Changing Light and Weather
Refl ectors must be tended constantly,
especially aluminum units that throw narrow
beams. Between the time when a setup is begun
and the moment when the shot is recorded,
the sun can shift enough to misdirect the
refl ector light.
Refl ectors vs. Screening
Sometimes, you may prefer a screen or
even a silk to a refl ector. On the one hand,
framed screens or silks cannot be used in wide
shots, so matching the close shot lighting is
more diffi cult. On the other hand, screens
preserve the natural light patterns better than
refl ectors, and silks can also replace white
refl ectors when used vertically (Figure 16-20).
Choosing Refl ectors
Except for rim lighting, a rule of thumb for
refl ectors is “the softer the better,” for evenness
of coverage and subject comfort.
Choose aluminum refl ectors when a long
throw is needed, for backgrounds or wide shots.
Avoid using them for key lights (except when
placed well back) to keep them out of subject’s eyes.
White refl ectors are excellent for fi ll. In
closeups, subjects can even hold them themselves
below the frame line.
Matching Wide and Close Shots
Lighting wide shots is easier outdoors
because subjects do not need as much modeling,
and because aluminum refl ectors can throw
effective fi ll light up to 50′ or more, Figure 16-19.
Figure 16-18 Reflectors, screens, and silks are
ineffective on sunless days.
(Sue Stinson)
Figure 16-20 A silk on the left side and a reflector
on the right.
(Photoflex)
A C B
Figure 16-19 Matching lighting for wide and close shots. A—The wide shot is filled with a reflector at the
eight o’clock position, placed 25′ away. B—The closeup lighting matches the wide shot lighting. C—The reflector
is 25′ away.
344 Video Digital Communication & Production