One of the most crucial aspects of shooting a successful video is lighting. Lighting in music videos does more than merely equally light the actors. Through the use of visual effects, it can even be used to tell the song's narrative. As a director, lighting for music videos gives you more creative freedom.
The fundamental and central idea of all great video lighting is three-point lighting. There are three lights in this:
Key Light - Brightest light in the shot
Fill Light - Dark areas on your main subject's face are filled with softer light.
Rim Light - Gives your subjects a gentle background glow, which deepens the image.
When using three points of lighting, you should position your key light—the brightest light—in front of your major subject, usually off to the right or left of it. Typically, this light illuminates the face's side that is turned away from the camera. Your key light is situated across from the fill light. The main light is often twice as strong as the fill light, depending on the look you're going for. On the same side as your fill light, position the backlight behind your subject.
(picture by filtergrade)
Music Video Lighting Setups
1. Dramatic Indoor Lighting
When your main subject is behind a wall in an indoor setting, this lighting configuration is perfect because it allows the fill light to fall on the subject. Instead of filming at the same angle as the key and backlight sources, the camera in this setup is positioned to the side of your fill light so that it is more perpendicular to them. The fill light is positioned higher so that you get a wonderful light spill off the set's background. Barn doors allow you to change how the light pours onto the wall.
2. Natural Lighting
The golden hour is the ideal time to take shots while using natural light. It is currently just after sunrise. You have roughly an hour of ideal lighting to work with, and the sun's light is less harsh. Remember that you might only have 20 minutes to shoot during the blue hour.
3. Top Backlighting
Even though this arrangement defies convention by utilising just one light, you will still get amazing shots. You will only need one primary light for this straightforward set, along with a solid background that should be a lighter hue to reflect the light off of.
4. Two Point Lighting
This is the seat to utilise if you are shooting against a background that you don't want to stand out from. Just like for a standard three-point setup, you just position your main light in front of your performer. Use diffusers to soften the light, and don't forget to play around with various coloured gels. While remaining in opposition to your primary light, you want to position your fill light somewhat behind your talent. The time is right for some colour additions as well!
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