Tip: John Alton's Test Light
Awhile back, I remember flipping through a great cinematography book called Painting with Light. Written by cinematographer John Alton, it covered a wide range of topics from lights to modifiers to techniques. Some of the equipment may be dated, but there is a wealth of knowledge in that book and I'm glad it is still available.
One item that stuck with me (and is the inspiration for this video) is Alton's "test light", a DIY device that lets the cinematographer check how light will fall on a subject's face before actual lights are brought in. It's a great time saver, and allows for simple experimentation. Watch the video to see how to make one, or rather re-purpose something you already have.
2 comments:
Hi, Love the website. Lots of cool tips/tricks and just info.
I use a testlight before I walk into a room, to avoid carrying anything I have to plug in I usually bring my small LED lights OR I use one of those round battery operated led lights you get at the hardware store. Small, fits in my pocket. Can pop it out and use it. lots of fun.
I came to this video from your suggestion on your "perfect exposure" video (thanks for responding, by the way) and I just have to say that I love these kinds of videos where the tip is applied but the viewer is left to make his or her own inferences.
I first saw this tip on a documentary called "Cinematography Style" and it totally blew me away since prior to that I had been really trying hard to understand lighting.
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