For video, in most situations, there should be both on and off camera lighting. There should be a light mounted on the camera, as well as significant light sources placed throughout the room. Unless you are looking for a certain look with low lighting, generally speaking, the better illuminated the subject, the more vibrant your finished product. Event still photography also requires a tremendous amount of light. A flash may be mounted on camera, but for best results, additional flash-generators on stands or affixed to stationary places around the room are desirable. In the most ideal set up, each photographer or videographer should also have an assistant, whose sole job is to adjust the lighting according to the photographer's directions.
Lighting can also be used to help tell your story. Where are the lights placed for maximum effect? I like to use a light from behind subjects whenever possible because it gives pictures and video a beautiful look. But I also place the lights in a particular ways to achieve different effect. For example, I sometimes add what's called a “hair light,” so that in addition to the traditional head on lights, there is light from behind, which lends a soft and subtle radiance to the subject and produces a very elegant looking image. Another effect is achieved by placing all the lighting behind the subject to capture the image in silhouette. Another very beautiful, dramatic use of light is to illuminate only from above the subject. Lighting can also bring out a three dimension effect. I like to illuminate wedding cakes from the side, to enhance its three dimensional appearance in video. The same is true for portraits. There is an interesting illusion of depth that is created by lighting subjects from the side, or at an angle.
Someone who really understands how to use lighting in conjunction with the camera can conjure up really impressive effects. The brilliant images that enhance your album and video are the product of professional skill, experience, equipment, and, just as important, sufficient time. As each of these specialty shots takes time to set up, you need to allow for them in the pacing of the event. Carefully composed shots are less likely to happen if you are running late and are rushing to get family shots in before it is time to greet your guests.
[For the key questions to go over before hiring a photographer or videographer, see the third part: http://www.examiner.com/jewish-bridal-in-new-york/why-go-pro-lights-camera-and-expertise-for-wedding-photography-part-3-of-3
Nancy Yachnes is Executive Producer of Sparkling Images in NYC. She is also on the Board of New York Professional Videographers Association. She can be reached at 718-252-2332, or on the web, www.SparklingImages.com.
For an index to wedding planning articles, including Nancy's earlier articles on professional photography on a budget, see kallahmagazine.com/WeddingAdvice.html
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