Dennis Size
Forum Replies Created
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Thanks for the advice, Mark ….. I agree TOTALLY with you.
DS
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The boldface is merely to provide a strong visual distinction — for clarity’s sake — between your question (or request for advice) and my response.
My “nonsensical” statement is merely a direct answer, as you requested earlier, to your question. Your choice of instrumentation has been questioned by several people in previous posts — who have also provided you with reasons why (and suggested better fixtures). There’s no reason for me to expound.
DS
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A tungsten source that is colored blue.
DS
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“-Actually, the idea of lighting the backdrop from behind is very appealing. My studio has natural places for such lights, and my material is simply paper. Even if too thick to be practical, potent gelled lights behind the right material might be a perfect way to go.”
You have neither the money, nor the skill, to effectively utilize this method.
DS
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“-I’m not sure where you get the idea there would be …. uneven lighting. I have two identical lights, and each would have identical gels on them, they’d be placed symmetrically on the screen….”
Your choice and quantity of instrumentation will result in uneven lighting.
DS
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-I also haven’t had anyone address what seems to me a potentially common dilemna for entry level / low budget shooters: those using tungsten for key and backlight, and fluorescent for backdrop. A light green gel would remove any potential for blue light spilling on to the subject. …..but this is a potential fix to a potential problem, is it not?
…….I have to say I like the peace of mind of not worrying about blue wash contaminating my subject.”It is not.
Don’t use blue light, regardless of the source –whether it be fluorescent or tungsten — on your greenscreen when you’re using ‘amber’ light on your subject.DS
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“….maybe you could stick to the topic (literally) by answering the direct, simple, technical questions being posted to the Cow.
I’m still waiting on these:-Not sure exactly what height to place the [backdrop] lights. Slightly above, or below the height of the subject?”
Above the subject.
“-The fluorescents are 5500k. I like the idea of inexpensive ($8 / 21″x24″) green gels both for supersaturating the screen and for filtering out the daylight color in my small [tungsten-lit] studio. The greener the light hitting the green paper backdrop, the less I’ll have to use (and these lights give the option of how many of the 5 bulbs to use at any time), the more options in intensity range I’ll have lighting the talent. I think this reasoning is sound, but do let me know if not.”
It is not.
In 30 years of lighting greenscreens I’ve never once added green (whether it be fabric or mylar color correction) to the instrumentation.DS
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BILL:
This is an excellent analysis , and superior advice. Unfortunately, I feel it won’t be understood as most people, especially the inexperienced, fall into the trap of thinking the technology — and using a few “tricks” — is all that matters …. and, erroniously, what comes first.DS
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It would have been far more useful for you to have filled us in on all the details of your project from the very beginning — especially the information you shared in the last few emails — instead of the piecemeal approach you took (…starting wih the odd email about covering your lights with green fabric).
DS
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I believe the 650w is only for 220voltage. Get the EHG 750w lamp. It’s the workhorse and has incredible lamp life (2,000 hours) — a bargain for the cost.
The neutral density .6 will cost you a “whopping” $8.
It would be wiser to buy a 1000w dimmer.
That will offer you more options. Don’t limit yourself. Remember the albino subject will take a lot less light than Danny Glover will. Besides that, the other fixtures illuminating your subject will add more light level to the overall mix.
How many fixtures are on your background?DS