Light

Light Control 103

(Manipulating Light)

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Introduction
A good understanding of the control of light is a prerequisite for a good Set Technician or Lighting Cameraman. There are many different ways of controlling light, both in front of and behind the light source. In this section we will cover control methods in front of the light source. There are essentially two primary categories, Diffusion and Correction - shining light through something Reflection - bouncing light off something Both methods will alter the character of the light and generally reduce the output (or intensity) of the light.

The Terms
Soften light - to eliminate the harsh beam and dark shadow that the light creates and make it less directional and the shadows less black Even light - to eliminate the focus of the light Spread light - transforming a small dense source into a large softer source Cool light - to alter the Kelvin colour reading by adding colour temperature blue (CTB) filter, making the light whiter. (Closer to 6000 deg K) Warm light - to alter the Kelvin colour reading by adding colour temperature orange (CTO) filter, making the light more orange / yellow. (Closer to 3000 deg K)

Primary Control
Barndoors Snoots Standard Reflector Spill Kill A Lamp accessory that controls spill Intensifies light to a smaller range A small contoured silver reflector, directs and intensifies the light A shallow silver reflector used in conjunction with an umbrella, the flash head with Spill Kill attached is aimed at the inside of the umbrella and adjusted so that light does not spill over the edges of the umbrella.

Tulip Dish / High Performance Reflector A large silver reflector bowl that directs and intensifies light toward the subject Honeycombs Gives the light direction (but tends to decrease output) yet will maintain a softness

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Diffusion Scrim

(blasting light through something)

A wire mesh in two densities, single and double as well as halves, reduce light output without affecting beam coverage

Nets and Yashmacs A fabric version of scrim, available in many sizes, shapes and densities. Placed further in front of the light source with no discernible edge to the light beam. Available in all sizes from fingers and dots to 40 x 40.

Secondary Control
Flags, Velvets and Blackouts Blocks light entirely, available in all sizes from fingers and dots to 40 x 40. Blackouts are often used to stop natural light from entering a set that is attempting to emulate a night scene. Velvets are generally used as a backdrop - for a photographer to shoot against. Ulcer or Cucaloris A 4' square plywood board with irregular shapes cut out, creates a pattern over the lit area, similar to the light and shade that shines through a leafy tree. A commonly used fabric for softening light with minimal intensity reduction. Real silk fabrics are sometimes referred to as "China Silks" silks are actually Polyester and like all textiles should be flame repellent. Available in various densities and sizes. Often placed on large frames over shooting area to soften and even out natural rays. There are many different types of diffusion available and different Gaffers, Lighting Directors and Cameramen all have their own favourites. Muslin (bleached has a warming effect - unbleached is more yellow and warms the light even more) Lavender, Roscosoft or shower curtain.

Silks

Other textiles

Chroma-key - or Ultra Blue/Green. Available in various sizes in Blue or Green - used as a backdrop for editing one image over another. The chroma-key background registers white on film. Gridcloth Available as a consumable filter (and a textile) in varying densities. A Tracing paper type material with a grid pattern that gives a slightly directional effect to the light. Usually a consumable roll of white (type) material, which includes tracing paper and various frosts or spun effects. Is a category of consumable filter that alters the colour temperature of the light. CTO (Colour Temperature Orange) warms a light, that is makes the Kelvin temperature closer to 3000 degrees K. CTB (Blue) cools a light making the temperature closer to 6000 degrees K.

Diffusion Colour Correction

Coloured Gel - Filter Sometimes called "effects filter" A consumable filter that alters the colour of the light.
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Soft-boxes or Chimera A collapsible fabric box with one or more different front covers (or baffles) Reflection (bouncing light of something)

Polyboard, Cappaboard, Styrofoam - consumable Flexible material that can be bent or cut to suit many lighting situations, usually black or white. Griffolyn, Black, white, silver, gold and chequered A Griffolyn is similar to a tarpaulin; light reflected off different colours will render different effects. Silver will cool a light and Gold will warm a light. Lastolite, flexifill, photoflex, lite disc Various manufacturer brand names for silver, gold, white (and other) nylon stretch fabrics stretched over collapsible frames. Very versatile on sets as they are quick and easy to set up and use. Black, White Silver or Gold Show-card - consumable Cardboard consumables item, available in smaller sizes and used in much the same way as polyboard. Mirrors and Reflectors, Shiny boards A 42" square frame on a stirrup that can be mounted on stands. Mirrors reflect light with practically no loss of intensity, useful on exterior locations on dull days. Umbrella / Brolly As the name suggests is simply an umbrella, available in different sizes and colours. The light is aimed at the inside of the brolly and bounces back giving a larger and softer light source. Consider how the curvature of the brolly effects the path of the light? Consider a (helium filled) balloon with the light inside or outside? Consider how light changes when bounced off or though different colours or surfaces?

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Softboxes Are one of the most commonly rented items in a rental companies inventory, accordingly require special attention. A softbox (Chimera, Metre Square (MSQ), Octa, Quadra, Recta etc.) is a black fabric enclosure lined with a highly reflective lining (generally silver or white). It is supported by rods (or ribs) on its edges, one end of which fits into a "speedring". The speedring fits onto the front of the light source. The front panel of the Softbox is generally a diffusion material of silk or gridcloth. The effect offered by the light box is 2 fold; it condenses the spread of light to the parameters of the front opening and sheds a diffused soft and even light over the subject, creating "intense" soft light with little or no shadow to detract from the image.

Most common problems Inside of the Light Box is damaged - scorched, burnt or brittle from heat Support rod is missing rubber end cap and pokes a hole through Light Box Baffle is dirty or scorched Baffle does not fit Light Box Rods do not fit speedring Light Box Some Softboxes have a selection of different baffles Full Silk Half Silk/Half Grid Quarter Silk / Quarter Grid

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