If you are interested in getting a studio set up for your video or photography content, one of the most important things to consider is what lighting you will need. Lighting in general is important to all shoots, however it’s really important to know exactly what lighting will best suit the content you’re shooting. Below we’ve listed a few different types of studios for all different applications and scales, as well as the best lighting solution for them.
Please note that all studios are different, and so this list is just a general guide for people interested. If you are installing a space, you need to consider other factors like ceiling height, the size of the space, whether there’s windows or house lights etc., and at Dragon Image we can help you get the perfect solution for your exact studio needs.
Studio 1: Portable Green/White Background Frame System
There are a few ways you can light this green screen effectively, and ultimately it comes down to whether you are going to keep this system in the one space constantly or if you’re going to travel with it.
Lighting Solution
If you only intend to use this in one space, a really good kit to go with is the Lightpro 40B LED Tracklight System (below). Not only is it a great option for classrooms, office spaces or home studios for how little space it takes up, the lights themselves produce a brilliant, even soft output when set up as such.
Conversely, if you’re a content creator who travels a lot and doesn’t have a designated space for a permanent set up, the Lightpro Ultrasoft range is perfect for even, soft lighting. You can mix and match whatever lights you want, but generally having two lights on your subject (key and fill), two backlights on the green screen, as well as a hairlight separating the subject is the ideal setup.
This type of studio setup is perfect for people who don’t have a background in video production but need to create simple videos, including pieces to camera, interviews, training videos and online seminars. Both options for portable and fixed lighting listed are extremely user-friendly kits that make the post-production process a breeze!
Studio 2: Expan Mounted Backdrop System
The Lightpro Expan Mounted Backdrop System (3, 4 or 6-hook) is the perfect studio solution for those who need fast access to a wider range of different coloured backdrops, due to the turnkey chain system this kit contains. Similarly, when you have a wide range of backdrops available, you’ll often find yourself doing all different kinds of shoots, so having lighting that is versatile and can be modified is key.
Lighting Solution
Continuous LED lighting with a Bowens mount fitting, such as the Lightpro Shark 3500 or Aputure Lightstorm range, is the perfect solution for photographers and filmmakers alike using the expan system. This is due to its ability to hold a wide range of different light modifiers like softboxes, snoots, gobos, beauty dishes etc., giving you complete control over your lighting! Whether mounted to a ceiling track system or on the floor, these lights will offer a wide range of possibilities for all kinds of shooting. If you are a photographer, you could also opt for Bowens flash lighting instead, however with the ever changing world of photo and video, a lot of practitioners are venturing into both disciplines, and so having high-powered continuous lighting that is optimal for both video and photography is a really smart decision.\
We also recommend as extra lighting (space and budget permitting) the Lightpro Ultrasoft range of LEDs, as they are the perfect all-round solution for providing soft, even illumination when lighting a subject, background or both.
Studio 3: Green Screen Cyclorama Studio
When it comes to lighting a large green screen cyclorama, soft, even illumination is key. That’s why you can’t have lighting that creates harsh shadows or blows out the exposure of your shot. You also want your subject to be lit separately to the wall, so there are no issues with green spill when chroma-keying in post-production.
Lighting Solution
The Lightpro DF-2000XL is perfect for large-scale green studios such as the one pictured above - which is a studio built for Alex Proyas, director of I, Robot, Knowing and Gods of Egypt. These are the perfect studio LED lights as they have a beam angle of 68°, 120W of power softened by inbuilt diffusion creating soft, even light spread out over the green screen. This is important for green screen video as you are able to eliminate all shadows and inconsistencies in your shot, making post-production as seamless as possible. Not only that, they have DMX compatibility, which is perfect when you have multiple lights set up in the space and need to control them at all at once.
It is also recommended to get additional lighting sources such as LED’s for lighting your subjects, RGB lights for more creative shoots etc., as this can really complete your studio setup for any kind of shoot that comes your way!
Lighting for All Studio Setups
There are countless different types of studios for both video and photography, and so we’ve barely scratched the surface of the countless possibilities for studio lighting. That said, if you have a particular studio need and would like to ask questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Dragon Image today!