Personal Reflection: Project 2

This was quite an different set up to any I have tried before, but unlike the first practical project we undertook, this set was coordinated more leaning towards the necessity of a usable exposure. Having said that there was, of course, a great many parameters we manipulated for thematic effect.

Again designed for two characters, we employed the effect of two LED panels and a vertical-blinded window receiving direct sunlight. Needless to say, the sunlight, as planned had a massive influence on the scene. As mentioned above the two artificial lights were used simply to fill out what would otherwise be a detail-lacking silhouette of the two characters against the windows. Another affected we wished to achieve practically and not ‘in post’ was that of lowered contrast in the scene. Having already dealt with contrast and dramatic highlight to shadow ratios in Project 1, we decided to have this skit lit very softly. To aid in this softness, we hazed the set area and let the vapour even out across the space. This not only reduced the harshness of the direct sunlight, but it also made the air in the room a light source unto itself. As light entered via the window, it caught the vapour in the air; illuminating it.

In order to create as diffused light as possible, the LED panel pictured at the bottom of the floor plan was angled up to the ceiling. This created what was in effect a large overhead softbox. The other light was used where-ever it was required in order to keep shots looking consistent. If this second light had not been set up, shots at random would appear greatly under-exposed throughout the edit. However, it most often found use in boosting the feeble lighting coming in from the window to top right of the floor plan.