

Equipment:

• Canon DSLR
• Spare Battery 
• 18-55mm lens 
• Macro Lens {extreme close-up, close-up}
• Tripod {to create steady shots}
• Reflector {to direct light if you don't have enough light sources - the reflector could be positioned in the middle of two light sources and act as a fill light}
• Plain Background {to display behind my subject}
• 3 Point Lighting Soft Boxes {Key Light, Fill Light and Back Light}
• Microphone {in order to record high quality dialogue}

Set Up:

• Canon DSLR {positioned at eye level}
• Plain Background
• 3 Point Lighting Soft Boxes {Key Light, Fill Light and Back Light} or two lights and a reflector as the reflector could be positioned in the middle of two light sources and act as a fill light.
• Subject {positioned central to the background and camera}
• Microphone {in order to record high quality dialogue}

website reference: http://www.mediacollege.com/lighting/three-point/

Advantages:

• The advantages of this technique are endless, it looks professional even though it can be constructed by one person. Having a clear backdrop ensures that the subject will be the main focus at all time, having the camera at eye level helps the interview appear more interactive. This technique is easy to construct as it uses very little variables and its mostly down to lighting.

Disadvantage:

• Not everyone has access to these resources, however some of the things can be substituted. 3 Point Lighting Soft Boxes could be swapped with table lights, even though the outcome wont be as professional it would still work as well.
• Microphone could pick up access sound

'Night Time' Shoot:

Equipment:

• Canon DSLR
• Spare battery
• Prime Lens
• Tripod {to ensure stability}
• Cable Release or Remote {so you don't have to touch the camera when taking the photo, this will ensure the camera is stable at all times}
• Portable Lighting {Barn Door Portable Light, Portable Video Light}