Skip to content

diagram: interview on white backdrop

With the proper positioning, simple setups can yield striking results!

summary

An Aputure 600d on a Lightdome 150 serves as the key light. By positioning the key 45° above the subject, and having the center of the modifier point at the subjects feet, we get a nice soft feathered light that covers our whole subject. A grid controls the spill to keep the backdrop at the same exposure.

Two 300W lights with reflectors sit parallel to the subject. These are pointed at the backdrop and balanced to keep exposure across the backdrop the same. A flag on each one eliminates spill on the subject.

By physically moving the subject closer or further to the backdrop, we were able to control the amount of bounceback that served as a rimlight. You can most easily see this light in shot 2, as the light that fills in under Gabe’s ear and on his neck.



dp: Nick Owens
1st: Gabe Fermin
gaffer: Tyler Trepod

follow me

disclaimers

– Some of the links in Tyler’s blog posts are affiliate links, which means that qualifying purchases will help financially support Tyler at no extra cost to you. If you wanted to purchase something else but still support Tyler, please use the following link: https://amzn.to/3WdnsdM

– This blog post contains only Tyler’s opinions about G&E, gaffing, and LED lighting, and was not reviewed or paid for by outside persons or manufacturers
 
– Tyler Trepod is a freelance owner/operator gaffer of a Grip & Electric truck based in Denver, Colorado and serves the Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, & Fort Collins markets