Lighting for older subjects

[Bill Parker]

Leo,

Thanks for the tips. I already use most of them, although the right/left philosophy isn’t something I was aware of. As luck would have it, the interview in question was all shot looking left! I’ll keep that from my client, in any case.

[Bill Parker]

Leo,

Thanks for the tips. I already use most of them, although the right/left philosophy isn’t something I was aware of. As luck would have it, the interview in question was all shot looking left! I’ll keep that from my client, in any case.

[Leo Ticheli]

Hi Bill,
Nothing to fear, it’s a very subtle effect. Often we are forced by the architecture of the location to place the subject looking to the left with no dire consequences.

Good shooting!

Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA

[Frank Otto]

Leo, this is great stuff and should be archived! A nearly foolproof and easily folowed guide for novices and refresher for those of us who don’t do the portrait shot on a regular basis.

Thanks!

Cheers,

Frank Otto

[Bob Cole]

[Leo Ticheli] “the subject looking to the left”

To screen left, I assume.

I associate anything aimed toward the left as looking toward the WEST and therefore being adventurous, forward-looking. That’s an American History slant I guess.

— BC

[Leo Ticheli]

It’s common convention to portray actors travelling, driving, on the train, planes, etc., going in the proper map directions.

So, for “go West, young man,” it’s typical to have the subject facing screen left.

The “journey” part of the story-telling trumps the psychological in these cases.

Good shooting!

Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA

[Janet Turner]

Leo –

Great information! I saved it offline to review it in more detail. Though a complete newby at lighting and owning only a Rifa 55 light, I am very impressed with how much time you took to give us these tips. Now if I could only find someplace that sold 300w fresnels cheap!

Have a great day.

Grasshopper