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Field Training

Lamps & Lighting

11 Clips6:02 Runtime3 Sections

Field Training

Getting every light on, even, and glare free.

11 Clips6:02 Runtime3 Sections
The main points
Hide the Lamp Seam0:12
Seam Faces the Wall0:09

The Seam Line

Lamp shades have a seam line running down them. Always spin the seam to face the wall so it never shows in the picture.

Follow Cables to Switch0:39
String Lights Detective Work1:31

Mystery Lights

Mystery lights with no obvious switch: follow the cables to their source and you'll usually find the switch. Under cabinet lights and outdoor string lights both fall to this trick.

Not Actually Burnt Out0:10
Bulb Never Screwed In0:15

When a Light Won't Turn On

When a light won't turn on: look for switches, check it's plugged in, and check the bulb is fully screwed in.

Sliders All the Way Up0:12
Dim Overpowering Lights1:10

Dimmer Sliders

Dimmer sliders go all the way up before shooting, except when a light overpowers the room. Overly bright fixtures make harsh shadows and hot spots, dim those down for even lighting.

Kill the Lamp Glare0:24

Lamps in the Frame

if a lamp is to close and obvious in the frame move it, take the shot, then put it back.

Flicker, Loose, Fading Bulbs0:34

Flickering and Dying Bulbs

Flickering bulbs don't show in still photos, leave them on and shoot. A dying bulb: shoot as is, post can turn it on artificially if the client complains.

Tips
Stove Hood & Sink Switches0:45

Sink Area Switches

Quickly flip the sink area switches to learn which is the light and which is the garbage disposal.

Bonus: almost made the cut

Not Everything Is Fixable

Not everything is fixable. If you cant turn on a light and feel you’ve tried everything, simply continue with the shoot as usually. get the same angles you would. if a client complains we can simply photoshop the lights on in post.

Field Training

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11 clips, 6:02 of footage, and 3 sections of notes. Every other training in the library sits one tap away.

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Photographer field training · 11 clips · 6:02 · by Listing Light