Cheap Lighting - A Very Helpful Video

This is a fantastic video on the different alternatives to professional studio lighting you can use, and how to use them properly.



I have watched and reviewed this one, and the work lights seem to be one of the cheapest and most effective forms of lighting for Indy film makers and photographers. They are cheap, very powerful, and easy to mount and use.

I myself have a set of work lights for my studio, 2 x 450W Halogen floor work lights for lighting the foreground and actors, along with 2 x 150W Halogen Clamp work lights for lighting the backdrop and removing any additional harsh shadows.

Then I have a regular clamp desk lamp for lighting behind the actors, for improved chroma keying, with a fluorescent bulb.

The hole set up was very cheep:

450W Halogen Floor Worklights

• $14.00 each at WAL-MART

150W Halogen Clamp Worklights

• $13.00 each at WAL-MART

40W Clamp Desklight

• $13.00 at Staples

I'd definitely recommend reflecting the Halogen Worklight's light, because it is very very strong and very very bright light. Standing in front of the direct light is very bad, as it will cause subjects or actors to squint from the light, and make them sweat (the lights get very very hot). It can also be damaging to the subjects skin, or to any object in front, due to the intense ultra-violet light that comes out and the heat. Follow all the warnings that come with your lighting, and pay attention to any cautions and follow instructions!

Also, as the video says, replace the bulbs with Ultra White Light ones, because the bulbs that come with them make white doors look yellow. Don't touch the bulbs with your barehands, as the oil from your skin can damage the bulbs, and create in influx in temperature on the glass causing them to explode (when turned on). Once again, follow instructions that come with your bulbs, and pay attention to warnings!

And when working with these lights BE VERY CAREFUL!!!! They will start fires if flammable materials are placed near them, so watch costumes, paper, and anything that can light on fire.

Finally, do not put too many lights on 1 circuit in your home or studio, or you will be blowing switchboards or fuses every five seconds, as the lighting set up I have alone is over 1200watts. That's a lot, and wires and fuses have trouble handling that much, be careful of electrical fires when using these lights.

I take no responsibility for any damages, injury or loss of life. Everything should be fine if you are careful and not stupid. Follow instructions and be safe!