The Importance of Lighting Control
Ask any true Gaffer, Director of Photography, Grip, or Photographer and they will tell you the absolute and unquestionable importance of quality lighting control. For, it's not just the quality of the lights, the camera, the lens, and the location, but the ability to control and create the perfect light for your scene that will make or break your shot.
Similar to really great captured audio, really great lighting may not be noticed by the common view, but bad audio/mediocre lighting will be! Anyone can pop up some LEDs or Fresnels, make a couple adjustments here and there, but to know how to diffuse/intensify the light, to bend it, shape it, warm or cool it to just the right temperature, that's what makes the difference. And, in order to become a Picasso or DiVinci or lighting, you'll need the right tools.
Starting with the right light fixture is of course the first step, after that, you'll need to make sure that you get the appropriate items to control the lights. Whether you'll need exterior dimmers, a flag set, 4x4 frames with diffusion or solid, gels, bounces, etc., we've got what you need.
Now, all this said, you should know when to say when... never let your friends over-adjust and drive... But, if you have time, make another change or two, just to see what it does to the scene; you never know when your masterpiece will be created!
For your next Las Vegas video production equipment rental or Sound Stage Booking, reach out to your buddies at F11 Rentals!
Working with Natural and Artificial Light
Working on a closed stage or set can make lighting a stage/subject very straightforward. There are, of course challenges, but there's a lot of control. What about lighting in a location where there is natural light? Let's talk about getting along with the sunshine.
The sun is wonderful! It provides lovely, 110+ degree days, burns your skin, and smolders your retinas. The sun also melts evil snow and makes rainbows possible. Sun is our friend, not our enemy. Here are our favorite lights/gear to use when tangoing with the natural daylight.
Arri Skypanel. It's big, powerful, doesn't draw a whole lot of electricity, and spreads nicely like jam.
Litepanels Gemini 1x1. Think, Skypanel in a 1x1' LED panel. Also, the light spread is jelly like, "soft and spreadable".
Litepanels Astra 6X. They don't come with the 96-color crayon box of filters, colors and effects, but they'll give you a gentle smack in the face on a bright day.
Joker 800 Bug. A big ol' haymaker of light, right in your face. (Great to shoot off a bounce board, or use as an accent.)
Lastly, cutters, floppies, flags, frames and diffusions. Remember, the sun is pretty bright... you may just need to block and bounce a little. Sunshine is a gift from the Heavens, use it before you lose it.
If you have a sun-filled video production in your future, let us help you make it a little faker, but much more attractive.
How to pair Titan Tubes to the ART7 AsteraBox.
The Astera Titan Tubes are a wonderful light for so many applications. They can be controlled easily and precisely through the ART7 AsteraBox. Choosing colors, filters, modes, groups, dimming, run-time, etc. is simple! The best place to start is pairing the lights to the box; here's how:
- Turn on the AsteraBox, and launch the AsteraApp on your phone or tablet.
- Through the AsteraApp's main menu (upper right corner), select the AsteraBox you want to pair with.
- Turn on all the tubes you want to pair.
- Press the "Menu" button, scroll to "Input", press "Enter".
- Scroll to "App Control", and press "Enter".
- Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds, the tube will start to flash blue. (Blue mode)
- In the AsteraApp's main menu, select "Pair with Lights".
- As the lights pair, they'll default to white. You're ready to go!
You can also reach out to us if you need further help. Of course, you can also rent Astera Titan Tubes if you need them! Happy filming.
MYT WORKS SLIDER
We've recently invested in a new camera slider that promises to elevate our current offerings. The MYT Works Medium Glide Slider is a four-foot slider that offers expert, durable craftsmanship in a user-friendly, easy-to-use design. When a Dana Dolly is too cumbersome, and a smaller, two or three foot slider won't give you the range you need, the MYT Works Medium Glide Slider is the solution. This tool has proven to require a bit more set-up time than some of our other sliders, but it has also proven to be worth the effort. One of the best features of this slider is the magnets built in to the ends of the slider and the slider head; the magnets induce resistance a few inches away from the track end, helping to eliminate abrupt/harsh ends to slides. To experience the glory that is the MYT Works Medium Glide Slider for yourself, simply fill out our Booking Request form, and we'll take it from there!
Astera Titan LED Tubes Amaze
If you haven't heard of Astera's Titan LED Tubes, prepare to be amazed! Think Arri Skypanel, in a 41" tube. With a huge spectrum of color options, a large range of whites, and temperature range of 3200-6500K, you'll be able to find the color or temperature you need. These lights are optimized for an ultra-high TLCI, a very high CRI and peak brightness. Colors as well as Hue, Saturation and Intensity can be set directly on the tube, as well as remotely via DMX or an app. They can be configured and programmed to create amazing lighting effects, and can remember the commands even if all users are disconnected.
Our 8-tube kits will be available shortly for your next Las Vegas video production rental.