Any serious video production firm should invest heavily in proper lighting. Video production consists of a lot of aspects that make the final product better. There is a sound team, actors, a creative director, costumers, makeup artists, and other contributors. When you make a video or film, you cannot compromise on the necessities of video production. Lighting is an important department that needs to be perfect as it plays an important role in creating the feel and look of the video. Lighting a film or a video is an art that comes naturally to some people but most videographers struggle to achieve their vision since they lack the skills for lighting.
While the basics of lighting might be clear to some people, magic happens when you play and experiment with lights on set. The use of diffused light is one such magic trick.
What is diffused light?
Before we get into telling you how to use diffused light during video production, it is important to understand what diffused light is. Diffusion is the process of spreading the light coming from a source of light in a manner that reduces crisp shadows and glare. A diffused light is used so that the subject and frame do not get burnt out or create shadows that can cause a distraction. Diffused light can be applied in production using numerous tools and methods.
The importance of understanding diffused light
Every video productions company should understand the importance of diffused light to improve their final products. Diffused light acts like sunlight during a cloudy day. We get enough light during cloudy days but the shadows are negligible and soft. When filming, harsh and direct lights can spoil the frame and make it unwatchable.
Harsh lights do not have a medium of diffusion that scatters light to allow a soft and soothing frame but there is no interference between the subject and the source of light. In some cases, the intensity of harsh light is too close to the subject to a point of creating awful results and making it hard to capture the scene. This is why diffusion is important – it balances out the light from the source.
When to apply diffused light
You would want to apply diffused light properly to create a realistic look and keep your subject in focus. Using a diffused light effectively enhances the frame by adding an aesthetic value.
You will not always get the perfect lighting condition according to your script on the day of your video shoot. In such situations, angular diffused light will create the desired mood. Diffused lighting is an important part of the lighting process. It should be applied whenever needed and if you want to achieve a natural ambient light then you can shoot during the golden hour.
How to diffuse light
A video productions firm can diffuse light using lighting gels. These are sheets made of plastic that are translucent and colored. They are used to shift tones and can act as diffusers as well. Light can also be diffused using diffused light silks that change the way light will interact with the subject.
