Visualnary

When I first started getting interesting in photography, I thought that it was all about framing and the camera. Since than I have learned a lot more. Framing is important, yes. But more important is your ability to judge and control the light. And knowing which equipment to use (or how to use the equipment at hand to achieve the desired effect.). It is also about knowing to restrain yourself. My first interview shots were always very contrasty, grabbing for the effect, making it really clear that this interview had indeed been lit.

First I look at the subject matter, and with the director decide on a general lighting mood. Then I have to take the circumstances into consideration. In a best-case scenario the subject (i.e. the interviewed) is experienced and comfortable in front of the camera, and has some spare time for lighting adjustments. That rarely happens. One might get to film a member of the royal family, and time will be only one of the constraints. Or you might be filming someone who is scared to be filmed. In which case it is even more important to get some human contact with that person before looking through the view finder. With proper placement of the subject and creative use of curtains, it is possible to achieve acceptable lighting without lights.

Tags: camerawork, interviews, lighting