On the video background

[Faiyadh]

Can someone point me out the mistakes in the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuuLmv-oQVc

How can I make my white background more efficient with three lights. This is done with three light setup of Ephoto with 5600K, 60 W Lights. Any suggestions to make the background more efficient?

[sanlyn]

What does "efficient" mean?

The linked video is too bright.

[Faiyadh]

It is supposed to be that bright since we have to make a white background. What I mean by efficient is how can I make the white background even?

[sanlyn]

It's annoying to watch a video with a white background at RGB 255 super-white at all times. You might consider turning off AGC on your camera to keep luma levels from pumping, which happened when you entered the frame and will likely happen often as the girl in the dark suit moves around inside the frame.

The lighting is flat and one-dimensional. Perhaps that's the effect you want. All of it appears to be coming from the front of the subject or nearly so; there is no contour lighting on edges to help separate the girl from the background and give depth to the image. Her face looks as if it's lighted by head-on electronic flash. The background has only a 10 RGB luma difference between the left and right sides, so apparently you need more lights or a wider spread, and more diffusion. The pro's would use reflectors as well to fill in the gaps.

There are many books and internet guides out there about lighting, shadow, and background control. I'm sure you've already seen some. One of those sources will explain why your standard clipboard is colored with more than one shade of white, ranging from super-white to about 12% or perhaps 20%. What you are asking for is a complete course in lighting, exposure, and visual esthetics. Perhaps other members can chime in with a more comprehensive and detailed series of tutorials. Meanwhile, try a reflector to fill in on the left side of the background.

[jagabo]

You can get a pure white in the background by increasing the brightness in post. But then you need to shoot the actor slightly underexposed so she doesn't get washed out.

[sanlyn]

Also, it looks as if there might be too much light on the actor herself. Perhaps because all 3 lights are on her in order to light the background, which shouldn't be necessary. If you diffuse those lights and aim only one directly at her, then aim the other two at the background from the side rather than head-on, you might have a more even and brighter background without over-illuminating the central performer.

[jagabo]

Go to Youtube and search for "white background" and you'll find lots of tutorials. Also search for "three point lighting" for general lighting info.

[Faiyadh]

Gr8 help sanlyn and jagabo. It's always gr8 to learn from you guys. Now going back to ask more questions and putting my regards to the video:Regards: As sanlyn pointed out, I did want such kind of impression. May be on the next video I will try getting the depth of cue or a little more depth. and as you again said putting two lights on the background and putting one on to the face. Actually I tried doing that and that gives more flash sorta effect. And all of them had diffuser.

Questions: Sanlyn, 1) how did you know exactly a 10 RGB difference were there on the left than right? Did you use software and recommend me one please?
2) Is there an option to turn off ACG in canon 650D? I didn't find it anywhere.
3) And how can I create a depth for the next ones?


Thanks for your help guys!

[sanlyn]

Questions: Sanlyn, 1) how did you know exactly a 10 RGB difference were there on the left than right? Did you use software and recommend me one please?

I used a pixel sampler in VirtualDub to read RGB values off the image. There are many around as free downloads on cnet or simialr sites, but I use a standalone pixel reader that sits on the desktop. No installer, just a stand-alone .exe called Csamp.exe copied onto the desktop: http://www.netreach.net/~gavin/gavsfreeware/csamp.htm

But that sort of thing should be done with a light meter on site or with your camera's meter. IMO a solid background is OK, but no variation or gradation at all gets monotonous and distracting. The brightest spot in the background in your original is in the upper right corner, the darkest is at the lower left -- which is a good arrangement; it's smooth and too subtle to notice but it relieves the monotony and adds dimension to the image.

2) Is there an option to turn off ACG in canon 650D? I didn't find it anywhere.

I don't know. I get the impression there is AGC from your sample. Look at the girl's dark suit in the lowert left corner. AT about frame 75 you enter the frame; the suit is lighter. When you leave the frame at 114, the suit darkens. But that could be lens flare.

3) And how can I create a depth for the next ones?

Here is a before/after image. I adjusted low-level contast (black levels) and some of the midtones. In the loower image the girl stands out more distinctly from the background. In the top image her raised hand is losing detail; innthe lower image the hand gains more focus and detail. You would accomplish something similar by having less light on the performer. Clikc on the images to see them in the forum viewer and switch between befrore/after with the "Next" and "First" buttons.

[Attachment 20105 - Click to enlarge]

[Attachment 20106 - Click to enlarge]

Another way to create depth: It would be nice if the background were a little darker, say a more subdued white instead of super-white (optional). Throw less light on the subject, but have a highlight place high and to the left to spill light on the background but also spill some bright edge highlight onto the figure. The light on the right is simply a background light with little or no spill onto the figure. You don't just have "one scene" to light here, but you have two elements: a performer and a background. Each should be lighted differently.


[Attachment 20107 - Click to enlarge]

[Faiyadh]

That's what I first thought when I was doing the video that it really brightens it up and the details on her hand are loosing a lot which when we put something on to the screen might look weird. So, I guess I have to go through the color grading with the videos now. Your after image is really good. And your suggestion to the depth. Actually I used the same setup. The lights were pointed in real to the background than on her face. Those were 5600Ks and the other put on her was 5600 K as well but the shadow on her right side of the face was getting really harsh. I wish I had a reflector though!
Thank you for your help bro. You are an amazing help! Look forward to get more and do some help to others. Thanks a lot

[budwzr]

Another thing. The girl looks like from Texas.

[poisondeathray]

Another thing. The girl looks like from Texas.

Why do you say that? Do you think she has big "guns" ?

[budwzr]

[PM received. Comment not allowed]