346 Video Digital Communication & Production
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Subjects Wearing Glasses
For refl on eyeglasses, the flections
solution is similar. In general, small-source
spotlights are easier to move out of the
incidence/refl path (as explained in flection
the sidebar). However, reflections from the fl
softlights often used for interviews can be
tolerable, because viewers know that the
subject has been lit for video.
For brief shots, it is often enough for the subject to
lift the earpieces of the eyeglasses slightly off the
ears, tilting the lenses downward, and deflecting
the reflection. When not overdone, this adjustment
is generally invisible to the camera.
Specialized Light Sources
Practicals such as table lamps and
environmental light sources (streetlights,
signs, and shop windows) can create
problems. They may not be in the right place
to light the shot and/or they might not be
putting out the desired amount of light. To
solve these problems, it is usually necessary
to establish the light source by showing it
in a shot, and then replace it with a more
controllable light.
Straight lighting
Figure 16-23. White clothing against a darker complexion can create contrast problems. Reducing the light on the
lower part of the frame improves the contrast.
Lighting to bottom half reduced
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Incidence Equals Refl ection
In dealing with bald heads, spectacles, and
other reflection problems, remember that light
bounces off surfaces at the same angle, but in the
opposite direction. So, if a reflection is hitting the
camera lens, the light is probably too close to the
camera position, whether horizontally, vertically,
or both. That is why raising a light or moving it
sideways will often remove or at least lessen a
reflection.
To minimize reflections, place lights at angles of 45°
or greater. g
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