Search results for: learning video lighting video tips guide
About 41 filtered resultsby Steven Gladstone · Posted
Lighting hasn't really changed in the past few decades. Sure, new fixtures, faster cameras and lenses, and shooting styles may change, but the essence of lighting really hasn't changed. The look of the scene is still driven by the DP and still created by the lighting designer; it is still all about ratios, and no matter how technology advances, lighting is a powerful tool for putting realism and drama on screen.
What Is Image-Based Lighting?
Simply put, image-based lighting (IBL) is using lighting fixtures to mimic the effects of natural
by Zack Young · Posted
On-set virtual production (OSVP) is the real-time mixing of live-action footage with computer-generated imagery to create amazing in-camera visual effects (ICVFX). These days, most OSVP happens on a volume, a studio space with seamless LED panels (or cabinets, as they’re known in OSVP) grouped together to display rendered images that are then captured live in-camera alongside human talent. These cabinet configurations can be as simple as a flat backdrop stacked from the ground up, and as complicated as a full curved 360° wrap hung from trusses
by Zack Young · Posted
Virtual production (VP) is a professional video technique that combines live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI) in real time. Virtual production typically happens on “volume” stages where seamless interlocked LED panels display rendered photo-real backdrops that change and adapt as the camera moves. This creates impressive in-camera virtual effects (ICVFX) that require little to no post-production work. Let’s jump into the exciting capabilities of
by Steven Gladstone · Posted
Your virtual production (VP) system isn't just playing back high-resolution video in the background. To work as believable 3D your system must be able to render in real-time and in high frame rate realistic 3D environments. To create and playback these environments you need creation software.
What Is Unreal Engine?
Simply put, it is an advanced real-time creation tool that powers your virtual production. It is based on 3D computer graphics gaming engine, and I remember playing Unreal as a multiplayer first-person shooter game, way back in the
by Zack Young · Posted
With all the time and effort it takes to set up a virtual production volume, it’s vitally important to schedule regular maintenance on your LED panels to ensure they stay clean, calibrated, and ready to be used at a moment’s notice. Knowing how best to repair, store, and transport cabinets is also an important part of lengthening the lifespan of these hefty investments. The number one resource is always going to be the documentation that came with your OSVP panels, whether that be a manual, an online database, manufacturer best practices, or
by Zack Young · Posted
As audiences consume more and more video, it’s increasingly challenging to create bold, striking visuals that stand out from the crowd and truly engage viewers in a story. Lighting remains—arguably—the most underrated tool for that mission. Even the most budget-friendly camera and lens on the market can capture beautiful images when paired with thoughtful lighting choices. While accurate LED panels used to be large, heavy, and expensive, that is no longer always the case, and Genaray’s new PX-MOD-3 modular RGB LED panel is proof of this,
by Zack Young · Posted
Whether you're outfitting a tiny conference room or a massive ballroom, PTZ cameras can help you pan, tilt, and zoom your way to the best angles and most effective ways to communicate your message during a video conference. With PTZ camera setups varying wildly in size, price, and configuration, we're breaking down possible workflows for different kinds of scenarios.
1. Home Office
If you're just outfitting a setup for yourself, a single
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Do you plan your images? Really think about that question. Do you have an idea of an image before you head out for a shoot, or do you let the moment inspire you as the pieces fall into place? There's no wrong answer here. Planning or "pre-visualization" is a key piece of the photography puzzle that some put a lot of thought and effort into while others effortlessly come up with ideas on the fly.
No matter how you go about taking a picture, there is some level of planning that goes into a shot. With that said, there's a big difference between
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Weddings are fast-paced events for photographers, and there’s so much to do. From portraits of the bride and groom to family formals, there’s much to cover, and we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. While all focus is on the bride, groom, and their families, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes material to capture. As wedding photographers, you need to wear many hats, and that includes landscape, food, and product photography.
Proficiency in photographing product is a must, as there are many details and accoutrements to photograph
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Winter is one of the most exciting seasons for wildlife photography. Northern species return to their wintering grounds and bring life to an otherwise cold and barren landscape. Photographers and bird watchers alike yearn for this time of year, as owls and other birds of prey become more common. One of the most visited and coveted winter birdwatching spots in the US is the famous Sax-Zim Bog.
Nestled in the rural hills about an hour northwest of Duluth Minnesota, Sax-
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
As photographers, we are faced with a wide array of lighting conditions, ranging from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors. Using ambient light as your main source is often preferable; however, in a situation such as an event or portrait where time is of the essence, you will need to know how to properly expose all these varying scenes using both natural and artificial light sources.
Being resourceful with your lighting setups lends greater efficiency, and having a lighting system you can easily move from one situation to the next quickly is
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
If there’s one area of wildlife photography that challenges even some of the most consummate artists, it’s birds in flight. A dynamic flight shot shows action, and a bit of technical prowess. As you can imagine, capturing birds in flight is no easy feat.
To consistently capture these shots, one must be proficient with their gear and have a knowledge of animal behavior. We’d go as far as to say you need a bit of luck too, but what is luck if not preparedness meeting opportunity. In order to make the most of the opportunities that present
by Freddy Gerngross · Posted
Choosing a Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW, is a major decision. For beginners, it will define their learning curve, workflow, and operating knowledge—for professionals, compatibility, functionality, and familiarity is key. In this guide, we will give some detailed overviews of the most popular DAWs in the audio industry, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and some of their unique features.
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick rundown of the best DAWs for a variety of common purposes:
If you’re a songwriter/producer: Ableton, Logic
by Zack Young · Posted
Congratulations on upgrading your recording space. In this guide, we’re going to cover the unboxing of your new SmallRig Vlog kit, essential lighting and microphone functions, and setting up your mini studio for the best results.
Unboxing Your Kit
The Monitor and Remote: SmallRig Vlog Kit
SmallRig Vlog Kit with Wireless Smartphone Video Monitor Advanced Kit
The SmallRig Vlog Kit is an easy way to use the high quality
by Zack Young · Posted
Congratulations on upgrading your recording space. In this guide, we’re going to cover the unboxing of your new Sony ZV-E10 II camera kit, essential camera functions, and setting up your mini studio for the best results.
Unboxing Your Kit
Camera: Sony ZV-E10 II
The Sony ZV-E10 II Mirrorless Camera is a compact video centric camera designed for streaming with ease of use in mind. It features a responsive, flip-out touchscreen and 4K recording in a user-friendly package.