LIGHTING

LIGHTING AND SELF TAPES - Matt Locker

If you are using a “ring light” for home auditions, you may not doing yourself any favors. As they strike the face head-on, you lose all contours and definition of your facial structure. For the competitive edge, we suggest falling back on television's classic 3 point lighting. This will enhance your facial features.

The first lamp goes as far behind and to the side of you as possible, while keeping it, and light flare our of the lens. Aim to light up the back of your hair. Some will spill on your shoulders. Both with separate you from the background.

Next, is the keylight. This is just off the side of the camera by a foot or two, and then the fill light on the opposite side, but further away from you and the camera. Be sure the lights are high enough to not cast shadows on your background. You may need a diffused fourth light on your rear wall.

As for the rear wall, anything plain beige, grey, even orange will do; BUT as skin tone is 180 degrees out of phase from skintones (of all colors), if you dedicate and paint a wall with a paint called “Chroma Key Blue”, you will have a very flattering look. “Chroma Key Blue” is NOT available at paint stores, you need to order from a video supply house. IKEA at one time sold a proper blue by the yard, if you prefer fabric.

As for that ring light you bought, as long as you use 3-point lighting, feel free to play with it.