Mastering the Art of Lighting: How to Achieve a Unique Look with Just One Light Source

Cowboys at night in the Utah high country

Just a little softbox on a big ol' crane

@overridefilms ready to rip

Adding one light is sometimes all it takes to make a completely different look.

This is really just a visual representation of the impact simple changes can make to the appearance of a scene. Image one is lit only with an overhead source, and the second image adds a hard back light and haze. Dramatically different effects. Which one do you prefer? I like them both for different reasons.

Quick note about this setup: Aerial lifts are impressive tools but please don’t attempt to operate or rig lights to this equipment without proper training. This is a time when Shitty Rigs can get someone killed. No YouTube tutorial or Instagram caption will cover everything you need to know to do this safely. Hands-on learning from someone who’s been doing it longer than you’ve been alive is the only way. If you’re looking to advance your rigging safely and professionally, you may want to consider the Entertainment Technician Certification Program. @iclsociety members have access to the Discord server with loads of resources for continuing education in arena and electrical rigging.

At the very least, hire experienced crew who have complimentary skills that fill your own knowledge gaps. Safety is the most important thing when working with heavy machinery - especially outdoors.

The first image was lit with two @creamsource Vortex 8’s in an 8x8 softbox through ½ grid on a 210’ crane. We went with the 8x for more falloff on the ground when the box was just out of frame overhead. The second image was the same softbox extended much higher with the addition of an @arri M40 on a 60’ condor in the deep background for a hard edge light. Industrial strength lawn mower powered haze machine was ripping fat clouds for effect 💨💨💨 And now you know how to master the art of lighting by adding one light source.

Reliable wireless control was mission critical for this one. Many thanks to @blackoutlightingconsole and the @ratpaccontrols AKS for making this possible.

Production @coco_digital

EP @bryan_patrick_harris

CD @drwclrk

Producer @shandikk

Prod. Coordinator @vincetagram4

Director @thefakedavidchang

DP @joeyschusler

Cam Op @schnicholas_dp

A Cam AC @goodiepocket

B Cam AC @christopherchrisenbery

KG @radicalghast

BBG @tommythewave

Grip @blazesamblaze

Camera Car @overridefilms

#lightingdiagram #lightingbreakdown #filmlighting #setlighting #lightingforfilm #onset #production #cinematography #cinematographer #gaffer #gafferlife #freelancelife #iclsociety #ratpaccontrols #blackoutlightingconsole #lfnnetwork #learnfilmmaking #filmmakersworld #denvergaffer #coloradogaffer #gafferssaloon #mayonnaisecommercial

Tyler Kaschke is a gaffer / chief lighting technician with 2 ton G&E grip truck and sprinter van rental serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and the Rocky Mountain Region at large.

For more information about grip and lighting tips and shooting video production commercials in Colorado, follow me on Instagram @colorado_gaffer