Critique Wanted: Creating “Morning Sun” with LED COB on a Flat Rainy Day

[Sir_Fromsworth]

Hi everyone,

I am an aspiring DP and would love some critique on a test shot I recently did. I am trying to learn how to create motivation and depth in a small space.

The Scene:

A dark interior silhouette. The film is about a mother coming to terms with the loss of her son.

[Scene_Image] 

https://flic.kr/p/2rSir

Link to film here:

The Challenge:

It was a pouring rainy day outside with very flat, grey ambient light. I wanted to ignore the real weather and create a punchy “morning sun” feel inside.

The Setup:

Key Light: SmallRig RC120D (120W COB LED).

Atmosphere: Small fog machine (for beams/texture).

Position: Placed outside/near the doorway to rake across the wall.

My Self-Critique / Question:

Looking at the result, I feel like I got the mood, but maybe the light feels a bit too soft/dim? or the beam isn’t cutting sharply enough.

If you were lighting this with a small unit like a 120D, what would you have done differently to sell the “sunlight” effect better?

Would you spot the light more (Fresnel attachment) to get harder shadows?

Is the fog density hurting the contrast (lifting the blacks too much)?

Any advice on keeping that “Skyfall” contrast when using affordable LED sources would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David

Topic

[Roger Deakins]

The 120D is a small lamp and, I’m sure, has its limitations when trying to create a beam of sunlight. So, I don’t think you need my advice! Looks pretty good. Personally, I am not a fan of using atmosphere unless it is for a very specific purpose. I used none at all on Skyfall.

[Sir_Fromsworth]

Thankyou so much Roger, Yes it’s my very first video light.  And definitely had its limitations. I even stuck some tree branches on a c stand in front of it to help break up the light and give it some texture.

Pretty much, I had to use what was available to me and the equipment I had but I loved every minute of lighting and shooting the scene.

Il make note to dial down the atmosphere.

[paulv]

A response from a non-expert if I may… ! Mr. Deakins stresses that his comment is personal and specifies “unless for a very specific purpose”. You may have had a very specific purpose so don’t necessarily need to dial down the atmosphere. Also, in my mind, feedback is great but personal style should be allowed to develop on its own (of course taking account of feedback) ..

[Author]

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