Lighting Video Theatrical Look: 2 Lights and 1 Reflector

One type of lighting that I use quite often for talking head and interview style video is this theatrical lighting look—a low key, high contrast background that sort of looks like the interview is taking place on stage or perhaps back stage. It works effectively because it starkly isolates your talent from the space so your audience focuses entirely on them.

Traditionally you might use three point lighting to achieve this look but in this episode I show you one way you can pull it off using only two lights and one reflector.

This episode shot with the following:

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PhotoFlex Starlite QL (Key Light)
https://geni.us/t2Ez5

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PhotoFlex Silverdome NXT (softbox for Key Light)
https://geni.us/PKTwvAO

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ePhoto 4500 Watt 3 Softbox Kit (The less expensive option)
https://geni.us/18I88iQ

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Limo Studio 650 Watt Fresnel (Kicker/Rim Light)
https://geni.us/jhkyHX

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Black Background (They don’t seem to have the one I use anymore, but here’s another option)
https://geni.us/hezbwsY

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Westcott Photo Basics 5-in-1 Reflector (Fill)
https://geni.us/AV0xr3U

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Gray Card--Lastolite EZ Balance
https://geni.us/BIVo

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Panasonic GH4:
https://geni.us/g9zwcun

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Atomos Ninja II HD Recorder
https://geni.us/5kFb

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RODE NT1A Condenser Microphone
https://geni.us/en4C90

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Tascam DR-60D Audio Recorder
https://geni.us/DpBrw

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Music copyright Curtis Judd 2014

Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.