Outdoor Lighting

The Rundown:

Videos will not always be able to be filmed inside, yet it is hard to control lighting outdoors because we cannot dim or manipulate the sun. Well... not directly.

For this assignment, you are going to learn how to work with outdoor lighting, including filming at different times of day, diffusing light, and reflecting light from the sun.

Key terms to learn:

Golden Hour The period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky.
Diffusion The process of spreading light to reduce harsh shadows and glare, and create a softer illumination.
Reflector A tool that redirects existing light to a subject or scene. Reflectors are often used to reduce shadows or create fill light. They can be used with a variety of light sources, including flash, sunlight, and artificial light. 
Diffusor, Scrim or Silk (interchangeable terms)

Diffusor: a device that spreads light to create a softer, more even illumination. Diffusers are used to soften harsh light and create smooth transitions between light and shadow, which can make subjects look more realistic.

Scrim: a translucent material used in photography to diffuse, reduce, or redirect light to create a softer, more flattering look.

Silk: a white fabric used to soften and diffuse light, creating a more natural look for scenes.

The Instruction:

Watch the following videos to learn how to work with lighting outdoors.