Film a light turning on

[fazzio349]

Hi, I'm relatively new to filming and honestly don't have much experience. I also don't have a lot of super expensive, high quality equipment. I am trying to film an overhead light fixture turning on. However, since I'm pointing directly at the light fixture, it's so bright it over exposes the shot. It's like trying to take a picture of a mirror with the flash on (newbie doesn't know the correct terminology!) I get that light burst effect.

Basically...how would one go about filming a light fixture or lamp turning on? We can edit some stuff with Premier Pro, but the shot itself has to be usable to begin with.

Again...total newbie without much equipment. I'm trying to help someone create a video asset for a project, so we have to do with the limited equipment we have. A (really nice) digital camera and one light stand with am umbrella reflector. Any tips appreciated.

[JVRaines]

You need to use manual exposure. It may be necessary to shoot the luminaire with the lamp off so you get a good exposure, then close down the exposure and shoot the lamp turning on. Then, in an editing program, make a composite of the two.

[jagabo]

Make your own high dynamic range clip by taking one shot with the light off but lit externally, well enough to get a good image. Then take another shot with the light turning on but with the exposure locked so that you get a good image when the light is fully lit. This shot will probably start out nearly black. Then blend the two clips in an editor.

[smrpix]

Use low wattage bulbs in the fixture to reduce the contrast.

[hech54]

Don't forget to pre-focus too. Focus in good light, then turn off auto focus.